Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance

It's more likely than you think that you will lock your keys in your car. There are many ways to gain access to your car without calling roadside assistance.

You can avoid being locked out of your vehicle by taking preventative measures such as double-checking the doors before locking them and keeping spare keys in designated areas.

1. Inflatable Wedge

It's a uncomfortable feeling to realize you have locked your left my keys in the car inside the car. It can send your day into a tailspin and leave you wondering how you'll ever get home or to work, or to your next appointment.

There are many ways to get back into your car if you've lost your keys. Utilizing a coat hanger which you've turned into a hook or making an elongated wedge from two or three door stops can help you break through the glass and unlock your door. If you don't own these items or your vehicle is equipped with an auto lock or air pump, then an air pump wedge may be the best solution.

Air pump wedges are an incredibly versatile tool used by locksmiths as well as repo experts for auto lockouts. These tools typically feature an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the car's door and the weather stripping to create an opening that is accessible with longer-reaching tools, such as car-unlocking rods. These wedges are also designed to be durable and non-marring, which aids to prevent damaging the paint on your car, while providing a strong solution to gain access to the locked vehicle.

There are a variety of DIY air wedge kits on the market. Some come with a hand pump to manually inflate. A good kit should be able to form an opening between the door and the jamb that's large enough to insert access tools and open the majority of cars that have manual locks.

If all else fails then you can always contact roadside assistance, or a local lock-smith in the event that you do not have a spare key. If you're the only option, ensure that you keep an extra key in a secure place so that you don't need to worry about losing it when the time comes to make use of it. No matter what method you decide to use, be patient and remember that it's okay to be scared when you lock your keys in your car. your life will go with the same ease when you follow these easy tips.

2. Coat Hanger

A coat hanger made of wire is a common item found in many households and is a simple way to open a locked car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small V shape in order to grasp the lock post inside your door. Then, you can manipulate the hook to pop the lock. The same method is employed by police officers with a slim Jim, but coat hangers require less fiddling.

Choose a long piece of stiff string or paracord and tie a slipknot through the middle. Make use of the slipknot at the top edge of the car door opener service door to open it open. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod, such as hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't own an cuff for blood pressure you can ask your local drugstore for one. They usually include them in their emergency kits.

Unravel the top of your coat hanger and straighten it so that you have an opening on one side and a straight one on the other. If you have pliers, it might be easier to bend the hook into a V-shape. You will need to repeat this process a few times to get the right hook shape. Once you've gotten the correct shape then slide the hook through the weather stripping that is on the bottom of the doors. Insert it into the door, above the handle.

Once the hanger is set, move it around to find the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, you may find it above or below the door handle on your interior. Tap it lightly to see if you are able to move it. Then try pulling it up or backwards to detach the lock.

If the lock post jiggles then you have successfully disconnected the lock. You can then lower the handle and you're in your car! This method works for older vehicles with manual locks. Be careful not to damage your window or the car frame by sliding the hook too hard.

3. Shoestring

There are a number of tools to gain access to your locked car quickly. You can use a long rod such as a metal or wooden strip that can be inserted into the gap between the door frame and the car, and then press down the unlock button inside. These options are not always available and may damage the paint of your car. Another alternative is an air wedge. It looks like an inflatable cuff that you might find at a doctor's office. It can be pumped into the gap to make it sufficient to push the unlock button. These devices are quite affordable and can be used multiple times in order to unlock your car.

A shoelace is an even simpler tool. First, take off a pair of shoes and look around the middle to find the location where the slip knot is located. Put one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car. Work it through the crack until it forms a loop around the lock's knob. Pull tightly and up. With practice, this method can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.

If this method does not work, you could try a slim Jim to unlock your vehicle. A slim jim is a small, flat metal tool with hooks on both ends that fit between the weatherproofing rubber of your car's door and window, is the perfect solution. The hooks on a slim jim may be used to open the car's door. However, this method is risky since it requires insertion of the tool through the window and could damage the seal.

Plan ahead in case you forget your keys in a vehicle and need to access it. You can prepare yourself for this eventuality by signing up to the automaker's app or service, subscribing for roadside assistance or leaving keys and a spare fob with family or friends.

4. Blood Pressure Cuff

Many doctors, nurses and other staff members carry a blood pressure cuff along with them. Even if you don't, this is a cheap device that could save the day when you lock your keys in the car.

Insert a cuff that has been deflated into the gap where the door meets the frame, and slowly inflate it until it creates an opening. Do not over-inflate it, or you risk damaging the door. You should have enough space to insert an electrical wire hanger or other long thin object that is able to penetrate the door.

If you don't have a coat hanger, try a piece of tubing or some wire. This is a trick that professionals use to open cars, so it should work!

There are a variety of methods to unlock a locked car, but you must be careful to not cause damage to your vehicle lockout or yourself. Always try the simplest and most secure method first. Your insurance company could also cover these types of services! If nothing else works call 911 or a towing service. You'll be charged an amount that is small, but you'll save money and time in the end. The positive side is that a lot of us have locked our keys inside our cars at one time or another. It's a common mistake and usually won't cause any problems as long as you're aware of the proper steps to get your keys back! If you have an additional key in your home, ensure you are aware of where it is. If you don't, ask a trusted friend or relative to keep an extra key for you. To be safe, always make sure you have the keys before pressing the lock. These simple steps will prevent you from getting locked out of your car in the future!