Confused on what to do if you lock keys in car? We’ve all been there—standing outside your car, staring through the window at your keys dangling from the ignition. It’s a moment of panic, followed by frustration, and then the big question: What do you do now?
Locking your keys in your car is an unfortunate but common mishap, and it’s not as disastrous as it might seem at first. There are several steps you can take to get back into your car quickly and safely. Let’s break down your options.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is take a deep breath and stay calm. Panicking won’t help, and the situation might not be as dire as it seems. Check to see if all the doors are truly locked—sometimes, one might remain unlocked.
If you’re lucky, you can simply open a different door and retrieve your keys. Also, check the trunk; some vehicles allow access to the interior from the trunk, so you might be able to reach your keys that way.
2. Consider Your Options Based on Location
Your next steps will depend on where you are and what resources you have available. Are you at home or in a parking lot? Do you have a spare key nearby? If you’re near your house, and you have a spare key indoors, the solution might be as simple as getting that spare. But if you’re far from home or your spare key isn’t easily accessible, you’ll need to explore other options.
3. Use Roadside Assistance Services
If you have roadside assistance through your car insurance, a membership club like AAA, or a vehicle manufacturer warranty, now is the time to use it. Most roadside assistance programs cover lockout services, and a professional will come to your location to help you unlock your car. This is typically the safest and most reliable method, especially if you’re unsure about using tools or techniques yourself.
4. Call a Professional Locksmith
If you don’t have roadside assistance, calling a professional locksmith is another reliable option. Locksmiths are trained to unlock cars without causing damage to the vehicle. While there’s a cost involved, it’s worth paying to avoid potential damage from trying to unlock the car yourself. Locksmiths often arrive quickly and can handle most car models.
5. Use a Lockout Tool
If you’re in a situation where professional help isn’t immediately available, you might consider using a lockout tool. These tools, like a “slim jim” or a wedge, can help you unlock the car yourself.
However, using these tools requires some knowledge and skill, as improper use can damage your car’s locks, windows, or electronics.
Here’s a basic rundown of how it might work:
- Slim Jim: This thin, flat piece of metal is designed to slip between the window and weather stripping of the car door to manually manipulate the lock mechanism. This tool is best suited for older cars with simpler locking mechanisms.
- Inflatable Wedge: This device can be used to create a gap between the door and the car frame, allowing you to insert a long rod or wire hanger to unlock the door from the inside.
Warning: Using these tools improperly can cause damage to your car’s locking system, so it’s generally better to leave this to the professionals unless you’re experienced.
6. Use a Wire Hanger or Shoelace
If you’re feeling particularly resourceful, you might try using a wire hanger or a shoelace to unlock your car. This method is typically only effective on older vehicles with manual locks.
Wire Hanger Method:
- Untwist the wire hanger so it’s a long, straight piece of metal with a small hook at the end.
- Slide the hanger between the window and the weather stripping, and try to hook it onto the locking mechanism to pull it up.
Shoelace Method:
- Tie a slipknot in the middle of the shoelace.
- Carefully work the lace into the door crack and position the knot over the lock.
- Tighten the knot and pull upward to unlock the door.
Both methods require patience and a bit of finesse. Be aware that these techniques are not guaranteed to work on all vehicles and can take several attempts.
7. Check for a Hidden Key
Many cars have a hidden key within the key fob that can manually unlock the door. If your key fob has a hidden key, you might be able to open the car even if the electronic remote is locked inside. Check your car’s manual or look for a small release switch on the key fob.
8. Break a Window (Only as a Last Resort)
Breaking a window should be your absolute last resort, used only in emergencies. For example, if a child or pet is locked inside the car on a hot day, breaking the window is necessary to prevent harm.
If you do need to break a window, aim for the corner of a side window, which is easier to shatter than the middle. Be sure to cover your hand and arm with a piece of cloth to protect yourself from the glass.
9. Prevent Future Lockouts
Once you’ve regained access to your car, take steps to avoid locking yourself out again. Here are some tips:
- Keep a spare key in a secure location outside the car, such as in a magnetic lockbox under the vehicle or at home.
- Get a keyless entry system or app for your car, which allows you to unlock your car with your smartphone.
- Always take your keys with you when you exit the car, even if you’re just stepping out for a moment.
Conclusion
Locking your keys in your car is a frustrating experience, but with a calm approach and the right tools or services, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Whether you rely on professional help or try to unlock the car yourself, the key is to assess your situation carefully and choose the safest and most effective solution. And remember, with a bit of preparation, you can avoid lockouts altogether in the future.
Chinedu Chikwem is an automotive enthusiast and graduate of automotive mechatronics with a passion for simplifying complex automobile concepts. As an author, He specializes in making traditional and electric vehicle terminology accessible to all, leveraging his deep understanding of automotive engineering and technology.