Getting locked out of car is one of the most frustrating and inconvenient situations. Whether you’re in a hurry, caught in bad weather, or stuck late at night, you need to know how to get keys out of locked car quickly and safely. This guide will assist you in exploring possible solutions and know when to call a locksmith.
How To Get My Keys Out Of My Locked Car
Check for an Unlocked Door
Before hitting the panic button, try all the doors and the trunk. Yes, there is indeed a way to get your keys without breaking into someone’s house, or in this case, the name of a locked room or space within even a larger facility. Sometimes there’s just a door that isn’t quite shut, which lets you get your keys back much easier.
Use a Spare Key
If you have a spare key in the house or with a trusty friend, now’s your chance to put it into use. Having a spare, hidden in a safe place, can help you avoid such a lockout situation.
Use the Shoelace Trick (For Manual Locks)
If your car has manual locks (the kind that go pull up and push down), you can try this trick:
- Find a long shoelace, fold it over to make a small loop in the middle and pass it through a bolt hole (whichever direction you are tightening).
- Insert the lace into the door seam and wiggle it up to the lock.
- Wrap it around the lock tightly and tug up to open the door.
Use a Wire Coat Hanger
This technique is inapplicable to newer car models, which use vertical locks.
- Straighten a wire hanger and form a hook on the end.
- Insert it between the weather stripping and window to access the lock mechanism.
- Pull up gently to unlock the door.
Use a Wedge and a Rod (For Automatic Locks)
For newer vehicles, a wedge tool (a rubber door wedge or an inflatable wedge) will open a small gap in the door:
- Gently place the wedge into the door frame.
- Screenshots work but you’ll need to use a long, thin rod or coat hanger to press the unlock button.
- But be careful not to damage the door or weather stripping.
Call Roadside Assistance
Many auto insurance policies, credit card providers, and even memberships such as AAA provide roadside assistance that includes unlocking your car. Being covered means calling professional help can be worry-free.
When to Contact a Professional Locksmith
If these techniques fail or you’re concerned about damaging your vehicle, it’s probably best to call in a professional. Pop A Lock Delaware Locksmiths is a professional who doesn’t damage to unlock cars.
Why Choose a Locksmith?
- Quick Response Time: A large number of locksmiths work around the clock.
- No Broken Unlocking: They have specific tools and open the car without breaking locks and windows.
- Duplicate and Replace Keys: If you lost your key, they will cut you one on the spot.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Here are some tips for avoiding getting locked out of car in the future:
- Have a spare: Hide one somewhere or leave with someone you trust.
- Use keyless entry: You’ll find it in many newer cars as smartphone apps or keypads.
- Develop a habit: Look for keys before locking the doors.
Conclusion
It’s never exactly a great time getting locked out of car, but there’s quite a few ways to safely retrieve your keys. Whether you opt for a DIY method, roadside assistance, or a professional locksmith, reducing time and frustration with prompt, careful action will pay dividends. If you often lock yourself out, get a keyless entry system or a spare key.
If you’re reading this and saying, “I’m locked out of my car, how do I unlock that?”, you can follow these tips or you can contact a trusted locksmith for urgent assistance.
