Few things are as frustrating for motorists as accidentally locking themselves out of their cars. It can be demoralizing and downright maddening. While calling a locksmith might be your best solution — assuming you didn’t lock your phone in the car, too — there are a few other options.
AAA says 4 million Americans suffer this fate annually. So, if it’s happened to you, you’re not alone. Keep reading for 16 expert tips to help you get into your locked vehicle.
Spare Key
It’s always a good idea to have a spare key. But don’t make the mistake of keeping the spare key on the same keyring as your car key. Instead, keep a spare key in your wallet.
Key Fob
Remote entry is a godsend if you accidentally lock your car key inside your vehicle. But most people keep their key fobs on the same keyrings as their car keys. So, if they lock their car keys in their cars, their key fobs will be essentially out of commission.
Magnetic Box Under the Vehicle
Keeping a magnetic box on the vehicle’s undercarriage is a controversial move. Some people swear by it, while others say it’s the perfect way to hand a car thief your vehicle. But if you get locked out and want to get back inside, a magnetic key box will seem like a genius idea.
Use a Slim Jim
Slim jims are tools that can help you get into a locked vehicle. But they’re more likely to work on older rather than on more modern cars. Insert the slim jim tool between the vehicle window and the body to access the door lock mechanism to potentially open the vehicle. Remember, however, that you can do more harm than good if you’re not careful.
Break the Driver’s Side Window
No one wants to break their car window. But if you’re stuck someplace and can’t afford to wait, you might have to smash the window. That’s especially the case if a child or pet is locked inside.
Use a Clothes Hanger
Admittedly you’re more likely to succeed with this method if you have an older vehicle with manual locks. Straighten a hanger and bend one end into a hook. Push the hooked end between the car window and the weather stripping and see if you can move the locking mechanism to the unlock position.
Use Some String
Using a piece of string, make a loop in the middle of the string, slide the string inside the car’s door frame, and try to move the loop over the lock. The goal is to tighten the loop over the lock and lift it to unlock the door.
Use an App
If you have a modern vehicle that allows remote entry through an app, that’s the way to go. Of course, that benefit goes out the proverbial window if the smartphone is locked inside the car.
Try the Trunk
Check to see if your trunk’s open. Some cars have a feature that allows you to access the cabin through the trunk. So, if you’ve locked yourself out of your vehicle, see if the trunk is locked. If it’s open and you can get to the driver’s seat through the trunk, problem solved.
Use an Inflatable Wedge
If you can get your hands on an inflatable wedge, push the deflated wedge into the car door gap and slowly inflate it. You should be able to inflate it enough to access the door lock.
Use the Sunroof
Another thing that might get you out of a sticky situation is a sunroof. Does your car have a sunroof or moonroof? You might be able to get into your locked car if the sunroof is open. Assuming the opening is big enough to lower yourself down from, you’ll soon be on your way.
Use a Shoelace
You can use the shoelace method the same way you would use the string method in recommendation number seven. Make a loop in the middle of the shoelace, feed the shoelace through the top corner of the car door, and try to get the loop right over the door lock. After doing that, tighten the loop over the door lock, and lift it to unlock the door.
Check for an Unlocked Window or Door
Don’t assume all the doors are locked just because the driver’s door is. They may be, but one or more may be open. Also, check to see if any of the windows are slightly ajar.
Use a Windshield Wiper
What are your options if you don’t have a shoelace, string, hanger, or anything else on this list? One option is to remove one of the windshield wiper blades. If you can get it off safely, push the windshield wiper blade through a gap in the window or door to possibly unlock the door.
Use a Credit Card
Using a credit card might work if you have an older-model vehicle. It’s as easy as sliding the credit card, debit card, or library card between the car’s door frame and the latch. After doing so, wiggle the card around. You might unlock the door.
Use the Antenna
Does your vehicle come with a detachable antenna? If so, it might be useful to unlock your car. Assuming the window is down a smidgen, push the antenna through it and attempt to unlock the vehicle or pick up the car key if it’s on a seat.
Know Your Options If Locked Out of Your Car
Millions of people get locked out of their vehicles annually. Perhaps it’s happened to you before. While an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, sometimes mistakes happen. That’s why you should learn how to get into your car if you ever lock the key inside.
More From Driver’s Drift
14 Cars That Consistently Fail Crash Tests
15 Reasons You Should Never Buy a Car in Cash (Even if You Can Afford to)
15 Things Boomers Taught Us About Cars Which Are Totally Wrong Today
17 Hybrids to Avoid at All Costs
