Tricks to Unlock Your Car Without Roadside Assistance
Imagine coming home after a long day at work and discovering that you've locked your keys inside your car. It's a frustrating and annoying experience, but you are able to fix it without calling roadside assistance.
Be calm and observe the situation with care. If you are able, employ non-destructive methods like a wedge or modified coat hanger to gain access to your vehicle.
1. Hiding behind your tires
Imagine walking to your car at the end of a long, exhausting day and realizing you've locked your keys. It's a terrible feeling. This can be a very stressful experience, whether you're running to the store or heading home after work.
One of the most common methods to avoid being stranded is to conceal your key somewhere around or on your vehicle. The best place to keep your spare key isn't on your car, but rather in a location that is easily accessible and safe.
You might want to not hide your spare key behind your tires because it's not the most discreet place and could be easily spotted by onlookers. A burglar can easily break through your door and take keys.
Another good place to hide 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. Plus, it's a good location because it will safeguard your spare key from weather and debris.
You can also keep keys for your car in a lockbox attached to your door handle. These boxes are typically designed for homes, but they can also be attached to the handle of your car and appear like a normal doorknob. If you're worried about scratching your car's door, there are lockboxes with rubber casings designed to protect against scratches.
2. You can hide behind your license plate
It's easy to lose the key fob when you are rushing out of the door. If you have an extra key fob, or other method of unlocking your vehicle, hiding it under your license plate is an option. The key fob is shielded from water, dirt and other things that could damage it. It will still be in a position to open the doors even if locked out.
If you don't have a spare key fob try using a coat hanger. It's an easy and cheap way to break into your car and won't scratch or damage it. Read the Full Guide can purchase a coat hanger at most supermarkets, discount stores and pharmacies, or even find one in your emergency kit.
Another option is to wedge your keys into the spot where you open the gas cap. It is not advisable to wedge keys too far or they could be difficult to reach. Certain cars may have a space behind the windshield wiper hinges, where you can hide your keys but this could be risky if a person is driving your vehicle.
While there are a few techniques that can assist you when you lock your keys in your car, the most effective approach is to avoid from doing it completely. Newer vehicles have security features that keep you from locking your keys inside your car, and many roadside assistance providers provide new services, such as remote unlocking.
3. Hiding behind your tailpipe
A majority of newer vehicles have keys that lock the doors with a single click. Older vehicles may require more effort to unlock the doors manually. For this reason, it's recommended to keep keys in a safe place in your vehicle. If you're in a bind, you can use tools like pliers or screwdrivers to open up the door frame, or an inflatable blood pressure cuff to create a gap through which you can reach your keys.
If you don't have these tools available, a twine or shoelace can be used to get into the vehicle locked. Simply put the string through the hole in the door's weather strip and either pull it up to release the lock button or, if you have a post lock, tap on the top of the post with a rod made of metal and watch as it jiggles into an open position.
Other hidden spots in your car could be the space behind the air vent where you can store valuables without fear of being crushed when you switch on the vent. Additionally, certain automobiles have deep recesses where the windshield wiper hinges are. It's an excellent idea to place the keys here to keep them out of sight however, don't go too deep or you might hear them jingle whenever you leave your car.
4. You can hide behind 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 get you back in. If you don't have a person nearby there are some tricks you can try using to unlock your car.
First, check if the keyfob is working correctly. Valet keys often lack an electronic chip, which means they are unable to start the car. If this is the case, then replace the battery on the key fob and check whether that solves the problem.
You could also try to manually lock your vehicle using the handle. Most cars have a manual lock on the door handle that can be activated by turning the knob toward the trunk or the hood. This method should work in the majority of instances, but if it doesn't, you may need to try another technique.
You could also unlock your vehicle using a wire hanger. Straighten the hanger out and then insert it into the door frame's seal just above the power unlock or lock button. Then, gently guide the hook end of hanger into the lock button.
If you've tried all of these strategies but are still unable to unlock your car, then it's time to call an expert. 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 spare keys.
5. Cover your hood behind your hood
The terrifying moment you realize you locked the keys to your car isn't just an inconvenience it could be dangerous especially if you have a kid or pet in the car. Although you may be in a state of panic and wondering how to escape this situation, it's important to remain calm and find a way to open the car door.
One of the most common methods to unlock your car without a key is to utilize an altered wire coat hanger. To do this, simply straighten the hanger and then insert it into the lock. Then, use the hook to open the door and then unlock your vehicle. If you don't have a wire coat hanger, you could also make use of other tools such as pliers, or even a metal rod. These tools are more difficult to use, but can be used to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key with you to ensure that you don't lock the keys inside your car. You can store it in a place where thieves won't be able to find it or by always having it in your possession. You can also buy an electronic lockbox that you can use to store your spare keys. You can also leave a spare key with someone you trust and know. Be sure they know how to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
6. You're hiding behind your vehicle
Imagine that you're driving to work or heading home after a long work day and you lock your keys in the car. It's an incredibly stressful scenario that affects millions of people each year. The most effective thing to do when this happens is stay calm and figure out what to do. There are numerous ways to get your keys back in the car, such as using a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or even an bobby pin.
You can also keep an extra key in your car to avoid being locked out in future. Certain cars have features that prevent you from locking your keys inside the car. Other vehicles have services such as OnStar which can allow you to unlock your car remotely. If you do not have any of these options, try placing your spare keys in a secure location where a thief would not take notice.
It's probably time to call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys, or if none of these hacks work. There's no need to be worried when you lock your keys in the car, and a quick call to a locksmith can save you lots of hassle and stress. To avoid this situation in the future, remember to check your pockets prior to leaving and consider keeping an extra key in a safe place. It's also a good idea to install an alarm system in your car and ensure you're not rushing when you're getting in and out of the car.