There are a number of safety features in newer vehicles designed to help you avoid locking your keys inside. Many have a system that won’t allow the doors to lock when the keys are in the ignition. But even with these features, many people still accidentally find themselves outside the car without keys in hand. If you lock your keys in the car, follow these steps to get back on the road.
Check Every Door
Before you start digging around for tools to break into your car, be sure to check every door on the vehicle. It’s possible that one of them is still unlocked, making it easy to climb in and grab the keys. Check the trunk too, because many cars offer access to the cabin through the trunk. Look for a strap or knob that you can pull to release the backseat and create a passageway into the car. But if all doors are locked and you can’t get into the trunk, it’s time to get resourceful.
Call for Help
If you are a member of AAA or have other roadside assistance through your insurance provider, make a quick call to request help. Most roadside assistance providers have access to tools designed for getting into locked cars and can easily unlock the doors without damaging your vehicle. It may take some time for the person to arrive, but it’s worth the wait if you don’t have any other way to get into your car.
Another option is to call a family member or friend who has access to a spare copy of your key. Keep one at home or work or give one to a friend who lives in your area so he or she can bail you out if you lock your keys in the car.
Inflate the Area
If you’re a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional, you might have access to a blood pressure cuff. If not, it may be worth investing in a small inflatable device and keeping it in your purse or briefcase, since it allows you to get into the car without causing any damage. Simply slide the deflated cuff or inflatable through the gap near the window. As you slowly inflate it, it will create a gap that pushes the door away from the frame. From there, use a coat hanger or other long, skinny item to press the unlock button and open the door.
Prevention First
To prevent locking your keys in the car, make a habit of always checking for them before you press the lock button. If your car has a fob that locks the doors from the outside, only use that to lock the car so you know that you have it in hand.
The odds are good that you will most likely lock your keys in your car at some point during your lifetime. But it doesn’t have to ruin your whole day, especially if you have the tools available to get them back out.
Image via Flickr by JoshBerglund19
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