Tricks to Unlock Your Car Without Roadside Assistance
Imagine coming home from a long workday and realizing that you have locked your keys inside your car. It's an annoying and frustrating experience, but there are ways to solve this issue without contacting roadside assistance.
Keep calm and take note of the situation. If possible, you should use methods that aren't destructive to gain access to the vehicle.
1. Hiding behind your tires
Imagine going to your car at the end of a long, exhausting day only to discover that you've locked your keys in. It's a terrible feeling. If you're headed home from work or going to the store it happens to a lot of people and can be extremely stressful.
One of the most commonly used methods to avoid being stranded is to keep your keys somewhere around or on your vehicle. The best place to store your spare key isn't in your vehicle, but in a location that is easy to access and safe.
It is advisable to keep your spare keys behind your tires because it's not the most discreet place and could be easily observed by other motorists. A thief can easily open your door to steal the keys.
Another excellent place to keep your spare key is inside the wheel well. It's a great spot because it's hidden from view and can be difficult to access without prior knowledge. It's also a great place to protect your spare key from dust and weather.
You can also put an accessory lock box to your door handle to store keys that you have left. These boxes are generally made for homes, however they can also be slapped onto the handle of your car and look like a regular doorknob. There are lockboxes that have rubber casings to prevent scratches on your car's door.
2. Hiding behind your license plate
It's easy to forget the key fob when rushing out of the door. If you have an additional key fob or another method to open your car, you could hide it beneath your license plate. The key fob is shielded from dirt, water and other things that could damage it. You will still be capable of opening the doors even if you're locked out.
If you don't have an extra keyfob, try a coathanger. It's an easy and cheap way to break into your car, and will not damage or scratch it. You can buy coat hangers at many supermarkets, discount stores and pharmacies, or even find one in your emergency kit.
You can also put your keys in the same spot as you open the cap. It is not advisable to put the keys too far in or they might be difficult to reach. Certain cars might have a space behind the windshield wiper hinges where you can hide your keys but this could be dangerous if someone is driving the car.
Although there are some ways to help when you lock your keys inside your car, the most effective method is to stop yourself from doing it altogether. A lot of newer cars come with safety features that keep you from locking your keys in your vehicle, and a lot of roadside assistance providers provide new services, such as remote unlocking.
3. In the shadows of your tailpipe
Many newer cars have keys that lock the doors with a single click. Older cars may require more effort to unlock the doors manually. It's a great idea to keep a spare car key hidden in your vehicle. In a pinch, you can use screwdrivers or pliers to create an opening in the door frame. You can also use an inflatable blood pressure cuff.
If you don't own one of these tools you can use a shoelace. You can pull the string up to unlock the lock button or tap the metal rod on the top of the post lock with an iron bar.
Other places to hide in your car are the nook behind your air vent, where you can store valuables and avoid being crushed when you switch on the vent. Certain cars have deep recesses in the back of the windshield wipers. It's a good idea to wedge the keys here to keep them hidden but don't go too deep or you might hear them jingle when you walk away from your car.
4. In the shadows of your grille
If you're locked out of your car, one the best things to do is call a friend or family member. They can ease your nerves and may even be equipped with tools that will allow you to get back inside. If there's no one close by there are a few tricks you could use to unlock your vehicle.
Check first if the keyfob works properly. Valet keys are often without a chip, and therefore aren't able to start the car. If this is the case, then replace the battery on the key fob and see whether this resolves the problem.
You can also manually lock your car using the handle. The door handle of most cars has a manual lock that can be activated simply by turning the knob towards the trunk or hood. This method should work in most cases, however, if it does not then you might need to look for a different method.
Another alternative is to utilize a coat hanger made of wire to unlock your car. Straighten the hanger out and place it inside the door's seal frame, right above the lock/unlock button. Then, gently insert the hanger's hook into the lock button.
If you've tried every one of these options and still can't find a way to unlock your car, you need to call the professionals. Professional locksmiths can be expensive however they're worth it in the long run when you've locked your keys in the car and you don't have a spare.
5. You're hiding behind your Hood
The frightening moment when you realize you locked your keys in your car isn't just a nuisance it could be dangerous when you have a child or pet inside. You might be in a state of panic and be wondering how you'll ever get out, but it's important to remain calm. Try to think of ways to unlock the car door.
A modified coathanger made of wire is one of the most convenient ways to unlock your vehicle without having a car key. To do this, simply straighten the coat hanger before putting it into the lock. Then, manipulate the hook to open the door and then unlock the vehicle. You could also use pliers or a rod made of metal if you don't own a wire hanger. These tools are more difficult to use, but they could nevertheless assist you in getting into your car.
Keep a spare car key on you to ensure that you don't lock the keys in your vehicle. This is done by storing the key in a secure place in a place where thieves won't be able to see at it, or keeping it on your person always. locked keys in my car can also buy a magnetic lockbox which you can use to store your spare key. You can also leave the spare key with someone you trust. Be sure they know how to unlock your car in an emergency.
6. Stay hidden behind your vehicle
Imagine you're on your way to work or home after a long work day and you lock your keys in the car. Millions of people suffer this type of nightmare each year. If this happens, the best thing to remember is to be calm and determine what you're going to do. There are a variety of ways to get your keys back to the car. You can try using a Slim Jim, inflatables wedges, or even a bobbypin.
You can also keep a spare key in your car to stop being locked out in the future. Some cars come with unique features that will prevent you from locking your keys inside your vehicle. Other models have services such as OnStar which will assist you in opening your vehicle. If your vehicle does not have these features, put your spare keys in a place in a place where thieves won't be likely to notice it.
It's time to call an auto locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys, or if none of these hacks work. You don't need to panic if you've locked your car keys inside. A quick phone call to a professional locksmith can save you from a lot anxiety and hassle. Be sure to examine your pockets and keep the spare key in a safe location. Installing an alarm system is also an excellent idea. Also, don't rush when getting into and out of your car.