Tricks to Unlock Your Car Without Roadside Assistance
Imagine returning home from a long workday and discovering that you've locked the keys to your car. It's a gruelling and frustrating experience, but there are ways you can resolve this issue without calling for roadside assistance.
Be calm and observe the situation with care. If you can, use non-destructive techniques such as a wedge or modified coat hanger to gain access to your vehicle.
1. Hiding behind your tires
Imagine walking out to your car after a long day and realizing that you locked your keys inside. It's a terrifying feeling. It doesn't matter if you're heading home from work or going to the store, this happens to many people, and it can be very stressful.
Keep your spare key hidden on or around your car. This is one of the most effective ways to avoid being stranded. The best place to store your spare key isn't in your vehicle, but in a location that is easily accessible and safe.
It is best to not hide the spare key in your tire since it's not the most discreet place and can be easily observed by people passing by. In addition, a burglar could easily open your door and grab the keys from the door.
Another good place to hide your spare key is in the wheel well. It's a great spot to keep your spare key because it is out of sight and is difficult to access without knowing. It's also a good location as it shields your spare key from debris and weather.
You can also store a spare car key in a lockbox attached to your door handle. These boxes are usually intended for homes, however they can also be affixed to the handle of your vehicle and look like any other doorknob. If you're concerned about scratching your car's door there are lockboxes made of rubber casing designed to avoid scratches.
2. Hide behind your license plate
It's easy to lose the key fob when you are hurrying out of the door. If you have an extra key fob, or another way to open your car, you can hide it under your license plates. The key fob will be protected from dirt, water and other elements that could harm it, however, you'll be able to access the doors in case you are locked out.
If you don't own an extra keyfob, try a coathanger. It's an easy and inexpensive way to break in to your car, and it will not damage or scratch it. You can buy coat hangers at many grocery stores or discount stores, as well as pharmacies, or even find one in your emergency kit.
Another option is to wedge your keys into the spot where you open the cap on your gas. You shouldn't place keys too far or they could be difficult to reach. You can hide your keys in the windshield wipers on certain automobiles, but it could be dangerous for someone else to drive your vehicle.
While there are a few techniques that can assist you when you lock your keys in your car, the most effective approach is to avoid from doing it completely. Newer vehicles have security features that will prevent you from locking your keys inside your vehicle, and a lot of roadside assistance providers offer innovative services like remote unlocking.
3. Hidden behind your tailpipe
A majority of newer vehicles have a key fob that locks the doors with a single click. Older cars may require more effort to unlock the doors manually. It's recommended to keep an extra key somewhere in your vehicle. In the event of a crisis, you can use screwdrivers or pliers to create a space in the door frame. You could also try an inflatable blood pressure cuff.
If you don't have these tools, a twine or shoelace can also be used to enter the car locked. Simply thread the string through the hole in the door's weather strip and either pull it up to release the lock button or, if you have a post lock, press on the top of the post with a rod made of metal and watch as it jiggles into an open position.
You can also hide valuables behind the air vent in your car. This way, you won't be concerned about them getting crushed when you turn the vent on. Some vehicles have deep recesses that are behind the windshield wipers. Wedging the keys in here could be a great option to keep them out of view however, be careful not to wedge them in too far or you might hear them jingle when you walk away from your vehicle.
4. You're hiding behind your grille
Making a phone call to an individual from your family or a close friend is the best option when you're locked out of your car. They can help calm your nerves and possibly come equipped with the tools to allow you to get back inside. If there's no one close by There are some tricks you can use to unlock your car.
First, check if the keyfob works correctly. Sometimes, valet keys don't have a chip, and therefore aren't able start the engine. If this is the issue, try replacing the battery on the keyfob and see if this solves the issue.
You can also manually lock your vehicle using the handle. Most cars have a manual lock on the door handle that can be activated by turning the knob toward the trunk or the hood. This method should work in most cases, but if not, you may need to look for a different method.
You can also unlock your car by using a wire hanger. Straighten the hanger and insert it into the door frame's seal just above the power unlock or lock button. After that, carefully maneuver the hook at the end of the hanger and gently insert it into the lock button.
If you've tried every one of these options and still can't find a way to unlock your car, it's time to call the pros. Professional locksmiths can be costly, but they're worth it in the long run when you've locked your keys inside the car and don't have a spare.
5. In the shadows behind your car's hood
The dreadful moment when you realize that you've locked your keys in your car isn't just a nuisance but it could be a risk if you have a child or pet inside. Although you may be in a state of panic and wondering how you'll get out of this situation It's crucial to remain calm and think of ways to unlock the car door.
One of the most commonly used ways to unlock your car without a key is to utilize an altered wire coat hanger. To accomplish this, straighten the coat hanger and insert it in the lock. Then, you can manipulate the hook to pop open the door and unlock the vehicle. You may also use pliers, or a rod of metal in the event that you don't have a wire hanger. These tools are more difficult to use, but are still able to be used get into your vehicle.
Another way to ensure that you don't lock your keys in your car is to keep a spare key with you. This can be done by storing it in a safe location in a place where thieves won't be able to see at it, or by keeping it on your person at all times. You can also purchase a magnetic lockbox which you can use to store your spare keys. You can also leave a spare key with someone you trust and know. Be sure they know how to unlock your car in case of emergency.
6. You're hiding behind your vehicle
Imagine you are heading home or back to work after a tiring, long day. You put your keys in the car. It's an incredibly stressful scenario that happens to millions of people each year. If this happens, the most important option is to be calm and determine what to do. There are open my car of ways to get your keys back in the car, for example using a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or even a bobby pin.
You can keep an additional key in your car to prevent being locked out in future. Some cars come with unique features that prevent you from locking your keys inside your vehicle. Other models have services such as OnStar which will help you remotely open your car. If you do not have these features, you can put your spare key in a safe place where thieves would not be able to see it.
If you aren't able to find your car key or any of these tricks don't work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. There's no need to be worried when you lock your keys in the car and a quick phone call to a locksmith could save you lots of hassle and stress. To avoid this issue in the future, make sure to check your pockets before leaving and consider keeping an extra key in a safe place. Installing an alarm system is an excellent idea. Also, be careful not to rush to get into or out of your vehicle.