Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance

It's more likely than you think you will lock your keys in your car. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get back inside without calling roadside assistance.

By taking preventative measures, such as always double-checking locks before locking doors, and keeping spare keys in designated locations to avoid being locked out of your car completely!

1. Inflatable Wedge

It can be a very frustrating feeling to realize that you've locked keys in car uk your keys in the car. It can turn your day into chaos and cause you to think about how to get home or work or to your next meeting.

Fortunately, there are several options to gain access back to your vehicle when you've locked your keys inside it. Utilizing a coat hanger made of wire that you've made into a hook or making wedges from three or two door stops can help break through the glass and unlock your door. If you don't have these items or your vehicle has an auto lock and an air pump wedge may be the best option.

Air pump wedges are a nifty tool used by locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockouts. These tools typically come with an inflatable bag that slides between the car door and the weather stripping to form an opening that can be accessed by longer-reach tools, such as car-unlocking rods. These wedges are also made of a heavy-duty design that is non-marring to prevent chipping of the paint on a car.

There are a variety of DIY air wedge kits available on the market. Some include a hand pump to manually inflate. A high-quality kit should be able form an opening between the door and the jamb which is large enough to accommodate access tools and unlock the majority of cars that have manual locks.

For those who don't have an air wedge or other option, there is always the option of calling for roadside assistance or a locksmith in your area, especially if you're not able to find a solution. If this is the only option available, keep a spare in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose it when you require it. Whatever method you select do not panic. You can still return to normal by following these guidelines.

2. Coat Hanger

Wire coat hangers are a typical household item that can be used to unlock the car. The trick is to bend the hook into a tiny "V" shape that will hold the lock post inside your door, and then move it to pop the lock open. This is the same method police officers employ with a slim jim. However, using a coat hanger takes less finagling.

Tie a slipknot at the middle of a length of stiff string or paracord. Use the slipknot to pry open the car door slightly towards the top corner. This will allow you enough room to insert an extended rod like a clothes hanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an artery pressure cuff, look at your local drugstore or discount store as they often have one in their emergency kits.

Unravel the end of your coat hanger, then straighten it out so that you have an opening on one side and a straight one on the other. It may be easier to bend the hook into a V-shape when you have pliers. This will require you to repeat the process several times until you get the desired hook shape. Once you've found the right shape, you can slide it over the weather stripping on the bottom of the door. Then, insert it into the door, just above the handle.

Once you have the hanger set in the desired position, move it around to find the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on the vehicle you drive, it may be located just above or below the interior door handle. Tap it lightly to see if you are able to move it. Then, try pulling it upwards or backwards to detach the lock.

You have successfully disengaged your lock if the lock post is jiggling. Then, you can pull the handle down and you're back in your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Slide the hook in gently to keep from damaging the window or car frame.

3. Shoestring

There are a number of tools that can help you get into your car that is locked. You can use a long rod such as a metal or wooden strip that fits through the gap between the door frame and the car to press down the unlock button on the inside. However these options aren't always easy to locate and can scratch the paint of your vehicle. Another alternative is an air wedge. It looks like an inflatable cuff that you might find at the doctor's office. It can be pumped into the gap until it large enough to push the unlock button. These devices aren't expensive and can be used over and repeatedly to unlock your vehicle.

A more simple tool to utilize is a shoelace. To locate the slip knot, you must first unlace your shoe and look around the middle. Then, put the shoelace's end between the corner of your car door and the doorframe and work it down through the crack until it is looped around the knob on the lock. Make sure you pull the lock tightly and up. After a few times, this technique can be learned in less than 30 seconds.

If this method does not work, you could try a slim Jim to open the door of your vehicle. A slim jim is a flat thin piece of metal that has hooks on both ends. It fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber of your car door and the window. The user can move the hooks of a slim jim in order to open a car door, but this technique is a bit risky as it requires the device to be inserted through the window's glass and could damage the door unlock service's seal.

It is crucial to plan ahead for situations when you're tempted to leave your keys in a vehicle and have to get into it. You can prepare yourself for this eventuality by signing up for the automaker's app or service, subscribing for roadside assistance or leaving a spare fob and key with your family or friends.

4. Blood Pressure Cuff

Many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals carry a blood pressure cuff in their bag. Even if you don't have one, this is a low-cost device that could to save the day if you lock your keys in your car.

Insert a cuff that has been deflated into the gap where the door meets the frame, and slowly inflate it until it creates an opening. Be careful not to over-inflate or you could damage the door. You should now have enough space to place an iron coat hanger or other long, skinny object that can reach the unlock button within the door.

If you don't have a coat hanger or wire, you can use a piece of tubing. This is the same trick used by professionals to unlock their cars and you're sure that it will work!

There are many ways to open a locked vehicle but you should be cautious not to harm your vehicle or yourself. Remember to always use the most simple and least damaging method first. Your insurance policy might also cover these services! If all else fails call 911 or a towing company. They will charge a small fee, but you'll save time and money in the long run. The good news is that the majority of us have locked keys in our cars at some point or another. It's not a huge issue when you know how to enter. If you have an additional key in your home, ensure you know where it is. If you don't then ask a trusted friend or relative to store an additional key for you. To ensure your security, check that you have the keys before pressing the lock. These simple steps will prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future!