The unfortunate reality is that your keys are locked out of your car when you get to it. You might have locked your keys inside the vehicle, or they are lost. Or the keys suddenly break in what seems like an accident. Although you want to scream, you keep your cool and try to stay calm. What are you going to do? These things can happen without warning, whether you are on a road trip or returning from the grocery shop. Calling an emergency locksmith service is the best way to go. In this blog post, here are some tips to help you get in your locked car.
Dial 911
Safety is paramount. If you feel in danger, don’t hesitate to call 911. The police will often be able to unlock your car’s doors in many cases. If they cannot open the car’s door, they will likely call a tow truck. This will cost you. You’ll still be safe.
Look For Roadside Assistance
These are the times when annual auto-club membership fees make a difference. AAA, Allstate, and other roadside assistance organizations can get you in quickly, but it may take some time for them to reach your location. You might still have some luck if you don’t sign up for such a service. All new cars include roadside assistance for the duration of the basic warranty. The details should be found in your owner’s manual. However, the keys are required to lock the manual and keys to the car. You might find the number on a decal or window sticker. You can call a dealer to get details if it’s not. Keep the number handy on your phone or paper. You can also keep it in your purse or wallet. What happens if you don’t own a car or belong to AAA? You might consider adding roadside assistance to an auto insurance policy. Trucks offering emergency assistance are available to patrol significant highways. One is always on the lookout.
Tow Truck
Most towing companies offer lockout services if you don’t have other options. A towing company will charge you a small amount for this service. However, most towing companies refuse payment if the person who locked their keys out of the car is present with them in a tow truck. There are some caveats here. The service might be free during regular business hours and cost extra at night or on weekends.
Get A Temporary Code
You might be able to get a cheap key from a dealer that will allow you to open your doors but not start your car. This would enable you to retrieve your permanent keys. To prove ownership of your car, you will need to have your vehicle identification number visible through the windshield at the lower edge. You will also need to take a ride to the dealer.
Keep An Additional Key Nearby
Keep a spare key hidden in your pocket, wallet, or a safe place in your car. A small magnetic box can be purchased that holds a key and can be attached to the car’s underside. You can also leave a spare key with someone who might be able to rescue you.
Get A Car With The Benefits
If the key is in the ignition and the door is open, some cars won’t lock the power-lock button. Many Ford, Lincoln, Mercury vehicles have a door-mounted keyboard that allows you to enter a code to unlock the doors. You can remotely unlock your vehicle using a telematics system like GM’s OnStar or Hyundai’s Blue Link. These systems offer apps for smartphone owners that allow them to open their doors. For more information and compatible phones, visit the websites of automakers.
Get A Locksmith’s Number
Please find out the name of your local locksmith and keep their number handy. You might want to keep the number in your wallet and write it down on a piece of paper.
You never know what the future holds. You never know what your phone might be doing.
Locksmiths are available to come to you, open your vehicle, and then send you on your way. It’s incredible how quickly professionals can resolve a problem you thought was impossible.
You might not need these services often, so it’s worth paying the annual fee to work directly with a locksmith. Although rates are cheaper if you have roadside assistance membership, you will pay less if your visits are infrequent.
Take A Look At All The Doors
Another obvious one seems to be this. You’re stuck at the side of the road. Do you have anything better?
Make sure you check every door of your car, including the trunk and back latch. Many vehicles may have quirks that prevent some doors from locking. It’s worth checking all entries twice before making any phone calls.
It’s stressful and unfortunate that it’s happening, but there are ways to get rid of it.
DIY Methods
Let’s now look at the possible ways to enter your car if all other options fail.
We want to stress that breaking is almost always a bad idea. Even if your car is locked, there are still ways to get in peacefully.
It can be very dangerous to force your way into a vehicle. These points should be taken into consideration. However, don’t panic if you get the results you need.
The Shoelace Method
It’s all about finesse. This method requires finesse and the ability to tie a slipknot.
Slipknots are those that tighten when you pull the string from one side. We won’t explain how to tie a slipknot, but it is an important part of the process.
Take off one of the shoelaces. This is not the right method if your shoes do not have laces.
This method is only possible if your car has post locks. These locks are located on the door panel and will pop up from the door to lock or unlock your door.
If you are lucky, the post lock can stick up approximately an inch even when locked.
Next, tie the slip knot. Make sure a loop is near the middle. You will need to find an object that can be slipped between the car’s frame and the door edge to allow the lace to pass through.
Place one end of the lace on either side of your door. Then, drop the lace center down and place it around the post lock. Once it is in place, tighten the strings and then pull up to unlock your door.
The Bobby Pin Method.
This old-school trick can be used on manual car locks by drivers with no other options than bobby pins or time. The first pin should be bent at 90 degrees. Next, pull the second pin apart by slightly bending one of the tips. The bent side of your first pin should be placed in the lock. Stick the second pin directly into the lock. Keep the first pin in place and move the second pin around until the lock opens. If you do this wrongly, it could cause damage to your car. You can call an expert if you are worried about the damage. These are just 99 of the many great uses for everyday household items that will blow your mind.
Coat Hanger Method
The shoelace method is very similar to this method, but it’s a bit less smooth.
You will need a wedge or a long tool to get in the door and unlock it, regardless of whether the lock mechanism is open or closed.
You might be able to find a thin object that fits into the wedge, but it is too long or stiff for the driver’s sidelock. If this happens, reach the opposite side and pull the passenger door handle.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to find small enough to pass through the wedge and strong enough to pull or push a lock. It might prove not easy to locate the item if you are on the side of the road.
You might need to buy some items if there are shops near you to get your car back on the road. These items might be stored in your garage or somewhere in your home.
You might find it helpful to order or buy unlocking tools online, so you can use them in case your car is locked out at home. If you aren’t at home, you can order tools online or have someone deliver them to you.
A Screwdriver and Metal Rod Method
If you don’t have keys, you can use a screwdriver with a rod to unlock your car’s door. To check if the lock opens, use the screwdriver to open the space. Next, take the rod and push it into the lock. These tools could cause damage to the vehicle.
Emergency Locksmith Service in Brampton, Ontario
Locked your keys in the car? GR Locksmith is here to help. We’ve been fixing locks, installing new ones, and providing 24-hour emergency lockout service for over a decade! Call us at (647) 696-8686 or visit our website if you need any of these services!
