Finding yourself locked out of your car with the keys inside can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Whether it’s the result of a distracted moment, a malfunctioning key fob, or just a lapse in judgment, getting locked out can cause a great deal of stress, especially if you’re in a hurry or far from home. However, there are several practical steps you can take to solve the problem and regain access to your vehicle.
In this article, we will explore various solutions for when you find your car keys locked inside your car, ranging from simple, DIY methods to calling for professional help.
1. Try the Spare Key
The most obvious solution, if you have a spare key available, is to use it to unlock the door and retrieve your keys. Many car owners tend to keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend or family member. If you have one on hand, simply go grab it and save yourself from further stress.
If you don’t have a spare key at the moment, it’s a good idea to consider having one made and keeping it in a secure location, such as a hidden magnetic key holder, or with a family member or close friend. This can be an easy and inexpensive solution for future emergencies.
2. Call Roadside Assistance
If you have a roadside assistance plan, now’s the time to use it. Many car insurance companies and auto clubs like AAA provide roadside assistance services, which often include help with lockouts. The best part? Most of these services are available 24/7, and they can send a professional locksmith or roadside technician to help you get back into your car.
To use this service, simply call your insurance provider or roadside assistance service and explain the situation. Depending on your provider, you may be asked to verify your identity and vehicle details. Roadside assistance services are equipped with the tools and expertise to unlock your car without damaging it, and often, this is the safest and most hassle-free way to resolve a lockout.
3. Use a Lockout Tool
If you’re someone who likes to be resourceful and have some basic knowledge of your car’s locking mechanisms, using a lockout tool could be a possible solution. A popular tool used for car lockouts is a Big Easy, which is a long-reach tool that helps create a gap between the door and the frame of the car, allowing you to either unlock the door manually or trigger the lock mechanism. You may also encounter slim jims, which are thin metal rods used to manipulate car door locks.
While these tools can be effective, they also require experience and care. Using them improperly can damage the car’s locking system, or even trigger the airbags or electrical systems in modern cars, which can lead to costly repairs. If you’re unfamiliar with these tools or don’t feel comfortable using them, it’s best to leave this to the professionals.
4. Use a Coat Hanger (For Older Cars)
In older vehicles that use manual locks, a coat hanger can sometimes be used as a makeshift lockout tool. While it’s not the most sophisticated method, it’s something that some people have successfully used in a pinch. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Straighten out a wire coat hanger and bend one end into a small hook.
- Step 2: Insert the coat hanger between the door and the rubber seal along the side of the car.
- Step 3: Carefully maneuver the hook around the locking mechanism until it catches onto the lock.
- Step 4: Try pulling the lock up or triggering the release mechanism by using the coat hanger.
This method is generally only effective on cars with manual locks and older models, so it might not work if your vehicle has electronic locks or power windows. Additionally, using a coat hanger can risk scratching or damaging your vehicle’s interior, so proceed with caution.
5. Try the “Shoelace Method” (For Manual Locks)
Another trick that’s often mentioned online for unlocking manual locks is the shoelace method. This method involves using a shoelace to hook around the car’s lock mechanism, allowing you to unlock the door. It can be challenging, and like other DIY methods, it’s best for older cars with manual locks.
Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Take a shoelace, or any strong string, and tie a small loop in the middle of it.
- Step 2: Insert the loop between the door and the car frame, close to the lock.
- Step 3: Move the loop around the lock, and try to position it so that it fits around the locking mechanism.
- Step 4: Once the loop is in place, pull the string tightly and try to pull the lock upwards, unlocking the door.
While this method can work on older cars with visible locks, it’s not guaranteed, and it may take some time and patience. It’s also important to note that newer cars with electronic locking systems will not work with this method.
6. Try Using a Blow Dryer or Hair Dryer (For Electronic Locks)
If your car has an electronic locking system and you’ve accidentally triggered the alarm or your fob isn’t working, a hair dryer or blow dryer may help. This method is not a guaranteed solution, but it has been known to work in certain circumstances where the lock or key fob has malfunctioned.
Here’s how to try it:
- Step 1: Use a blow dryer or hair dryer to heat the area around the lock. This heat can sometimes loosen the locking mechanism and allow you to trigger it more easily.
- Step 2: Try pulling the door open as you heat the lock area.
This is a method that’s more likely to work if your car’s electronic systems are malfunctioning rather than if the key itself is stuck inside the car, but it’s worth a try before calling a locksmith.
7. Call a Professional Locksmith
If none of the DIY methods work and you don’t have roadside assistance, the safest and most reliable option is to call a professional locksmith. Locksmiths have the specialized tools and training needed to safely unlock your car, whether it’s an old car with a manual lock or a modern vehicle with electronic locking systems.
When calling a locksmith, be prepared to give them the make, model, and year of your car, as well as your location. Professional locksmiths are usually fast, reliable, and skilled in opening locked vehicles without causing damage.
8. Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you’ve resolved the current lockout situation, it’s time to think ahead and take steps to avoid similar incidents in the future:
- Spare Key: Always have a spare key handy, whether it’s with a trusted friend, in a magnetic holder under the car, or at home.
- Keyless Entry: Consider upgrading to a keyless entry system or smart key fob, which can allow you to unlock your car remotely or without a traditional key.
- Routine Check: Get into the habit of checking your keys before locking the car to ensure you never leave them inside again.
Conclusion
Getting locked out of your car can be frustrating, but there are many ways to solve the problem without causing damage or stress. From using a spare key to calling for roadside assistance, trying DIY lockout methods, or contacting a professional locksmith, you have several options at your disposal. The key is to stay calm, assess the situation, and choose the best solution for your car and circumstances. After you’ve solved the issue, take a few precautions to ensure you’re prepared for future lockouts, and don’t forget to keep that spare key handy!
