Locking your car with the keys inside is a bone-headed move that can be done by even the most careful person. It is one of those mistakes that can happen no matter how careful or smart you claim to be. The most important thing when you lock yourself out of your car is to know how to get back in. There are several methods of getting back into YOUR locked car depending on the type of door lock and the available tools or materials.
Before you attempt any of those car-unlocking moves you see on TV and movies, keep in mind that different types of cars have different locking mechanisms. For instance, newer car models are fitted with remote controlled power locks while the older versions are opened manually. There are also some models with a locking knob located inside the window while others have a locking mechanism located by the handle. So make sure you know your car’s locking mechanism both inside and outside the door before you attempt to unlock it.
Unlocking Methods
Here are a few methods of unlocking a locked car door:
Unlock a car door with a tennis ball
If you are lucky to have a tennis ball, you can try to access the car’s locking mechanism by sliding the cuff inside the top corner of the side door and blow the cuff to create a small opening. Take care not to over-expand the cuff or you’d end up damaging the car door.
Unlock your car using a coat hanger
If you don’t have a tennis ball, you could also use a wire coat hanger or any other long slim object that can fit into the upper corner of the driver’s side door. Simply squeeze the wire or coat hanger inside the opening and try to reach the unlock button.
Unlock your car with a shoe lace
You can also use a shoestring to unlock a car door. This method only works on cars with locking mechanisms that are unlocked by pulling up. All you need to do is tie a loop in the shoelace such that when the shoelace hooks around the locking mechanism, it can be tightened and pulled up. This is an intricate process that may take several attempts before you succeed unless you are quite adept in such maneuvers.
Unlock your car with a screwdriver
A car door can also be unlocked using a Philips head screwdriver and a thin steel rod. Simply pry the door open slightly using the screwdriver then use the rod to push open the unlock button. It takes a little twisting to insert the rod inside and you could potentially damage the exterior of your car. Remember a damaged car door will definitely cost you much more than what you’d pay a towing service to handle the task professionally.
Best way how to get into a locked car
The best, safest, and most efficient way of getting into your locked car is by calling a towing service. They charge you a little cash but if your insurance includes roadside assistance plan, then worry no more about payment because you’ll be reimbursed by your insurance.
To avoid getting locked out of your car over and over again, you could buy magnetic key holders or simply have spare car keys tucked somewhere else. Always do your best to avoid prying open your car door every now and then. Using metal objects on your car door damages both the exterior and interior of your car. So don’t rush to use any of the above methods unless the situation is a real emergency. A damaged car door costs more to repair. Your first option should be to call a tow service closest to your location.
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