Tricks to Unlock Your Car Without Roadside Assistance
Imagine coming home from a long workday and finding that you've locked your keys in your car. It's an annoying and frustrating experience however, there are ways you can resolve this issue without calling for roadside assistance.
Be calm and evaluate the situation. If possible, you should use non-destructive methods to gain access to the vehicle.
1. Hiding behind your tires
Imagine getting to your car at the end of a tiring, long day only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a terrible feeling. It doesn't matter if you're heading home from work or simply going to the store This happens to a lot of people and it can be extremely stressful.
One of the most commonly used methods to avoid getting lost is to keep your keys somewhere around or on your vehicle. The best place to keep your spare key isn't in your vehicle, but in a location that is easy to access and safe.
It is best to not hide the spare key in your tire since it's not the most secure place and can be easily observed by people passing by. A burglar could easily open your door and take the keys.
Another excellent place to keep your spare key is in the wheel well. It's a great location because it's hidden from view and can be difficult to access without prior knowledge. It's also a great place as it shields your spare key from debris and weather.
You can also keep keys for your car in a lockbox attached to your door handle. These boxes are generally designed for homes, but they can also be attached to the handle of your car and look like any other doorknob. If you're worried about scratching the door of your car, there are lockboxes with rubber casings designed to protect against scratches.
2. You can hide behind your license plate
The key fob is a crucial tool for locking and unlocking your car, however it can be easy to forget it when you're rushing out the door. If you have an extra key fob, or a different method of opening your car, you could place it under your license plates. The key fob will be safe from dirt, water and other things that can cause damage to it, but you'll still be able to access the doors in the event that you get locked out.
If you don't own an extra keyfob, try a coathanger. It's an easy and inexpensive method to gain entry into your car, and it won't scratch or damage it. You can purchase hangers for coats at the majority of supermarkets or discount stores, as well as pharmacies or find one in your emergency kit.
Another option is to wedge your keys in the area where you can open the gas cap. Just make sure you don't wedge the keys in too far, or they'll be difficult to reach. You can place your keys behind the windshield wipers on certain vehicles, but it could be risky for someone else to drive your car.
While there are a few ways to help when you lock your keys inside your car, the most effective approach is to avoid from doing it all the time. A lot of newer cars come with safety features that keep you from locking your keys inside your vehicle, and a lot of roadside assistance providers provide new services, such as remote unlocking.
3. Hiding behind your tailpipe
Many newer cars have a key fob that locks the doors with just a click. However, older vehicles may require some extra effort to unlock the door manually. For this reason, it's a good idea to stash keys in a safe place in your vehicle. In a pinch, use screwdrivers or pliers to make an opening in the door frame. You can also use an inflatable blood pressure cuff.
If you don't have these tools, a shoelace or twine can be used to gain entry into a locked car. Simply put the string through the hole in the door's weather strip and either pull it upwards to unlock the lock or, if you own a post lock, tap on the top of the post with a rod made of metal and watch as it jiggles into the open position.
You can also put valuables behind the air vents in your car. This means you don't be concerned about them being crushed when you turn on the vent. Some cars have deep recesses behind the windshield wipers. The keys can be tucked in here can be a great way to keep them out of sight, but make sure not to put them in too far, or you may hear them jingle when you walk away from your vehicle.
4. Hiding behind your grille
Making a phone call to a family member or friend is the best option when you're locked out of your vehicle. They can ease your anxiety and might even have tools to help you to get back inside. You can unlock your car if you aren't able to find anyone nearby.
First, verify that the key fob functions correctly. Valet keys are often without an electronic chip, which means they cannot start the car. If this is the case, try replacing the battery in the keyfob to see if it solves the issue.
You can also manually lock your vehicle using the handle. Most automobiles have a manual lock on the door handle, which can be activated by turning the knob toward the trunk or the hood. This method should work in all instances, but if it doesn't, you may need to try a different method.
You can also unlock your car with a wire hanger. Straighten the hanger and place it inside the door's frame just above the lock/unlock button. Then, gently slide door unlock service into the lock button.
If you've tried every one of these methods but aren't able to find a way to unlock your vehicle, it's time to call the professionals. Professional locksmiths can be expensive but they're worth it in the end when you've locked your keys in the car and don't have spare keys.
5. In the shadows behind your Hood
The frightening moment when you realize that you've locked the keys to your car isn't just a hassle but it could be a risk when you have a child or pet in the car. You may be in a panic and wondering how you'll be able to get them out, but it is crucial to stay calm. Try to think of ways to unlock the car door.
One of the most popular ways to unlock your car without keys is to make use of a modified coat hanger. To do this, simply straighten the hanger before putting it into the lock. Then you can use the hook to open the door and unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a wire coat hanger, you can also make use of other tools such as pliers, or even a metal rod. These tools are more difficult to use but can still be used to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key with you to avoid locking the keys inside your car. You can store it in a location where thieves would not be able to see it or by always having it in your possession. You can also purchase a magnetic lockbox that can be used to store your spare key. You can also leave a spare with someone you know and trust. Make sure they know how to open your car in case of emergency.
6. Hide behind your wheels
Imagine you're on your way home or to work after a tiring, long day. You lock your keys inside the car. It's a nightmare scenario that happens to millions of people every year. If this happens, the best thing to do is to stay calm and decide what to do. There are a variety of ways to get your keys back into the car. You can try using a Slim Jim, inflatables wedges or even a bobbypin.
You can also keep an extra key in your car to avoid being locked out in future. Some cars come with unique features that will prevent you from locking your keys in your vehicle. Some have services, like OnStar that can assist you in opening your vehicle. If you don't have one of these options, you can try placing your spare key in a safe place where a thief would not look.
If you're unable to find your car keys or any of these hacks don't work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Don't panic if you've locked your keys to your car inside. A quick call to a professional locksmith could save you from a lot hassle and stress. To avoid this problem in the future, make sure to check your pockets before leaving and consider keeping a spare key somewhere safe. It's also an excellent idea to set up an alarm system in your vehicle and ensure that you're not hurrying when getting into and out of your car.