Locking your keys in your car is not a new problem, but the types of keys that are locked in have changed. More vehicles now have the technology to prevent this from happening, so it’s not as common of a mistake as it used to be. However, if you do leave the keys inside the vehicle, the lock systems on modern cars are far more difficult to hack. Gone are the days when a bent coat hanger would work!

Prevention First

The best way to ensure you can always get into your vehicle is to keep a spare key in your wallet. The chances of leaving your wallet behind are slim and if you have a key in there, you’ll keep it on you at all times. This is safer than hiding a key on the vehicle itself since thieves know this trick and will often find it and steal the vehicle.

Connect Your Keys to Your Phone

With the newer key fobs, you may be able to connect the key to your smartphone via a free app. If this is the case, you can use your smartphone as a key and open your vehicle or even start the car if you can’t find your keys. The trick is to connect the key as soon as you purchase the vehicle. You can’t do that without the key in hand.

Tricks That May Work

There are a number of methods that may work to open your vehicle, but they tend to be for older vehicles. These include:

Wedge: Use a pry bar to pull the top of the door out a little and then stick a wedge in to hold it open. You only need a little bit of space to allow a thin rod to slip through and press the unlock button. This can work on nearly any vehicle but will often scratch the car or deform the door frame.

String: Using a long piece of string, tie a slipknot the size of a finger and push through the upper corner of the door. Wiggle the knot down by pulling on each side of the string, alternating, until the loop is over the lock. Tighten the knot and pull up. This only works on older vehicles with manual locks.

Hanger: Straighten the hanger, leaving the hook. Slip the hook through the weather stripping and the window, angling it straight down. Move it around until it hooks the control arm for the lock and then pull up. Again, this could damage your vehicle.

The Simplest Option

Calling a locksmith is the easiest way to manage this issue and to resolve it without damage to your vehicle. The locksmith has the tools and the expertise to get the door open and return your keys to you.

If you’ve misplaced the keys, the locksmith can also help with this. However, be sure they have experience with car locks, not just house locks.

Need a car locksmith? Contact Campbell & McGovern for fast, accurate service.