How to Get Into Locked Car

Have you ever felt anxious when you believed your car keys were locked inside? Even though it may be inconvenient, there are steps you can take to solve the issue and gain access to your car.

It is crucial to avoid rash judgments in the case of a car lockout. If you're at home, it's a good idea to look for a spare key. Using this simple workaround may save you from taking additional steps.

However, if you find yourself in this situation away from home, you might not know what to do. This guidebook contains all the information you need to properly manage this circumstance.

DIY tools to reach inside

When purchasing a car, chances are you didn't consider the type of locks your vehicle has. There are various DIY-friendly ways to get back into your locked car. If it doesn't have post locks, you can use the following tools:

Coat hanger

If your car has horizontal locks, you can untwist and shape a coat hanger into a hook. Try to maneuver the hook around the lock through the car door and then pull to see if it unlocks.

Screwdriver and metal rod

Without the keys, you can try to unlock your car door using a screwdriver and a metal rod. First, create a small opening with the screwdriver before inserting the metal rod. Be cautious as these tools can potentially damage the vehicle.

Spatula

Surprisingly, everyday kitchen tools like a spatula might help you unlock a car. Insert a spatula between the door and frame to create space and help pry it open. If you can open the door with the spatula, you can unlock it from the inside.

Air bag pump wedge

An air bag pump wedge can assist in opening your car door. This tool inflates the space between the car doors, creating an opening large enough to insert other tools and unlock the car effectively.

Plastic strip

If you have a strip of plastic, fold it into a U-shape and insert the closed bottom portion between the door jamb. Then lift it to create space.

Car companion app

With recent technological advancements, the automotive industry has introduced innovative tools to enhance a driver's experience. One such innovation is the emergence of car companion apps.

These apps, primarily created by manufacturers, provide a practical method to control your car directly from your smartphone. "There's probably an app for that" is a saying that fits this situation nicely.

These applications can serve as a key, permit location sharing, provide real-time data on your car's charge or fuel level, allow you to adjust the thermostat, turn on the headlights remotely, and even function as a personal assistant.

It's important to note that newer car models often come with these features. However, as the automobile industry evolves, these applications might become more widespread and available for both new and old cars.

If you're concerned about losing your car keys, consider using a key finder app. This operates like a fob that you can attach to your keys and track using your smartphone, helping you locate them even if they are misplaced.

Use your shoelace

When trying to gain access to a locked car, you might not think that your shoes could help. Surprisingly, your shoelace can assist in unlocking your car.

However, it's essential to note that not all car locks can be opened this way. Your car needs post locks, which are locks that protrude vertically from the window sill.

These are opened by pulling them up and are visible from outside the vehicle. If your car has this type of lock, here's what you can do:

1. Remove a shoelace from your shoe.
2. Approximately 5 inches from the middle of the lace, tie a slip knot.
3. Insert the shoelace between the car door and the door frame, holding one end of the lace at the top of the window and the other end at the door's opening.
4. Use a flossing motion to loop the slip knot around the post lock.
5. Pull both ends of the shoelace to grip the post and pull upwards while tightening the knot.

Hopefully, this method will unlock your car. If you're wearing slip-on shoes or sandals and don't have shoelaces, see if you can borrow some from someone else.

Get professional help

Being locked out of your car can be stressful, and sometimes DIY methods don't work. If you can't unlock your vehicle on your own, it's time to call in the experts.

Roadside assistance

If you have access to roadside assistance, you can call these professionals for help. If your car is locked, they will come to your location.

For Metro Mile customers with roadside assistance, you can use the GPS function on your app to share your car's location if you've moved temporarily to get a signal. Support will then come to your location to unlock your car.

Locksmith

If you don't have roadside assistance, your best bet is to contact a car locksmith. They can open your car without causing damage and address any malfunctioning locks that led to the lockout. Additionally, they can make new keys if the originals are lost or damaged.

Replacement key

If you need an additional car key, gather the following information before proceeding:

• A form of identification, along with your driver's license.
• Your car's make, model, and year.
• The car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• A V5C logbook containing your details.

This information proves your ownership of the car and grants permission to access it. Store your logbook securely at home, ensuring it's accessible during emergencies.