5 Ways to Get Car Keys Out of a Locked Vehicle Safely

If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, remain calm and assess the situation carefully before taking drastic measures. When possible use non-destructive methods, like using lasso tools or inflatable wedges.

If possible, keep a spare key hidden but accessible if an emergency arises. Keep one in your wallet or purse, or store one somewhere on the car where it will still be accessible when needed.

1. Get Your Spare Key

When you become locked out of your vehicle, there are a few key considerations you should remember in the best-case scenario: having access to your spare key either at home or through someone who could bring it over quickly and easily.

Assuming you can’t gain entry, ingenuity may be required in order to access the interior of your car. Start by straightening out any kind of long, flexible wire you find; coat hangers may work particularly well.

Once your hanger is bent, create a loop at its center and insert it into the lock to open your door. This method is particularly helpful when opening doors on older vehicles with manual locks; just be careful that damage doesn’t occur to it!

2. Load Up Your App

If you find yourself in a rush, it can be easy to forget your keys are inside and close the driver’s door before remembering they remain inside. In these instances, keeping calm is paramount in order to prevent panicked reactions which could cause further damage and increase costs significantly.

As an effective preventive measure, keeping an extra key hidden safely can be invaluable in the event of an accident or disaster. A spare key can also help safeguard against theft since thieves often target vehicles with multiple keys or fobs as an easy target.

Install a keyless entry system, allowing you to remotely unlock your vehicle from afar. This method works particularly well in vehicles equipped with smart technology that supports this function – and some manufacturers even offer apps specifically for this use case.

3. Unlock with an Inflatable Pump Wedge

Use an air pump wedge to create a gap large enough for car unlocking tools to fit. Simply push against the door and weather stripping until the wedge pushes against them to form this opening, creating enough of a gap for use of rods for picking manual lock mechanisms.

Alternately, use a wire coat hanger or slim jim tool to carefully manipulate the lock. If neither are available to you, or any damage occurs due to misuse of these methods by amateurs, consider calling in professional help as soon as possible.

No matter which method you employ, ensure your own safety comes first. Don’t break windows unnecessarily or attempt DIY methods unless necessary; always use caution if attempting them yourself and contact a locksmith immediately if the vehicle becomes damaged as that would be your only recourse for gaining entry once more.

4. Unlock with a Strip of Sturdy Plastic

Many older cars lack safety features to prevent locking your keys inside the car. If this applies to you, purchase an air wedge and long rod (similar to the inflatable cuffs used at doctors’ offices) as a preventive measure; these will help avoid damaging paintwork while giving access to unlock buttons inside.

This method requires patience and is best suited to those comfortable using hands-on tools. Alternately, reshaping a wire hanger into a thin tool may allow it to slide underneath your weather stripping and flip the lock mechanism; this technique may prove less successful but may damage your door frame if used with excessive force.

5. Call a Locksmith

No matter which approach you use, ensure tо exercise caution. Even the slightest misstep could cause irreparable damage; іf іn doubt about your abilities оr insecure about taking such risks yourself, seek assistance from an locksmith company rather than taking an unnecessary chance yourself.

If you find yourself frequently locked out, carry an extra key with you at all times. Keep one іn your wallet оr purse tо help іf you forget the spare. Alternatively, consider leaving one hidden somewhere out-of-the-way such as underneath the car’s frame; alternatively, give one tо someone as an emergency backup and ask them tо store іt safely until needed – just ensure іt can’t jiggle loose during bumps!