(Note:Can’t afford going through all these DIY tips to unlock your car?Call our professional emergency auto locksmith services in Arizona at (602) 344-9599.)
Ever locked your keys in the car? Yeah, it happens to all of us at some point. There you are, ready to hit the road, and you realize your keys are sitting on the front seat, tantalizingly out of reach behind the locked door.
Don’t panic – help is on the way. Before you call the locksmith or smash a window in frustration, try these simple tricks to retrieve your keys yourself.
You’ve got this under control and you’ll be back on the road in no time. After all, it’s just a little locked door standing between you and your keys.
Outsmart that door and get your keys back with these clever techniques so you can carry on with your day uninterrupted. Stay calm and read on, your keys will be back in your hand before you know it.
(But First Of All…
As inconvenient as locking your keys in the car can be, try to remain patient through the process. Getting angry or impatient will only make the situation more frustrating. Take a few deep breaths and remember that this too shall pass. Keep in mind for next time to have an extra set of keys made in case this happens again. Being prepared can save a lot of time and hassle. Staying calm and proactively solving problems will get you back on the road again in no time.)
LET’S SEE WHAT CAN WORK FOR YOU….
Check If You’ve A Spare Key Outside Or Call For The One:
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of locking your keys inside your car, having a spare key can be a lifesaver. In such instances, reaching out to someone who can bring you the spare key becomes your best course of action.
Whether it’s a trusted family member, a reliable friend, or even a professional roadside assistance service, their assistance can swiftly resolve the issue. A quick phone call and the availability of a spare key can turn your frustration into relief as you regain access to your locked car without much hassle.
Check If A Window Is Unlocked
Walk around your vehicle and try each door and window to see if any are open. Pull firmly on each handle and push or slide each window to make sure it’s fully secured. Sometimes doors or windows aren’t properly closed and latched, even if they appear to be.
If all doors and windows are locked, see if there’s a way to unlock one from the outside. Many vehicles have a manual lock or unlock button on the door frame or window that can be accessed with a long, thin object like a coat hanger, ruler or umbrella. Slide the object between the window and door frame or molding to push the lock or unlock button. You may need to push firmly and wiggle the object to get it into the right position.
As another option, check if your vehicle has a manual trunk release cable located in the trunk. The cable typically has a T-shaped handle that can be pulled to unlock the trunk. You may need to remove or fold down part of the trunk lining or panel to access it. If possible, pull the cable to unlock the trunk, then open the trunk and access your keys.
Some vehicles also have lockout access panels, typically located under a trim panel, wheel well or door sill, that provide direct access to unlock linkages or cables. You’ll need tools like a screwdriver, pliers or wrench to remove fasteners and access the panel. Be very careful not to damage components if attempting this method.
Use A Slim Jim Or Coat Hanger Tool
The easiest method is to use a slim jim or coat hanger tool. These long, thin rods can slip between the window and door frame to unlock the door. You’ll want to slide the tool down between the window and the rubber seal or weather stripping around the door. Maneuver the tool to press the unlock button. This may take a few tries to get right, so be patient.
If that doesn’t work, you can try using a wire clothes hanger. Straighten out the hanger and bend one end to form a small hook or point. Slide the hanger down between the window and seal and try to grab the lock tab or button to unlock the door. Again, this can take some finessing to get hooked onto the right spot.
The Shoelace Method
This method is suitable for cars with a pull-up lock mechanism. Take a long shoelace or a strong, flexible string and tie a small loop in the middle.
Insert the shoelace through the top corner of the driver’s side door, opposite the lock. Maneuver the shoelace until you can loop it around the lock knob, pull it upwards, and unlock the door. This method may not work with all car models.
If These Methods Don’t Work, Call A Locksmith Or Roadside Assistance
If you’ve locked your keys in the car, don’t panic. Help is out there. Your best options are calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.
Roadside assistance through your auto insurance or another service can unlock your vehicle for free or a small fee. Give them a call, provide details about your location and vehicle, and a technician will be on the way to pop your lock or access your spare key.
If you don’t have roadside assistance, call a locksmith. They have the proper tools and training to open your vehicle without causing damage. Search online for “mobile locksmith” along with your location. Check reviews to find a reputable one, then give them a call. Explain your situation and they’ll provide an estimate of the service call fee before dispatching a locksmith to you.
The locksmith will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and will ask to see your ID and vehicle registration to ensure it’s your vehicle before proceeding.
Call The Police Or Fire Department As A Last Resort
Calling the police or fire department to unlock your vehicle should really be a last resort. Their resources are limited and unlocking vehicles takes them away from responding to real emergencies. However, if you’ve exhausted all other options and need to get into your locked vehicle urgently, don’t hesitate to call for help.
When you call, explain your situation clearly and let them know you’ve already tried other methods to retrieve your keys. Provide the make, model, year, color and license plate number of your vehicle. Also give them your current location and a phone number where you can be reached. The dispatcher will determine if an officer or fire crew is available to assist you. If not, they can suggest alternative resources or advise you on next steps.
The Conclusion
So these are some options to get your keys out of a locked vehicle. But these methods might not work on every vehicle, and there’s a risk of damaging your car if not done properly. It’s recommended to prioritize safety and consider seeking professional help to avoid causing any harm to yourself or your vehicle.
We’ve all been there – in a rush and distracted – only to face that moment of panic realizing the keys are still in the ignition with the doors sealed shut. Try to stay calm, assess your options, and get creative. You’ve got this under control. Take a deep breath and think through the steps.
And keep an emergency locksmith number handy to have a peace of mind in such scenarios. Or you can give our emergency auto locksmith a call at (602) 344-9599 if the lockout happens in Arizona.
