How to Get Back in Your Car If You
Locked Car Keys in Car
There is a good chance that you will lock your keys to your car in the car at some moment. There are several ways to get your keys back in your car without causing any damage.
One way is to make use of a coat hanger or a similar long, thin object to hook the key fob. This method is ideal for older vehicles that have a traditional door lock.
Pump Wedge
When you lock your keys inside your car for the first time, it could be an overwhelming experience. If you're prepared, it's likely to be much easier than you think to get back inside your car without breaking the lock or causing damage. Here are some suggestions you can try before calling roadside assistance.
You can use a simple tool, like an air pump wedge to open the door of your car. It is a plastic air bag that is pumped to create a gap between the door and the weather stripping. The opening is big enough for car-unlocking tools to be inserted, and allows you to access the lock mechanism that is manual in most vehicles.
You could also make use of a coat hanger made of wire to hang your coat, but it might require a little more effort. To do this you'll require pliers so that it has an upright side and a hooked end. The hook will be able to fit inside the control arm of lock rod inside the front door, and the straight side will be pressed on the handle. Then, you can open the door and the lock will be taken off.
This method is suitable for cars with post locks that stick out on the window sill. It isn't applicable to locks that are fixed to the sides of the car, but it could be useful as a last resort if other methods don't work.
A slim Jim is a small metal bar that can be used to unlock vehicles. Slim Jims can be found in most hardware stores. You may have to seek out assistance in finding them. Place the Slim Jim into the gap between the door and the weather stripping, and then use its hook-like ends to secure the inside of the lock mechanism.
If nothing else works, you may need to contact a professional to help you unlock your vehicle. The good thing is that a majority of locksmiths have a mobile service, so they'll be able to you at your place. These services are typically cheaper than roadside assistance, and provide the tools necessary to solve your problem.
Use a Wire Hanger
It can be difficult to open your car's lock without the right tools. You can get your keys back by using common household items. One of the most popular methods is to use a coat hanger made of wire, which you can modify by straightening it out and creating a hook at the end. This hook can be easily moved between places to unlock the lock. You can also use a paper clip or thin rod to open the door of your car. Be sure that the product you choose is strong enough to keep its shape even under pressure.
If you don't have a wire coat hanger at hand, any length piece of wire or twine can be used. The key is to find a length that will reach to the top of the door, past the weather strip. You can then make an uni knot and insert the end into the space where the door handle is affixed to the
vehicle unlocking service or, if you know your car's locking mechanism, place the hook in the area where the bar that detaches the lock is.
While this MacGyver-inspired method may not work on all vehicles, it is worth a try. You may need to push the stick in and out of the locking mechanism, but this is more effective than trying to forcefully pull it open and risk damage to the ignition.
If you have tried all other methods but are still unable to open your vehicle it is crucial to remember that professionals are able to open your car quickly and safely. This service is provided by a number of roadside assistance companies for a nominal cost or at no cost if you're a member. You can also call the local police department. Depending on their resources, and whether or the situation is risky, they can unlock cars or repair windows. Certain police departments have specialized equipment, such as a slim Jim that is able to disengage the pin that locks.
Slim Jim
The Slim Jim is a tool used by locksmiths who are professionals to unlock vehicles. It is basically wedges that allow quick access to the internal rod that triggers the mechanism of the car lock. This tool is made from rubber and not wood because it could cause splinters or even fragments to be left inside the door. It is best to avoid using the Slim Jim without professional help.
Using a Slim Jim can seem like a complex process however it's actually quite simple. First, you have to find something around your home that is long and thin. A metal ruler is ideal however, you can also use a wire hanger. You'll need to straighten the piece of steel so that it has a hook on one end. This can be done by cutting a small notch on the end of the stick with a knife. Take the hook off the stick's tip and shape it to fit around the lock rod.
Insert the metal piece into the gap between the window and the door frame. As you move it along the rod, pay close attention to any resistance. If you feel this resistance, it means that you have reached the locking mechanism inside the frame or latch within the vehicle door frame.
After a few moments you will see that the lock is shifting. Then, you can open the lock and use the key to unlock the front door. Be careful not to catch the rods of the door lock in your fingers as you pull up in case you are not trained, as some users have been known to detach them from the lock cylinder. If you're unable to open your car door, consider calling a professional locksmith for help, as they are trained to do so with minimal risk of harm to your car. They can also help locate your keys that are missing in case you've locked them in the car.
Use adhesive tape
Car keys are one of the most frequently misplaced items. For those who have them, they can trigger a panic as they search their bags and pockets for keys. For others, it can result in a costly visit to the auto shop to get the key replaced. Whatever the reason loss of a car key can be a major inconvenience however, there are a variety of ways to get your keys back quickly and easily.
Adhesive tape is an extremely popular method. It is a fast and simple method to get rid of your car key without having locksmiths or damaging your window. However, it is important to use a solvent that is intended for use in automotive applications. This will ensure that the solvent is safe for the bodywork of your car. After applying the solvent to the adhesive tape, let it sit for the time suggested by the product. Then, you can use gloves to lift the adhesive tape. The car key will show beneath.
Another way to unlock your car is to make use of a tool that will assist in decoding the code your car uses to communicate with the key fob. These tools are available in a majority of hardware stores. A typical tool will be able to detect the signal that is sent by your key fob and then decode it to determine what it means. It will also record details like the error-correction bits that are at the end the signal transmission.
A lot of vehicles now are equipped with keyless entry which allows you to start and open your vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition. These systems utilize a radio frequency to communicate with the key fob and the keyless entry module inside your car. This technology has significantly reduced car theft rates. However, this does not mean that you should stop being cautious when it comes to protecting your car from theft.
If you lose your car keys, it's always advisable to keep spare keys available. It is because modern keys are more secure and difficult to replace. This is due to the fact that they contain a transponder element that makes it impossible to copy keys.
