Locking your keys in your car is one of those frustrating, stress-inducing mishaps that can strike when you least expect it. It’s the kind of thing that can happen to anyone, whether you’re in a hurry to get to work, out running errands or just having one of those off days.
In this article, we’re going to delve into some typical methods on how to unlock a car door without key, and we’ll also cover who to call when keys are locked in car.
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Who should I call when my keys are locked in my car?
Experiencing the frustration of being locked out of your car is never a pleasant situation. However, in such moments, keeping a level head and understanding your available options is crucial for a swift and safe resolution. It’s wise to always have a spare key readily accessible or with a trusted individual. When a non-emergency lockout occurs, your best course of action is to reach out to professional assistance.
In times like this, you can seek help from:
Locksmith
Locksmiths are professionals trained in the art of locks and keys. They have the expertise and tools to help you regain access to your car without causing any damage.
Locksmith services typically come with a fee. It’s a good practice to inquire about the cost before making the call. The price may vary depending on the time of day and your location.
Some of the trusted emergency locksmiths you can call in the USA 24/7:
Roadside Assistance
If you have a roadside assistance plan through an organization like AAA (American Automobile Association), they offer a range of services, including lockout assistance.
Roadside assistance plans are a great option if you find yourself in this predicament frequently or need help with other car-related issues.
Some of the best roadside assistance providers:
- AAA ( American Automobile Association )
- USA Roadside Services
- Allstate
- best option for military, veterans, and their eligible family members: USAA
Tow Truck Service
Some towing companies provide lockout services as part of their offerings. They can send a professional to your location to help unlock your car.
While this is a viable option, it’s important to verify the cost and the estimated arrival time before making the call.
( The roadsite assistance providers mentioned above, are Tow Truck service providers as well.)
Car Dealership
If you’re near the dealership of your car’s brand, they may be able to assist you or recommend a trusted locksmith.
Keep in mind that this option might take longer, as it often involves contacting a service department.
Police
Contacting the local police is an option, but it should be reserved for urgent or emergencies, especially if you’re in an unsafe location. Police may have priorities that take precedence.
Friends or Family
If you have friends or family members with spare keys, they can come to your location and unlock the car for you. This is a cost-free solution and often the quickest one if you have someone nearby with access to a spare key.
Extra tip: Apps or Services
In some areas, smartphone apps or services are available that can connect you with nearby locksmiths or roadside assistance providers. These can be convenient, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar location.
If you want to prepare for situations like this, an App that you definetely want to install is called “AAA Mobile”, which is available for both Android and Apple devices. You can find these on the link below:
- AAA Mobile – Google Play
- AAA Mobile – Apple App Store
Note: You can find AAA mentioned in this article quite some times. It is not because it was sponsored by them, but they offer a wide range of services, and I think their services are the best in the US.
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Anyways, before deciding who to call, it’s important to assess your situation. If you’re in an unsafe area or facing severe weather conditions, prioritize your safety and call for assistance promptly. Additionally, consider keeping a spare key in a secure location to prevent future lockout situations.
How to unlock the car door without key?
There are several effective methods to unlock car doors without keys. These options can save you from the inconvenience and frustration of a lockout situation.
Keyless Entry Apps
Keyless entry apps are smartphone applications provided by car manufacturers, allowing users to unlock their cars remotely using their smartphones.
To use these apps, you need to install the manufacturer’s official app, create or log in to an account, and pair your smartphone with your vehicle. Once paired, you can use the app to unlock your car’s doors with a secure signal.
These apps often include security features such as PINs or biometric authentication for added protection. They enhance convenience and security by enabling remote control of various car functions, and in case of a lost or stolen phone, the apps can typically be locked or disabled remotely.
Use a Slim Jim
Using a Slim Jim is a technique you can try to manipulate the car door’s locking mechanism. This thin strip of metal with a hook at the end can be inserted into the door to unlock it.
It’s important to be cautious while using it to prevent damage to the locking mechanism or the door’s paint. If you’re not experienced with this method, it’s advisable to seek professional help to avoid unintentional harm to your vehicle.
Illustration: How to Unlock a Car door with a Slim Jim
Wire Coat Hanger
Using a wire coat hanger involves bending and maneuvering it to access the car’s lock mechanism or press the internal unlock button. While it’s a makeshift method, it may require more effort and is less precise compared to using a slim jim.
Illustration: How to Unlock a Car with a Coat Hanger
Inflatable Air Wedge
An inflatable air wedge is a useful tool for creating a gap between the car’s door frame and the door, providing access to the interior. Once enough space is generated, you can employ a long tool to reach the unlock button or manipulate the locking mechanism. This method is less likely to cause damage compared to some other DIY methods and can be a safer choice if you’re locked out of your car. However, it’s important to use this technique carefully to avoid any unintended harm to your vehicle.
Illustration: How to Unlock a Car with an Inflatable Air Wedge
Extra: Spare Key 🙂
Having a spare key is the most straightforward solution. Keep one at home, maybe at a trusted friend or family member. This way, you can easily call them for help and access your car in case of a lockout.
Don’t have a spare key for your car? There are multiple locksmiths with duplication services, e.g.:
However, it’s essential to approach these methods – except the spare key suggestion – with caution, especially when dealing with modern car systems and in emergency scenarios.
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What to do in an emergency when the car door is locked and don’t have access to the car key?
- Call Emergency Services: If the situation is dire and requires immediate intervention, call emergency services (911 or the appropriate local emergency number) to report the emergency and request assistance. Provide as much information as possible about the location, the circumstances, and the person or pet inside the vehicle.
- Attempt to Locate the Owner (if the car is owned by somebody else) : If you are the withness of an emergency such as a child is locked into the car, you should try to quickly identify the vehicle’s owner and inform them of the situation. You could ask people nearby if they know the owner. If you’re in a public place like a store or parking lot that has a loudspeaker, find someone in charge and ask them to make an announcement. Hopefully, the owner will hear about it.
- Â If the situation requires is, use an Emergency Tool: If you have access to a specialized car window-breaking tool, use it. These tools are designed to shatter car windows efficiently. Follow these steps:
- Target a corner of the side window, as it’s usually the weakest point. Glass is more likely to break when struck near the edges.
- Use a forceful but controlled motion to strike the window. Keep your hand steady, and ensure that the tool’s point contacts the glass directly. It might take multiple hits to break the window.
- If possible, use a cloth or jacket to shield the person inside from any glass shards as the window breaks. This can help prevent injuries.
- After breaking the window, carefully remove any broken glass from both the frame and the car’s interior. Use a cloth or your hand, taking care to avoid injury.
- Unlock the Car: After breaking the window, reach inside and unlock the car door. Ensure the person or pet inside is safe and remove them from the vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Stay with the Child or Pet: After the rescue, stay with the individual to ensure their well-being, provide any necessary assistance, and wait for professional help if you haven’t already called emergency services.
Legal Considerations:
There are times, when you have to choose between saving a life or risking a lawsuit due to a broken car window. But in many places, breaking a car window to save a life during an emergency is legally justifiable. However, it’s also important to be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction and to use this method responsibly and only in genuine emergencies where there is a clear threat to life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Legal considerations vary by jurisdiction. While many places justify breaking a window in emergency situations, it’s crucial to understand the laws in your area and act responsibly.
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If time is of the essence, consider calling a locksmith or roadside assistance for swift professional help, since if you are inexperienced with DIY methods, you might end up calling assistance anyways, so don’t waste your time!
Yes, it’s essential to proceed cautiously to avoid damaging your car. There are multiple tutorial videos on the web that explains the exact process of the technique. Personally, I would recommend checking some of these tutorials out before attempting the process yourself.
If you’re not experienced, seeking professional help is advisable.
Keeping a spare key in a secure location or with a trusted friend or family member can be a proactive solution to avoid future lockout situations.
In such a situation, prioritize safety and act promptly!Contacting a locksmith or roadside assistance for immediate help is advisable.
While an inflatable air wedge is generally safer compared to other DIY methods, using it improperly could potentially cause damage to your vehicle. It’s essential to follow instructions carefully.
Taking deep breaths, assessing your options, and reaching out for assistance from professionals or trusted individuals can help alleviate stress in such situations.
Leaving spare keys in or around your car can pose security risks, as they could be accessed by unauthorized individuals. It’s generally safer to keep spare keys in secure locations, eg.: at home or at your friends house ( if they are trustworthy ).
It’s not recommended to carry both keys at the same time. Since if you lock both of them in your car, your only options will be either a DIY method or calling a locksmith/emergency service.
In such urgent situations, immediately contact emergency services for assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, try to keep the child or pet calm and monitor their condition through the car windows.
Tip: If they’re old enough, try asking them to unlock the door or roll down the window, if possible.
Conclusion
When you lock your keys in your car, stay calm! You can call roadside assistance, a locksmith, or your dealership for professional help. Be cautious with DIY methods like Slim Jims or Coat Hangers to avoid damaging your car. In an emergency situation when a child or a pet is locked inside, call 911 immediately. Assess the situation through the windows and keep the child calm. As a last resort, break a side or rear window using a window-breaking tool at an angle to minimize harm. With the right actions and quick response, you can safely resolve this predicament.
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