Car owners may find themselves in an unpleasant situation where the keys are locked inside the car. There are many reasons for this: from accidentally slamming the door to the alarm going off or the locks freezing in winter. The main thing, when faced with a locked car without keys, is not to panic. In such situations, there is always a desire to solve the problem quickly, but it is better to avoid radical methods such as breaking a window or damaging the locks. Instead, there are safe ways to unlock the car without causing damage to it. Below, we will look at how exactly you can open a locked car and gain access to the keys without damaging the vehicle.
How to unlock a locked car?
First of all, you should remember the location of the spare set of keys and the key fob. Most often, they are kept at home and not taken on trips. If you have duplicates, you will only need to either contact your household members and ask them to bring the set or go get it yourself.
If the car slammed shut with the keys inside during a trip or no one is home, what should you do? In such a situation, if your insurance policy includes a door unlock service, you should call the insurance company and wait for specialists to arrive.
If your policy does not include such an option, the best choice would be to call masters from an emergency specialized service. The arrival time of professionals depends on the location of your car.
You should not seek help from private masters or strangers who claim they can open the vehicle with improvised means. Firstly, they may not have sufficient qualifications to unlock the car without damage. Secondly, none of them are responsible for possible damages.
Advantages of calling specialists:
- Quick arrival on site.
- Door opening without damage.
- Safety guarantee.
- Support from experienced masters with the necessary tools.
What to do if the car is locked with the keys inside and there is no help to wait for?
Imagine: the phone is dead, you are in a remote area, and the keys are left inside the locked car. Calling for help is useless; you need to act on your own. Use improvised means:
Shoelace
Most likely, you only have what’s in your pockets. For example, a shoelace from a shoe will do. Make a self-tightening loop in the middle of it. Carefully insert the shoelace into the top corner of the driver’s side door. Loop it over the serrated head of the lock button (the so-called “soldier”) and tighten it. Pull the lace upward. It is important to remember that this method only works with serrated lock buttons; the loop will slip off smooth ones.
Wood Splinter and Wire
If the shoelace didn’t help, try using a smooth wooden splinter with a thin edge and a piece of stiff wire about a meter long. Instead of a splinter, it’s best to use a pneumatic wedge or a blood pressure cuff.
Carefully insert the splinter into the corner of the driver’s door and gently tap it inward to pry the door open. Be careful not to damage the paint or deform the body. When the gap reaches about 0.5 cm, slip the wire through and try to press the power window button or the door lock button with it.
Any driver can find themselves in a situation with keys locked inside the car. To deal with this problem quickly and safely, it’s better to use professional services or have a spare key on hand. Regular preventive measures will help avoid such situations in the future.
Doors are locked: what to do?
Finding yourself in this situation is unpleasant, but there’s no need to panic. If the problem happens not far from home, it’s easier to solve than on a highway. Here are a few methods you can try:
- Air Power: Tennis Ball. Take a regular tennis ball and make a small cut (2-4 cm) with a sharp knife. Press the hole firmly against the keyhole and squeeze the ball sharply with both hands. The air wave directed into the lock can create enough pressure to lift the locking mechanism. Don’t give up after the first try!
- Lever and Hook: Ruler or Wire. Find a metal or plastic ruler and make a small hook on one end by filing it with a saw. Carefully pry back the rubber window seal and slide the ruler about 30-35 cm deep between the glass and the door. Try to hook the rod responsible for opening the door. Pull the ruler upward, lifting the lock catch. Instead of a ruler, you can use strong, thin steel wire bent into a hook shape.
- Through the Trunk. If the trunk is open, you’re in luck! Fold down the back seats by releasing the latches and climb into the cabin to get the keys.
- Radical Method: Breaking the Lock Cylinder. This option should only be considered as a last resort, as it will damage the lock. Insert a screwdriver into the lock cylinder and force it to turn.
- Duplicate via VIN Code. If you can manage without the car for a while, order a duplicate key using the VIN code. This is the safest and most reliable method, though not the fastest.
Keys locked inside: how to open the car?
Unlocking an older domestic car if the keys are locked inside is much easier than unlocking a modern foreign car. New vehicles are equipped with reliable security systems that effectively resist most break-in attempts. To open the doors of an expensive car, special equipment is needed to decode the signals of the security system.
Therefore, if your car is locked with the keys inside and you are out of town, your attempts to open it yourself may be unsuccessful. You will be left with two options: look for a ride to fetch a qualified specialist who can open the car without damage, or break a window. If you do decide to take extreme measures, choose a rear side window, not a small vent window—replacing the latter will be significantly more expensive.
Keys in the Trunk: How to Open It?
Anyone can find themselves in a situation where keys are left inside a locked trunk. If you’re lucky and the passenger doors remain unlocked, the solution is elementary: simply fold down the rear seatbacks (usually by pulling special levers or loops located on the top of the seatbacks or in the trunk) and retrieve the keys. However, if the cabin is also locked, the situation becomes more difficult but not hopeless. Here are a few methods you can try before resorting to extreme measures:
- On some domestic cars, you can open the trunk by striking the area of the lock firmly with your hand.
- Try piercing the rubber seal of the trunk lid near the lock with an awl or a sharp object and sliding the locking latch to the side.
- On some models, access to the trunk lock can be gained by removing the light that illuminates the license plate.
Slammed Shut? What to Do?
You can try to open the car yourself or turn to a private locksmith. However, remember that in this case, no one can guarantee a successful result without damage. If you need to open the car quickly and carefully, it’s better to contact a reputable company specializing in such services. This will ensure the safety of your car and save you time and nerves.
Professional services specializing in car unlocking possess not only the necessary experience and knowledge but also specialized equipment that allows them to open a car without damaging the locks, body, or electronics. They work legally, are responsible for their work, and often offer 24/7 assistance, which is especially important in emergencies. By choosing professionals, you are investing in the safety of your car and your own peace of mind, avoiding the risk of costly repairs after a failed DIY attempt.