Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage

Don't panic if you've locked your keys inside your vehicle. You can try several techniques before calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.

You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to raise the post lock. Or you can untwist a wire coathanger and form it into a hook. You can also make use of an inflatable wedge or a door wedge.

Pump Wedge

If you've been trapped in a car locked up and none of the DIY options like shoestrings, wire hangers or wedges are working for you, it's time to call an expert. A locksmith or a repo service provider could have special lockout tools that can allow you to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage.

Use them correctly when they are available. Know where to insert the wedge tool. Many people mistakenly put the wedge in the top corner of the door, where it is most vulnerable to damage. This is a bad move, as you may damage the wires and weather stripping inside the doors. Instead, put the wedge in the biggest area of the gap is visible and where it will be the strongest leverage.

The Pump Wedge is a premium inflatable wedge that is made of heavy duty non-marring vinyl material. It is able to slide between the door of your vehicle and the door frame and is pumped up to create a space that allows you to slide in other tools such as a long-reach car opening tool rod. It also has a hook at one end that you can bend to hold the latch within the door handle.

A less costly alternative is a pair made of wooden door stops. They can be put in the rear of the door to pry the space wide enough to accommodate rods. You could also try using an jim that is slim, which is thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook that can be used to latch on the lock and pull it up. This method isn't without practice, however, since you should be cautious not to damage the weather stripping on the door.

A shoelace is a good alternative, but it's only on older vehicles that don't have a push button for the unlock mechanism. You can tie a slip knot in the middle of the lace and then move it up and down through the door's seam until you locate the latch. Then move the lace up and down until it is able to catch on the lock opener near me. Tighten the slip knot, then pull upward. This is a more difficult method and could scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if not done with care.

Inflatable Wedge

If you have an inflatable wedge-shaped car door opener, you'll be able to quickly unlock your car without the need for prying or slim jim tools. The wedges can be positioned between the frame and the window of the car and, when inflated, create a large opening to place a tool with a lengthy reach, like a button grabber or slim jim. This method is far less dangerous than using a tool to pry and can be utilized even when you don't have access an screwdriver.

Another good option for unlocking a car without damaging the interior or exterior is to utilize a coat hanger that has been bent into a hook. It can be used to grab the lock button, and it might be more effective than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of your car. However, you should still check all of the doors to make sure there isn't another way to gain access.

You can also use a plastic bag and twist it into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag, since it can make the situation worse. This technique is especially helpful in the event that you cannot locate the lock button. It might not be as secure as using an iron wedge or coat hanger but it could help when you're in an awkward situation.

Keep at peace and always put safety first. There are many options to solve this kind of problem, and if you study this article, you will be prepared for any situation that comes your way. By following the steps we've given you will be able to unlock your car and get on with your day without causing any damage or stress. If you're able to, make sure to bring your keys with you before you leave your car.

Shoelace

It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can cause a lot of trouble. It's a good idea to have a few tools that you can use to unlock your car without breaking any windows. Some of these items are simple to find and can save you the expense of a locksmith or waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.

A shoelace or twine could be used to unlock a car door open. It's easy to use and can be used on a variety of vehicles. This method is only applicable to vehicles with post locks. They can be placed vertically on the sill of the window and are easily accessible outside the car. Use a shoelace as well as a slip knot to get the job done. Then, slide the shoelace through the crack between the window and door frame. Once the slip knot is positioned, pull the ends of the string up to lasso it.

This method is more effective for older vehicles. It may not work with newer models with a hooked interior lock. If you have a screwdriver handy to use, you can use it to open the door more aggressively. Another option is to grab a pole from a nearby object, like a doorframe, or a piece of wood, and place it into the window frame to make space for the rod you'll use to push the lock's interior button.

While the methods mentioned above may be safe for a lot of drivers, it's best to call for assistance if you are able to. This will stop any further damage to your vehicle, and it can also lower the risk of an accident resulting from the stress of the situation. If you don't have a cell phone or aren't able to call for assistance Be aware that it is crucial to inform trusted friends and family members know where your car is at all times. A spare set of keys must be kept in a convenient spot on your vehicle.

Wire Hanger

It is a frustrating situation to put your keys in your car. But, the most important thing is to remain calm and think about what options you have to get them back. You will avoid making the situation more difficult if you don't panic.

You can also use a modified wire hanger for entry into your car. You will need uncoil the coat hanger wire to make a straight end with a hook you can use to move your lock rod. When you have reached the rod that locks your door you should be able to pull it up and let the door open.

Another option that you can consider is using a rod or even an element of metal from the body of your car. It is important that you ensure that you don't cause damage to the vehicle in this procedure and it is ideal to do this without taking the car apart. Also, try to be as patient as possible because this method is likely to be more effective on older cars than on modern ones, however it is still a viable option when you own a car with a distinctive outer door handle style.

You can also use a shoestring as well as an slip knot to accomplish a similar trick. This can be done on the postlock, but it will be more difficult to maneuver because you'll rely on the tension of the string to grab it. You can accomplish this by threading a shoestring through the small hole you create in the weatherstripping that is on your vehicle's doors. After the string is in you can pull it tightly to create a loop which will snap around the lock and allow you to take it off. This method can be extremely effective if you are lucky enough to locate the lock in the correct place.