Car door won’t open when you pull the handle?
Notice the keys in the ignition when peering through the window?
If you’ve locked your keys in the car, check for unlocked doors, locate your spare key, or access your vehicle’s specialized app.
Still can’t get in?
That’s unlock-y!
Fortunately, we’ll get you driving again with four methods a lockout service professional would use to access your car. We’ll also share some tips to avoid getting stuck with a locked vehicle again.
This Article Contains:
- What Should You Do When You Lock Your Keys in the Car? (4 Steps)
- 4 Ways an Auto Professional Will Access a Locked Car
- How Do You Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Car?
What Should You Do When You Lock Your Keys in the Car? (4 Steps)
While it’s best to book a car locksmith service to access your locked vehicle, there are some solutions every car owner can try if there’s not an emergency situation:
1. Check Every Door
While it may seem like an obvious tip, it’s easy to panic and forget to check every door handle. You can even check your trunk on the off chance it’s open.
2. Use Your Spare Key
The easiest way to access a locked car door is with the spare key or fob. If your key is at home, contact a friend or relative to bring it to you. Alternatively, you could take a cab to pick it up.
3. Access Your Car’s App
If you have a modern car, you may be able to unlock it through your car manufacturer app. However, your app should be paired with your vehicle to be able to access it in case of a lockup.
4. Call for Assistance
If all else fails or you can’t leave your vehicle, you can contact a car locksmith service or a mobile mechanic. A car lockout service and auto mechanics have the specialized tools and experience to access your vehicle.
IMPORTANT: If there’s an emergency situation (e.g., children locked in the car or your safety is compromised), you can also contact the police.
Wondering how an automotive locksmith service provider will access your vehicle?
Read on to discover the tools and tricks they’ll use.
4 Ways an Auto Professional Will Access a Locked Car
Here are some solutions the lockout service professional will attempt depending on whether you have an older car or a newer car:
1. Pull the Lock with a String
This method works on an older car with a manual lock and entails using a string or wire (sometimes from a coat hanger) to pull up on the door lock knob. This car unlocking service involves:
- Tying a loop (noose or slip knot) at one end of the string. It should tighten when they pull on it (like a cowboy’s lasso).
- Locating an opening in one of the windows or forcing the string between the car door and the window.
- Dropping the string down to hook the noose around the door lock knob and ensuring the noose is tight.
- Pulling the string to open the locked car door. Alternatively, the locksmith may hook the string around the window winder (for non-electric windows) to lower the window.
2. Press the “Unlock” Button with a Piece of Wire
For a newer car with an electronic car lock (keyless entry system), the car unlocking service requires using a stiff wire (like from a coat hanger) to push the “unlock” button. Here, the locksmith will:
- Unravel the coat hanger to make the wire straight if the car locksmith doesn’t have their own wire tool.
- Thread the wire through the door frame seal above the “unlock” button.
- Lower the wire until it’s above the button.
- Force it into the lock button until it engages, and they can open the door.
3. Access the Locking Mechanism inside the Door
Another method for accessing manual lock systems (not found on a modern car) involves the car lockout service professional using a “slim jim” (a thin, flexible piece of metal with a hook on the end). They’ll:
- Wedge a gap between the window and door to access the lock mechanism if necessary.
- Insert the slim jim between the window and the weather stripping. The car locksmith will take care not to damage the glass.
- Maneuver the slim jim until it hooks the locking mechanism.
- Pull up on the car lock.
4. Pry Open the Door with an Inflatable Pump Wedge
If they can’t access the vehicle through the window, a locksmith may use a pump wedge (an inflatable device) to open the locked door. This involves:
- Inserting the uninflated pump wedge between the door and door frame.
- Pumping up the wedge with air to create a gap.
- Inserting another pump wedge to create greater access through the door if necessary.
- Reaching through the gap (either by hand or with a long-reach tool) and pressing the lock button, pulling the unlock switch, or getting the car key.
Once the local locksmith helps you get back inside your vehicle, you may feel a bit anxious about experiencing a lockout again. So, let’s explore some preventative steps you can take to avoid paying for a professional locksmith again.
How Do You Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Car?
Here are a few tips to prevent yourself from needing to call a local locksmith in the future:
- Lock your car from outside: Make a habit of holding onto your car key and locking your doors after you exit your vehicle.
- Keep a spare key: For extra safety, get a key replacement from your car manufacturer. You can store it at home, in your wallet, or even in a specialized key lock box attached to the vehicle’s exterior.
- Attach your key to a lanyard: This makes your keys more visible, helping to avoid locking your keys in the car. It also helps create the habit of putting the keys around your neck before exiting the vehicle.
- Replace the key fob battery often: This prevents a dead fob from causing a car lockout if you have a keyless entry system. For modern vehicles, key fob batteries last between 4 to 6 years or 2 to 3 years for smart keys.
- Purchase a lockout kit: These kits contain everything a professional locksmith will use to access your locked vehicle (wedges, inflatable balloons, hooks, etc.). They’re a good backup option for when you don’t have a spare key.
Unlock a World of Car Maintenance Solutions with AutoNation Mobile Service
A car lockout is terribly frustrating, especially on modern vehicles with extensive security systems. If you’ve tried every car door (and the trunk) or can’t find your spare key, you’ll need a mobile mechanic or locksmith service to come to you.
Interested in having a mechanic come to you to take care of all your vehicle’s needs?
Reach out to AutoNation Mobile Service, and we’ll assist you from your driveway!
We’re a mobile auto repair solution available seven days a week, and we provide a 12-month,12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
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