Locked Keys in Car? Here's how to open the door without key to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance

It's more likely than you think you'll keep your keys locked inside your car. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get back inside without calling for assistance on the road.

You can avoid being locked out of your car by taking preventative measures such as double-checking the doors prior to locking them, and keeping spare keys in designated locations.

1. Inflatable Wedge

It can be a very difficult feeling to discover that you have locked your keys inside the car. It can throw your entire day into a tizzy and leave you wondering how you'll ever get home or to work, or to your next appointment.

There are a variety of ways to get back into your car if you've lost your keys. Utilizing a coat hanger made of wire which you've turned into a hook or constructing wedges from two or three door stops can help you break through the glass and unlock your door. If you don't have access these materials, or if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic lock or a key lock, an air pump wedge could be the best solution.

An air pump wedge is a versatile tool, which is often utilized by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. These tools typically come with an inflatable bag that slides between the door of the car and the weather stripping to create an opening that can be accessed with longer-reaching tools, such as car-unlocking rods. These wedges are made to be strong and non-marring. This helps to avoid damaging the paint on your car, while also providing a solid solution for getting into a locked vehicle.

There are many DIY air wedge kits available on the market. Some include a hand pump to manually inflate. A top-quality kit will be able to create an opening between the jamb and the door sufficient to allow for the installation of access tools and open most vehicles with manual locks.

For those who do not have an air wedge or other alternative, there's always the option to call for roadside assistance or a locksmith in your area particularly if nothing else works. If this is the only option available make sure you keep a spare in a safe place to ensure you don't lose it if you need it. Whatever method you choose, remain patient and remember that it's ok to panic when you lock your keys in your car; your life will go in the normal way when you follow these easy guidelines.

2. Coat Hanger

Wire coat hangers are a common household item that can be used to unlock the car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small V to allow it to grab the lock post in your door. Then, you move the hook to unlock the lock. This is the same technique police officers employ with the slim jim, however using a coat hanger requires less effort.

Make a slipknot in middle of a long piece string or paracord that is stiff. Use the slipknot to pry open the car door slightly at the top corner. This will allow you enough room to insert an extended rod, such as a clotheshanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an artery pressure cuff, visit your local drugstore or discount store; they often include one in their emergency kits.

Unravel the top of your coat hanger, then straighten it out so that you have an opening on one side and a straight side on the other. It might be easier to bend a hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. It is necessary to do this several times before you get the perfect hook shape. Once you've gotten the correct shape, slide the hook behind the weather stripping on the door's bottom. Then insert it into the door, just above the handle.

Once the hanger is in place, move it around to find the pin or bar controlling the door lock post. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, it could be either above or below your interior door handle. Once you find it, tap on it lightly to test whether it moves. You can also try to pull it upwards or backwards in order to deactivate the lock.

You have successfully disengaged your lock if the lock post is jiggling. You can then pull the handle back and you're back in your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles with manual locks. The hook is inserted gently to avoid damaging the window or car frame.

3. Shoestring

There are many tools that can help you get into your car opening service that is locked. You can make use of an extended rod, such as a metal or wooden strip that can fit through the gap between the door frame and the car to press down the unlock button on the inside. These options aren't always available and can damage the paint of your car. Another alternative is an air wedge. It's shaped like an inflatable cuff that you might find at an office of a doctor. It can be placed into the gap to make it enough to push the unlock button. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be used multiple times when needed to unlock your car.

An even more simple tool to make use of is a shoelace. First, take off the shoes and look in the middle to determine where the slip knot located. Put one end of your shoelace between the corner and the doorframe of your car and work it through the crack until it forms a tie around the knob of your lock. Pull tightly and upwards. This technique can be learned with practice in less than 30 seconds.

If this method doesn't work, you could try a slim Jim to open the door of your vehicle. A slim jim is a flat, thin piece of metal that has hooks on both ends and fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car's door and window. A person can maneuver the hooks of a slim jim in order to open the car door, however this method is somewhat risky since it requires insertion of the device through the glass of the window and could cause damage to the seal of the door.

It is important to prepare for scenarios in which you'll need to leave keys in your car and need to get into it. You can prepare yourself for this situation by signing up for the automaker's service or app, subscribing for roadside assistance, or leaving keys and a spare fob with family or friends.

4. Blood Pressure Cuff

Many nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals carry a blood pressure cuff that they carry in their pockets. Even if you don't have one, this is an inexpensive device that could save the day when you lock your keys in your car.

Slide a deflated cuff into the gap where the door meets the frame, and slowly inflate it until it creates an opening. Do not over-inflate the cuff, or you could cause damage to the door. You should now have enough space to place a wire coat hanger or any other long, thin object that is able to reach the unlock button within the door.

If you don't have a coat hanger or wire, you could use a piece of tubing. This is a trick that professionals use to open automobiles, so it's bound to work!

There are many ways to open a locked vehicle however, you must be cautious not to harm your vehicle or yourself. Remember to always use the most simple and most secure method first. Your insurance policy could also cover these types of services! If all else fails contact 911 or contact a towing company. You will be charged for a small amount, but you will save money and time in the end. It's good to know that we have all locked our keys in our cars at some point. It's a very common mistake and it usually doesn't ruin your day as long as you're aware of the best ways to get back inside! If you have an extra key in your house, make sure it's where you can find it. If you don't, ask a trusted friend or relative to keep an additional key for you. To ensure your safety, always check that you have the keys before pressing the lock. These simple steps will prevent you from getting locked my keys in my van out of your car in the future!