Accidentally locking your keys in your vehicle can be a stressful experience and is one of those bone-headed moves every driver is bound to make at least once. You could be the smartest or the most careful person, but mistakes do happen. Knowing how to get keys out of a locked car without having to call a locksmith or have the vehicle towed to the manufacturer’s outlet is an opportunity to make up for your error.
How you get into the vehicle will depend on the type of door locks your car has, and the tools you have at your disposal. There are a variety of ways you can regain access to your vehicle, but we’ll only discuss two of the most effective. Before trying any of these methods, ensure that there’s no easier way to access your car, like an open door, trunk, or a spare key.
This method is most effective on the newer model cars that have buttons along the door’s armrest or automatic door locks. Done correctly, this method will give you access to your vehicle in less than 15 minutes, but it is also the most likely to damage your door if done the wrong way. So you’ll need to be extra-cautious when you’re wedging the door open so as not to apply too much pressure on the window that may cause the glass to break.
You will need something to pry open the door, such as a air wedge bag, or a screwdriver, flat spanner. Insert the screwdriver, spanner, or whatever you have into the space between the top corner of the door and frame of the vehicle, then gradually press the wedge into the space you’ve created.
Depending on the type of tool you’re using, you may need to place a piece of cloth on the area to minimize damage to your paint.
If you’ve been successful with the first step, you’ll now need a rod to complete the job. Look for a rod that’s neither too rigid nor too malleable, a metal hanger should do.
Now, bend the hanger in the middle so it curves into a shape you can reach the lock with. Keep modifying the shape of the hanger if you find it difficult to reach the lock with it.
The hanger method is one of the most classic ways to get into your car. This method is very effective for older cars that have post-style door lock with a small knob at the top instead of a push-to-unlock button
Like the first method above, you still need to wedge the door before you try to get to the lock. You could even use a hanger in the previous method, but for this method, you will need to bend the tip of the hanger into a “V” shape so that the v-shaped tip will hook onto the neck of the door lock, pull and you’re in.
I know these may sound “easier said than done” especially when you are panicking, but we’ve tried 1 and 2; there’s a third method but not worth getting into as it is more difficult than the previous two. What if this isn’t something you can do or the tools aren’t around, is there a way you can get into your vehicle? Yes.
The methods above work for door locks that are exposed, but if you happen to have one of those vehicles where the door locks are recessed inside the interior door handle, then you might need to get professional help.
Hopefully, this gives you the motivation you need to get a spare key made.
Or, in the first place…
Ultimately this is one of those problems that can easily be avoided with a little proactive planning on your part. Having spare key tucked somewhere safe and secure on your vehicle is a solution that doesn’t cost much effort, money, or skill. It can be as simple as using a string to tie a spare key somewhere hidden on the vehicle, somewhere within the engine compartment.
I don’t have much confidence in the magnetic key holder, especially as I go off-road very often where shock and vibrations are a part of the journey. But, if you choose to take this route, consider securing the key in place instead of relying on the magnet. Be clever about where you choose to hide your key so you don’t open yourself to being car-jacked; you might be tempted to hide your house keys in the same place, don’t do it. And please, remember to check that the key is in place now and then.
If you locked yourself out of the vehicle while you had the trunk open, you might be able to manoeuver the rear seat out of the way and gain access to the vehicle, or you could hide a spare key in the trunk. Either way, ensure then trunk doesn’t close on you while you try moving the seat out of the way.
If you have a newer vehicle, chances are that it comes with an electronic door opener or “digital keys” that prevents you from locking the doors while the key is in the vehicle. Unfortunately, if you lose this gadget, it could take days and a lot of dollars to get a replacement, and you’ll probably need to tow the vehicle to the dealer who will order a replacement key.
Both methods of gaining access into your vehicle will probably damage your door seal, so get that fixed to prevent water from leaking in. If someone sees you prying a car door open with a crowbar they’ll think you’re stealing your car and might call the cops on you, so have other people around or, at the very least, do not dress like a car thief.
Oh, and try not to lock your keys in the car.
