Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys in your car, don't be afraid. There are a variety of techniques you can try prior to calling a locksmith or a roadside assistance service.
You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to raise a post lock. Or you can untwist a coathanger made of wire and then shape it into a hook. You can also make use of a door wedge or an inflatable wedge.
Pump Wedge
Call a professional if you are stuck in your car and DIY techniques like shoestrings, wire hooks or wedges don't work. A locksmith or a repo service provider could have lockout tools that will allow you to open your car without damaging it.
Make use of them properly if they are available. Be aware of where to insert the wedge tool. Many people make the mistake of placing the wedge in the upper corner of the door, where it is most vulnerable to being damaged. This is a mistake because you're likely to damage the weather stripping or wires within the door. Instead, place the wedge in the biggest part of the gap is visible and where it will be the strongest leverage.
The Pump Wedge is a premium inflatable wedge constructed of durable, non-marring vinyl. It is able to slide between the door of your vehicle and the door frame. It is filled with air to create a gap that will allow you to slide in other tools, such as a long reach tool rod for opening the car. It also has a hook at one end that you can bend to secure the latch on the door handle.
This can be done with the help of a pair of wooden door stops. They can be placed in the back of the car door to open the gap wide enough to allow rods. You can also try the slim jim, which is thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook to latch on the lock and pull it up. This method is not for the faint of heart as you must be careful not scratch the weather stripping on your door.
A shoelace is another good alternative, but it's only with older cars that don't have a button to unlock the mechanism. You can tie knots in the middle and then move the lace upwards and downwards along the door seam until you locate the latch. Then move the lace upwards and down until it catches onto the lock. Secure the slip knot and then pull it upwards. This method can be more difficult than other methods and can scratch paint or damage the door trim if not vigilant.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car by using a wedge-shaped inflatable door opener. This will free you from the need to use prying tools or slim jims. These wedges can be placed between the frame and the window of the car and when they are inflated, they create a large space to insert a tool that has a long reach such as a button grabber or slim jim. This method is much less dangerous than using a screwdriver and can be utilized even when you don't have access to a screwdriver.
Another option to unlock a car without damaging its exterior or interior is to make use of a coat hanger made of wire that has been shaped into a hook shape. It can be used to grasp the lock and could work better than the flat screwdriver since it is less likely to cause damage to the paint on the car. However, it is important to check all of the doors to ensure that there isn't another way to gain access.
You could also try a plastic bag that has been bent into a noose-like or v-shaped shape, but you will have to be careful not to tear it, because this could make your situation more difficult. This method is particularly efficient if you're unable to find the button for locking. It might not be as secure as using a wedge or a metal coat hanger but it could be useful when you're in a tight spot.
Stay calm and put safety first. There are a variety of ways to resolve this type of issue, and if you take the time to review this article, you'll be prepared for any situation that comes your way. If you follow the steps we've given you will be capable of unlocking your car and get going without causing any damage or stress. If you are able, bring your keys with you when you leave your car.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can make a day miserable. It's a great idea to have a few tools that you can use to open your car without breaking any windows. Certain of these items are easy to find and can help you avoid the expense of hiring a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace or twine could be used to unlock a car. It's simple to use and will work on a variety of cars. The most important thing to consider is a car that has post locks. These stack vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from outside the car. Make use of a shoelace and a slip knot to get the job done. Then, slide the shoelace through the crack between the door and window frame. Once the slip knot is positioned, pull the ends of the string upwards to pull it tighter.
open my car is more efficient when applied to older vehicles, and might not work on modern models that have an interior hook lock. A screwdriver, if available is a good tool to open the door in a more aggressive way. You could also use a pole that you can take from a nearby object like the door frame, or a piece wood, to attach to the window frame. This will make room for rods to push the interior locking button.
Although the above strategies are generally safe for the majority of drivers, it's advisable to seek help if possible. This will help prevent further damage to the vehicle, and it can also lower the chance of an accident that is caused by the stress of the situation. If you don't have a phone or are unable to call for assistance It is important to let trusted family members and family members know where your car is parked at all times. Also an extra set of keys can be stored in an easily accessible location on the vehicle so you can retrieve them if needed.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in your car can be a stressful situation. It is important to remain calm and think about all your options logically. This will help you avoid creating a worse situation which could happen when you panic.
One of the best things you can do is use a modified wire coat hanger to access your vehicle. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger to ensure that it has a straight slant and a hook that you can use to control the lock rod inside of your door. Once you can reach the rod that locks your door, you should be capable of pulling it up and let the door open.
You can also use rods, or a metal piece from your vehicle. You should ensure that you don't damage the vehicle in this process. It is recommended to avoid having to disassemble the vehicle. This method is more effective for older cars than newer models. However it can be utilized on cars that have unique door handles.
You can also use a shoestring and a slip knot to do the same thing. This can also be done on a post lock, however, it's a bit more difficult to maneuver because you'll be relying on the tension of the string to grasp the lock. You can accomplish this by threading a shoestring into the small hole you create in the weatherstripping of your vehicle's doors. Once the shoestring is through the weatherstripping, pull it tight to form an elongated loop that snaps around the lock. This method can be extremely efficient if you're fortunate enough to locate the lock in the right place.