What to Do When You’re Locked Out of Your Car

Picture this: you’re in a rush, perhaps running late for an important meeting or stranded in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, and to your dismay, you discover that you’ve been locked out of your car. It’s a scenario that can induce anxiety and frustration. 

Yet, before succumbing to panic or dialling a professional locksmith, there are various methods and strategies that might just save the day. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of regaining access to your car, exploring a spectrum of solutions from the simple elegance of a spare key to more inventive and resourceful techniques.

Join us on this journey through troubleshooting, DIY methods, and essential tips to navigate the inconvenience of a locked car with poise and resourcefulness.

Get a Spare Key

The first and most straightforward solution is rooted in a simple yet often overlooked practice – having a spare key. Most car owners are provided with an additional set of keys upon the purchase of their vehicle. 

The critical aspect here is not just possessing a spare key but strategically placing it in a secure and accessible location. While the immediate impulse might be to keep it within the glove compartment, consider the potential irony of having your spare key locked inside the car.

Instead, opt for a more failsafe approach, such as leaving it at home with a trusted friend or family member or utilising a magnetic lockbox securely attached to the vehicle. The spare key isn’t just a tangible backup; it’s a proactive measure that can save you from the inconvenience of being locked out, offering a swift and hassle-free solution to an otherwise distressing situation. 

Taking a moment to reflect on the whereabouts of your spare key and ensuring its accessibility could be the key – quite literally – to resolving a lockout with minimal stress and effort.

Troubleshoot the Locks

Before giving in to the rising panic of being locked out, it’s crucial to adopt a methodical approach by troubleshooting the locks. Begin by meticulously inspecting all the doors and windows of your vehicle. 

Surprisingly, a door or window might not be entirely secure, offering you a potential point of entry that could have been overlooked in the initial distress. Check each lock and latch, ensuring that they are fully engaged or disengaged as intended. It’s not uncommon for a simple oversight to be the cause of the lockout.

Use Your App

For those with newer car models, a mobile app provided by your car manufacturer can remotely unlock your car. Brands like Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, and others offer such services. Ensure your vehicle is paired with the app for such emergencies.

DIY methods of unlocking the car

Unlock Manual Locks with String or Fishing Line

If your car has post-type locks, you can use a string or fishing line. Create a slipknot in the middle, slide it into the door jamb, loop it around the lock post, and pull it to pop the lock.

Unlock Manual Locks with a Clothes Hanger

Using a wire clothes hanger is a well-known method, though it requires patience. Straighten the hanger, gently insert it into the door seal above the lock button, and carefully manipulate it to press the unlock button.

Unlock Manual Locks with a Pump Wedge

An inflatable pump wedge is a professional tool that creates a small gap in the door, allowing you to manipulate the lock. This method is particularly useful as it minimises the risk of damaging your car’s paint or door seal.

Unlock Manual Locks with a Piece of Plastic

A sturdy piece of plastic, like a store card, can be used to flick open manual locks on older car models. This method involves wedging the plastic into the door gap to trigger the lock mechanism.

Use a Shoelace

For cars with upright post locks, a shoelace might save the day. Tie a slipknot, work it around the lock post via the door gap, and pull the lace to lift the lock.

Use a Spatula

In a pinch, kitchen tools like a spatula can be used to pry open the door slightly to reach the lock. Use this method with caution to avoid damaging either the door or seal.

What Not to Do

Avoid using force or tools like screwdrivers or slim jims, as they can damage your car’s locks or windows. Also, refrain from breaking the window unless it’s an absolute emergency. This can be costly and unsafe.

Preventative Measures

To avoid future lockouts, consider:

  • Keep a spare key in the garage or a magnetic lockbox attached to your car.
  • Regularly checking the batteries in your key fobs.
  • Use smart locks that alert you when you’re leaving the key inside.
  • Ensuring all spare keys are easily accessible.

When to Call for Help

If you’re in a risky location, it’s getting late, or the weather is bad, prioritise your safety and call for professional help. Roadside assistance services or locksmiths can quickly and safely unlock your car.

Call a Locksmith

If DIY methods fail or you’re worried about damaging your vehicle, it’s time to call professional locksmith services. They possess the necessary tools and expertise to safely unlock your car without causing damage. They can also assist in replacing lost or broken car keys.

Legal Considerations

Be aware of legal implications when attempting to unlock your car, especially using unconventional methods. In some areas, it might be misinterpreted as an attempt at theft.

Conclusion

Finding yourself locked out of your car may be a common inconvenience, but it need not escalate into a crisis. The array of solutions discussed in this guide empowers you to approach the situation with a cool head and the necessary knowledge to regain access to your vehicle.

From the simplicity of keeping a spare key in a secure location to employing innovative DIY methods, the options at your disposal cater to various lock types and car models. While these techniques can be remarkably effective, it’s essential to recognise when professional assistance is the safest and most prudent choice.

Remember, the adage “prevention is better than cure” holds true in this context, and adopting preventative measures, such as spare critical storage solutions and regular key fob battery checks, can significantly reduce the likelihood of future lockouts.