How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in your car is a common situation, and it can leave you with anxiety. However this is a situation which can be handled.

You can ensure that you don't get locked out by keeping spare keys in a safe and secure location. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and helps drivers get back on track.

Locking the Doors

When you lock your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. If you're lucky, a family member or friend is in the vicinity and can open the car door without damaging it. It is possible to gain access to your car using the right tools, even if you don't have a family member in the vicinity. The type of vehicle you use and the locks installed in it will determine how to unlock a lexus car door easy it will be to get back inside.

For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks instead of sensor-operated ones, you can make use of a rod or wire to unlock the doors. This might be a wire coat hanger that can be bent into the shape of a lasso or, on newer vehicles it could be a rod made of metal that is embedded into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets with a rod of metal and instructions to open your car's door.

To make use of this method, you have to determine the location where the "unlock" switch is located. You can find it on the key fob or on a wall that is visible through the windscreen. Once you've figured out this information, you can use an iron rod or coat hanger to create a space between the door of the car and the window or frame. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.

The other thing to check is whether your door locks include an opening switch that you can press to open them. Some cars, especially those that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It is usually located on the side closest to the passenger seat. You can also utilize the emergency release button to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek assistance. You might consider enlisting the help of a friend who owns the same model and model of car opener service as you do, or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. They are able to do this for less than the cost of a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

The trunk of your car isn't a good idea unless you need to keep valuables safe. While it's ideal to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also keeps you from opening the trunk without using your key fob. However, you can get around this problem by hiding a spare key under the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easily discovered by a thief, but it can keep them from trying to open your trunk.

Modern cars have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob will be able to open the trunk. To safeguard your belongings, lock a lot of manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can still save money by using a Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.

You can try opening your trunk by using a wire hanger. But, you must be careful not to scratch the paint job. You'll need bend the hanger at one side, to form hooks. Then, place the hook between the trunk and the seat's back. You will know you have the correct button or lever when you feel a sting.

You can also access the trunk if you have access to the front cabin. This is done by pressing a button in the cabin. However, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for a thief to spot the button and know that you have valuables in the trunk.

Another method is to unlock the trunk using the latch mechanism. This is an easy method to accomplish this, but it only works if your car is not fully charged and you hear the door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine needs to be running in order to activate the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you are unable to open the doors using any of the methods mentioned above, it's possible that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car key fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver's door in the event that it is locked. This is typically an additional key that was included with the vehicle or could be located in the glove box or in the center console.

The majority of the time an obstruction in the lock cylinder is the reason a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime, as well as other debris could cause this problem. It blocks the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you find any obstructions in the lock's cylinder. If you're vigilant you can get keys out of locked car rid of the debris and ensure that your key works in the ignition when needed.

Another reason that may cause the car key to not turn on is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance it is likely the lock cylinder has been damaged and requires replacement. This could be a costly repair however there are solutions to temporarily fix the problem.

For instance, you can employ wire hooks to cut off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder is. However, this method is not recommended if you do not have much experience in DIY projects, as it is difficult to complete and could cause damage to your vehicle. You should also make sure that you shut off the vehicle completely before beginning any work.

It can be very frustrating to accidentally lock your keys in your car. Be calm and follow the tips to retrieve your keys safely without creating further damage to your car. If you're able to do so, you should also inquire with your insurance provider to see if key replacement is covered under your policy.

Need Help?

There are some things you need to do prior to calling for help when you have locked the keys to your car. If you have a spare car key home You can ask someone to bring it in to unlock your car. This will save you from needing to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You can also try calling your family member or a friend to see if has the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home so they can assist you if you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have tools specifically designed to open vehicles and can open your vehicle at a less cost than a locksmith. They will need your VIN (located close to the front windshield wiper) and proof ownership to unlock it.

Call 911 immediately if you are in a crisis and have a pet or child in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your home to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could involve using a slim jim to open the door or breaking a window.

It's not fun to lock your keys in your vehicle, but in the majority of instances, it's only an inconvenience of a minor nature. By following these guidelines, you avoid being stuck and plan a strategy for the next time this happens.

Drivers can also take other steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For example, they can download the app from their vehicle manufacturer or keep the spare key in a convenient location outside the vehicle. Moody recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that offers assistance for locking out and contacting their car manufacturer to get an alternate key. This will save you money in the long run, because being locked out of your vehicle is usually covered by this type of insurance.