People have their fair share of unlucky days when they feel like everything’s not going right. And, to top it off, after having a very stressful day, you realize that your car keys have been locked in. Perhaps, you’re in a rush and got distracted; this situation happens even to the best of people. Although a car lockout may be familiar to many people (don’t blame yourself if it happens to you, too), there are things you can do in such a situation.
This blog post will provide insightful advice on what to do when you experience a car lockout. Fortunately, with the advent of car technology, many newer cars come with ‘digital keys’ and may no longer require you to bring actual car keys. However, for most of you who use and drive conventional cars, read this article and know the best steps to take when caught up in a car lockout.
Here are some tips and tricks you can do:
- Check Out All The Car’s Doors
So, you realize you’ve locked your car keys inside. Before you go into full panic mode, remind yourself to breathe and stay calm. This situation happens sometimes, so cut yourself some slack and do the first step instead. You can begin by checking all of your car’s doors and windows. Chances are you may have left a tiny gap from the windows in which you can use your hand to reach into the lock inside. Or, maybe, a door was improperly locked due to its faulty function. Remember, however, that you need to have them fixed and replaced after retrieving your car keys to avoid theft and break-ins.
Depending on the car model you own, your car might have a hatchback, where you can possibly try to unlock all doors through the trunk. Although this might just have a slim chance, who knows, your car may be built to work with uniformed locks from the compartment.
- Call A Professional Car Locksmith
There’s no surer method to do when your car keys are locked in than calling the professionals. 24/7 locksmith services can attend to your needs if you ever experience lockouts. When you’ve exhausted your efforts and you realize nothing is working, it’s just best to have a qualified and reliable locksmith open your car for you. You probably should take note of a trustworthy locksmith, like J & L locksmith in Bend Oregon, so you can contact them whenever you’re caught in this predicament.
If you’re in a hurry to go somewhere and you can’t afford to try all the DIY unlocking methods, this option is the best way to go. With their services, you can rest easy, knowing that your car will be in good shape. Especially if you get stuck in a deserted place at night, with no nearby resources to run to, it’s just best to call these locksmith experts.
- Try DIY
In situations where you could spare some time to unlock your car yourself, take a quick look around you and check if valuable tools can help you. Although there are no definite things that will assure you to get back into your car, it’s still worth mentioning that you must exert an effort in finding some possible ways and methods that might do the trick.
Look around you and see if these following items are present:
- String
After reading this trick, you may find how useful it is to keep a string inside your bag in case of an emergency. Aside from using car hack tips to prepare for the worst, add this material to the list. If you check out some videos online, you’ll learn how to use a piece of string to unlock your car. Although this might be difficult to do for first-timers, it’s still worth a try.
Here are the things you must do:
- You need to tie the string into a knot. You can practice doing so by checking out some videos. This should result in a loop with the size of your index finger.
- Once the string is around the right side of the driver’s window, wiggle it around.
- Hold the single string using both of your hands, and move it back and forth. By then, you’ll be moving, similar to how you’re flossing a tooth. This movement aims to place the string further downside of the window, nearing the inside lock.
- Using both ends of the string, pull the loop tight, while maneuvering over the lock.
- You can unlock the car door by gently pulling up on the lock when you feel you have a secure grasp on it.
And, there you have it—you’ll be back on the road in no time. These steps may take more effort and tries than you expect, but, hey, if they work, then they’re worth trying.
Coat Hanger And Pliers
You may not have a coat hanger with you at any given time, but if you’re stuck somewhere where people live nearby, you might find a helpful stranger and ask if they can spare you their coat hanger and a pair of pliers. Be careful, however, when you ask for favors as some strangers may not be as helpful nor as safe as you think. To be sure, approach store owners or employees. Of course, you need to explain your situation. Otherwise, they might think you’re suspiciously unlocking someone else’s car.
With the help of a coat hanger, here’s what you can do:
- With pliers, arrange the coat hanger into one side, straight, and the other side being hooked.
- Now, slide the coat hanger in the middle of the window and the weather stripping. You may find a gap where you can place the hanger.
- If you finally reach the hook below the window, you can control the movement until it reaches the control arm.
- Finally, pull onto the control arm, and it can spring your car door open.
- Call A Family Or Friend
This step is a no-brainer, as most people do this based on instinct. When you need help with something, especially regarding road trouble, it’s always best to phone a family member or a friend.
Don’t hesitate to call anyone you’re close to. Even if you don’t feel like you’re in a difficult situation, getting locked out of your car can put you in a vulnerable position. It’s dangerous to stand by the side of the road or ask for help from strangers, so it’s a good idea to let others know if you need help and where you are.
When you inform your family, they might figure out a way for you or, in the best chance of things, find your spare car key in your home, which you might’ve forgotten that you have. Even if they don’t have an extra key, you can also inform them of the tools you’ll be needing, like the ones mentioned before this number. Furthermore, phoning them will make them feel relieved that you’re safe. They’ll, indeed, find ways to get help or come to you to be with you physically.
- Call The Police
Law enforcement officers often face this situation. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help from them when you’re caught in a car lockout. However, they might not come if the department is busy or if the area is bustling. But, in situations where your car is running, then a police intervention is a must. This is because your property will be at risk for the possibilities of theft. The car keys will be easily visible to a thief who can break into the vehicle. You can’t leave your car unattended. And, if you’re stuck in a place where you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, then it’s more of a reason you need to call 911.
This needs to be at the top of the list, especially if it’s an emergency scenario. If you’re a female stuck at night on a deserted roadside, this option is more than understandable. It’s also strongly recommended that you use this method if you have a baby or a pet animal stuck inside your car. In such situations, ensure that the police officer will come to the rescue as soon as possible. It’s best to observe your environment first, and when you feel that there’s a small percentage of unsafety, it’d be best to call the police.
As a bonus, not only will they protect you, but there might be a way for them to unlock your car by themselves.
Conclusion
This article can help you prevent being locked out for a long time if you apply the different tips mentioned above. Even if you decide to use any one of these methods, you should always start with the most straightforward solution, and that’s to get the services of a car locksmith. Be sure to save their number along with your list of emergency contacts so you know who to call when you get stuck in a car lockout situation.
Embrace this opportunity to become more aware and responsible. If you need a spare car key, you might want to consider acquiring duplicates. Keep the spare keys in your wallet so you can have them anytime you need them. They’re pretty light and handy anyway, so try to keep spare keys every day, especially if you feel like you’re the forgetful type of person.
