How To Unlock Your Car Door If You’ve Locked The Keys Inside?
Locked yourself out of your car, keys tantalisingly out of reach? Fear not, for we have the ultimate solution: an easy guide on opening a car door without a key. Whether you're facing the puzzle of unlocking an automatic car door or contemplating how to bypass a car door lock, we've got you covered!
The locking systems of cars have changed a lot over the last couple of decades, going from a key without any electronics to using smart chips or even a phone application to unlock the doors. Depending on the kind of locking system your car might have, these are some of the options you can try if you have that awkward mistake of locking yourself outside with the keys still inside the car. But let’s start with another question…
How Does A Car’s Locking Mechanism Work?
A car’s locking mechanism is an essential component of its security system. It’s designed to prevent unauthorised access to the vehicle by locking the doors and preventing them from being opened without the proper key or remote. Understanding how a car’s locking mechanism works can be beneficial in situations where the key is lost or locked inside the vehicle.
Here’s a breakdown of how a car’s locking mechanism works:
- Firstly, a lock is separate from the mechanism that keeps the door closed, even when the car is unlocked. However, if we want the door to stay closed, the mechanism is simply locking the latch in a secure position where it cannot function when the door handles (inside or outside) are pulled.
- When the key is inserted into the lock, it engages with a series of pins inside the lock cylinder. Each pin has a different length and must be raised to a specific height to align with the shear line, which separates the lock cylinder into two sections.
- Once the pins are aligned, the lock cylinder can be turned, which operates a series of rods that control the locking mechanism inside the door.
- The locking mechanism consists of a latch and a deadbolt. The latch engages with a striker plate on the door frame to keep the door closed, while the deadbolt provides additional security by preventing the latch from being pushed back by force.
- When the lock is engaged, the rods move to lock the latch and deadbolt in place, preventing the door from being opened.
- When the door is unlocked, the latch is free to operate with the handles inside and outside. In the case of power-lock doors, which is the case for pretty much all cars today, there is an actuator that moves the mechanism to lock-unlock the door. If accessed externally, it is connected to a controller that detects and verifies the signal from a keyfob, or internal computer if the system is being accessed via smartphone (connected car technology).
Knowing how a car’s locking mechanism works can help you troubleshoot problems or understand how to bypass the lock in an emergency. However, it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional locksmith if you’re unsure or inexperienced in dealing with locks!
What Are Some Tools You Can Use to Unlock Your Car?
Being locked out of your car with the keys inside is a stressful experience! It’s a frustrating feeling knowing that your keys are right there but you can’t access them. Ideally, the best approach is to call for a professional service that has the right tools to unlock your car without any damage, or to reach out to the service centre of the brand of your car.
But what if you get locked out with your small child or pet still inside? In that case, waiting around is not an option. You can even dial 000 to call the police to respond urgently and they too sometimes have specialised equipment to gain access to a locked car without doing much damage.
However, if you’d rather try to handle it yourself, here are a few tools you can have at home to try unlock your car in such a scenario:
1. Wedge
First and foremost, you need a tool that can be used to create a small gap between the door and the car frame. This gap can allow a different tool to be inserted to unlock the door. Wedges can be made from a variety of materials, such as a rubber doorstop or a wooden wedge. Nowadays, the best option is to combine it with an inflatable pouch to create an opening for the wedge to avoid damaging the car. The inflatable bag is easier to insert into the tight space before inflating to open a gap between the car and the door.
2. Wire Hanger
A wire hanger is a classic tool for unlocking car doors. It can be easily bent into a long, narrow shape that can be used to manipulate the lock mechanism from the outside. This is a common and effective way to unlock a car door. The idea is to try and push the inside door handles unlock-switch, or simply pull on it to disengage the locking mechanism.
If that won’t work for your car, then the other approach is to use the wire hanger’s hooked end to try and disengage the latch. For this, you’ll be sliding it between the door frame and window. Try and peek through the gap to locate the locking rod and to hook and lift to disengage the lock. Peeking in this case is important to avoid damaging the inside of the door by randomly pulling on whatever the wire-hook might have caught on to. There is also the risk of damaging the car window with this approach, so focus on technique rather than strength.
3. Shoestring
A shoestring is another tool that can be used to unlock a car door. By tying the shoestring into a slip knot, it can be inserted into the door frame and used to pull the lock mechanism up from the inside. It’s easier to get into the gap you’ve created, but it could be a struggle to control the string as desired. This is perhaps the safest way to attempt unlocking the door with the car keys inside with the lowest risk of damage.
4. Slim Jim
Moving on to a slightly more specialised tool we have, the slim jim. It is a long, flat piece of metal that is designed to slide behind the window and manipulate the lock mechanism from the inside. This tool is commonly used by locksmiths and law enforcement to unlock cars. While perhaps better suited for the purpose, this also takes some effort to use effectively.
5. Use The Smartphone App
In the moment of panic when the car gets locked with the keys still inside, we can forget about some of the features that the latest models offer. Take a moment to collect yourself, and open up the app on the smartphone to unlock the door. In case it’s not on your phone, check with your family member or partner if they had set it up on their device. Each carmaker has their own interface and application, such as Hyundai Bluelink, myChevrolet, or the Toyota App.
It’s important to note that these tools should only be used in an emergency. It’s also important to use caution when using these tools to avoid injury. Another key detail in such scenarios, is to have your ID and some proof of ownership on your person while attempting to unlock the car, or local police may assume that you are trying to break into another person’s vehicle.
Read More - The Essential List of Tools to Carry In Your Car Apart From Your Toolkit
Tips for Preventing Future Lockouts
While none of us wants to think that we might be clumsy or forgetful enough to leave the car keys inside, it can happen to the best of us. In fact, there are some common scenarios where such an incident is quite likely to occur. Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent future lockouts:
1. Have The Spare Key Available
Always have a spare key on hand. You can keep it in an easy to access drawer, or give it to a trusted friend or family member. When you buy a new car, it always comes with a spare key so you don’t have to worry about getting one made. If you’re buying a used car, always remember to ask for the spare, and if not available, get one made by the brand and the cost is worth it. You could even knock down the asking price of the used car for this very reason.
2. Leave A Window Open
While getting locked out is certainly not an intentional act, there are some activities where the likelihood of this situation is a lot higher. For example, if you’re trying to buckle in your little ones into their car-seat, it can happen that the key might fall out of your pocket and between closing their door and walking around to the driver’s door, the car gets locked. Another instance is if you keep your car keys in a purse, and forget to take the purse out and the car automatically locks itself with you outside. Or maybe you placed the key in the console, but had to load up the boot and it takes a while, in which case the doors get locked and when you close the boot, you find yourself stuck outside the car. If you know you are about to carry out any such activity, it would be prudent to have the window down for one of the doors, so that even if the car locks, you have easy access to the inside door handle.
3. Use A Key Finder App
In case you’re in the habit of misplacing the car keys or simply forgetting where you kept them as you got in (especially in cars with keyless entry and push-button-starts-stop features), you can install a key finder app on your smartphone that will help you locate your keys if you misplace them. Or use something like an AirTag for the keychain.
4. Get A Remote Start System
A remote start system can help prevent lockouts by allowing you to start your car without physically being inside it. This function usually comes with cars that have connected car technology and you can control these functions via an application on your phone or tablet.
5. Upgrade Your Locks
Consider upgrading your locks to a keyless entry system or installing an alarm that will notify you if you leave your keys in the car as modern cars do.
Read More - Dead Battery? How To Start A Car By Pushing It
Summary
Being locked out of your car can feel like being stranded on a deserted island without any means of escape. But fear not, as there are numerous ways to unlock your car door in such situations. From improvising simple tools to using advanced technology, there’s always a way to get back behind the wheel.
So, on your next trip, make sure you keep these tips in mind to avoid getting locked out of your car. And remember, just like a skilled locksmith can unlock any door, you too can unlock any obstacle that comes your way with the right mindset and approach.
FAQs
1. Can I Unlock My Car Door With A Tennis Ball?
While it’s true that a tennis ball can be used to create pressure that can unlock a car door, it only works on older models with manual lock systems. Modern cars have electronic locking systems that cannot be opened with a tennis ball.
2. Can I Use A Shoelace To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, it’s possible to use a shoelace to unlock your car door, but it requires a bit of skill and patience. You need to tie a slip knot in the middle of the shoelace, then insert it through the top of the door frame, and finally, manoeuvre the loop around the lock until it engages and unlocks the door.
3. Can I Use A Coat Hanger To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, a coat hanger can be used to unlock a car door, but it’s only effective on cars with manual lock systems. You need to straighten the coat hanger, create a hook at one end, and then carefully insert it through the door frame and manipulate it until it hooks the lock mechanism.
4. Can I Use A Wedge To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, a wedge can be used to create a gap between the car door and the frame, which can allow you to insert a tool to unlock the door. However, it is crucial to use a wedge that won’t damage your car’s paint or door seal. You can use a plastic wedge or even a deflated blood pressure cuff.
5. Can I Use A Smartphone App To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, some car manufacturers offer smartphone apps that allow you to unlock your car door remotely. However, this only works if you have the app installed, and your car is equipped with the necessary technology. It’s essential to make sure that your car’s battery is charged, and that you have a strong network connection to use this method effectively.
Important Note: While we aim to provide helpful insights and solutions for unlocking car doors when keys are trapped inside, it is essential to emphasise the importance of ethical conduct and responsible use of this information. The techniques and tips shared in this article are intended solely for situations where you find yourself locked out of your vehicle. We strongly discourage any misuse or attempts to unlock other people's cars without their permission or for any malicious purposes. Respect for others' property and privacy is paramount, and we wholeheartedly endorse responsible and lawful actions. Please use the knowledge gained from this article responsibly and solely for personal use.
Locked yourself out of your car, keys tantalisingly out of reach? Fear not, for we have the ultimate solution: an easy guide on opening a car door without a key. Whether you're facing the puzzle of unlocking an automatic car door or contemplating how to bypass a car door lock, we've got you covered!
The locking systems of cars have changed a lot over the last couple of decades, going from a key without any electronics to using smart chips or even a phone application to unlock the doors. Depending on the kind of locking system your car might have, these are some of the options you can try if you have that awkward mistake of locking yourself outside with the keys still inside the car. But let’s start with another question…
How Does A Car’s Locking Mechanism Work?
A car’s locking mechanism is an essential component of its security system. It’s designed to prevent unauthorised access to the vehicle by locking the doors and preventing them from being opened without the proper key or remote. Understanding how a car’s locking mechanism works can be beneficial in situations where the key is lost or locked inside the vehicle.
Here’s a breakdown of how a car’s locking mechanism works:
- Firstly, a lock is separate from the mechanism that keeps the door closed, even when the car is unlocked. However, if we want the door to stay closed, the mechanism is simply locking the latch in a secure position where it cannot function when the door handles (inside or outside) are pulled.
- When the key is inserted into the lock, it engages with a series of pins inside the lock cylinder. Each pin has a different length and must be raised to a specific height to align with the shear line, which separates the lock cylinder into two sections.
- Once the pins are aligned, the lock cylinder can be turned, which operates a series of rods that control the locking mechanism inside the door.
- The locking mechanism consists of a latch and a deadbolt. The latch engages with a striker plate on the door frame to keep the door closed, while the deadbolt provides additional security by preventing the latch from being pushed back by force.
- When the lock is engaged, the rods move to lock the latch and deadbolt in place, preventing the door from being opened.
- When the door is unlocked, the latch is free to operate with the handles inside and outside. In the case of power-lock doors, which is the case for pretty much all cars today, there is an actuator that moves the mechanism to lock-unlock the door. If accessed externally, it is connected to a controller that detects and verifies the signal from a keyfob, or internal computer if the system is being accessed via smartphone (connected car technology).
Knowing how a car’s locking mechanism works can help you troubleshoot problems or understand how to bypass the lock in an emergency. However, it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional locksmith if you’re unsure or inexperienced in dealing with locks!
What Are Some Tools You Can Use to Unlock Your Car?
Being locked out of your car with the keys inside is a stressful experience! It’s a frustrating feeling knowing that your keys are right there but you can’t access them. Ideally, the best approach is to call for a professional service that has the right tools to unlock your car without any damage, or to reach out to the service centre of the brand of your car.
But what if you get locked out with your small child or pet still inside? In that case, waiting around is not an option. You can even dial 000 to call the police to respond urgently and they too sometimes have specialised equipment to gain access to a locked car without doing much damage.
However, if you’d rather try to handle it yourself, here are a few tools you can have at home to try unlock your car in such a scenario:
1. Wedge
First and foremost, you need a tool that can be used to create a small gap between the door and the car frame. This gap can allow a different tool to be inserted to unlock the door. Wedges can be made from a variety of materials, such as a rubber doorstop or a wooden wedge. Nowadays, the best option is to combine it with an inflatable pouch to create an opening for the wedge to avoid damaging the car. The inflatable bag is easier to insert into the tight space before inflating to open a gap between the car and the door.
2. Wire Hanger
A wire hanger is a classic tool for unlocking car doors. It can be easily bent into a long, narrow shape that can be used to manipulate the lock mechanism from the outside. This is a common and effective way to unlock a car door. The idea is to try and push the inside door handles unlock-switch, or simply pull on it to disengage the locking mechanism.
If that won’t work for your car, then the other approach is to use the wire hanger’s hooked end to try and disengage the latch. For this, you’ll be sliding it between the door frame and window. Try and peek through the gap to locate the locking rod and to hook and lift to disengage the lock. Peeking in this case is important to avoid damaging the inside of the door by randomly pulling on whatever the wire-hook might have caught on to. There is also the risk of damaging the car window with this approach, so focus on technique rather than strength.
3. Shoestring
A shoestring is another tool that can be used to unlock a car door. By tying the shoestring into a slip knot, it can be inserted into the door frame and used to pull the lock mechanism up from the inside. It’s easier to get into the gap you’ve created, but it could be a struggle to control the string as desired. This is perhaps the safest way to attempt unlocking the door with the car keys inside with the lowest risk of damage.
4. Slim Jim
Moving on to a slightly more specialised tool we have, the slim jim. It is a long, flat piece of metal that is designed to slide behind the window and manipulate the lock mechanism from the inside. This tool is commonly used by locksmiths and law enforcement to unlock cars. While perhaps better suited for the purpose, this also takes some effort to use effectively.
5. Use The Smartphone App
In the moment of panic when the car gets locked with the keys still inside, we can forget about some of the features that the latest models offer. Take a moment to collect yourself, and open up the app on the smartphone to unlock the door. In case it’s not on your phone, check with your family member or partner if they had set it up on their device. Each carmaker has their own interface and application, such as Hyundai Bluelink, myChevrolet, or the Toyota App.
It’s important to note that these tools should only be used in an emergency. It’s also important to use caution when using these tools to avoid injury. Another key detail in such scenarios, is to have your ID and some proof of ownership on your person while attempting to unlock the car, or local police may assume that you are trying to break into another person’s vehicle.
Read More - The Essential List of Tools to Carry In Your Car Apart From Your Toolkit
Tips for Preventing Future Lockouts
While none of us wants to think that we might be clumsy or forgetful enough to leave the car keys inside, it can happen to the best of us. In fact, there are some common scenarios where such an incident is quite likely to occur. Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent future lockouts:
1. Have The Spare Key Available
Always have a spare key on hand. You can keep it in an easy to access drawer, or give it to a trusted friend or family member. When you buy a new car, it always comes with a spare key so you don’t have to worry about getting one made. If you’re buying a used car, always remember to ask for the spare, and if not available, get one made by the brand and the cost is worth it. You could even knock down the asking price of the used car for this very reason.
2. Leave A Window Open
While getting locked out is certainly not an intentional act, there are some activities where the likelihood of this situation is a lot higher. For example, if you’re trying to buckle in your little ones into their car-seat, it can happen that the key might fall out of your pocket and between closing their door and walking around to the driver’s door, the car gets locked. Another instance is if you keep your car keys in a purse, and forget to take the purse out and the car automatically locks itself with you outside. Or maybe you placed the key in the console, but had to load up the boot and it takes a while, in which case the doors get locked and when you close the boot, you find yourself stuck outside the car. If you know you are about to carry out any such activity, it would be prudent to have the window down for one of the doors, so that even if the car locks, you have easy access to the inside door handle.
3. Use A Key Finder App
In case you’re in the habit of misplacing the car keys or simply forgetting where you kept them as you got in (especially in cars with keyless entry and push-button-starts-stop features), you can install a key finder app on your smartphone that will help you locate your keys if you misplace them. Or use something like an AirTag for the keychain.
4. Get A Remote Start System
A remote start system can help prevent lockouts by allowing you to start your car without physically being inside it. This function usually comes with cars that have connected car technology and you can control these functions via an application on your phone or tablet.
5. Upgrade Your Locks
Consider upgrading your locks to a keyless entry system or installing an alarm that will notify you if you leave your keys in the car as modern cars do.
Read More - Dead Battery? How To Start A Car By Pushing It
Summary
Being locked out of your car can feel like being stranded on a deserted island without any means of escape. But fear not, as there are numerous ways to unlock your car door in such situations. From improvising simple tools to using advanced technology, there’s always a way to get back behind the wheel.
So, on your next trip, make sure you keep these tips in mind to avoid getting locked out of your car. And remember, just like a skilled locksmith can unlock any door, you too can unlock any obstacle that comes your way with the right mindset and approach.
FAQs
1. Can I Unlock My Car Door With A Tennis Ball?
While it’s true that a tennis ball can be used to create pressure that can unlock a car door, it only works on older models with manual lock systems. Modern cars have electronic locking systems that cannot be opened with a tennis ball.
2. Can I Use A Shoelace To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, it’s possible to use a shoelace to unlock your car door, but it requires a bit of skill and patience. You need to tie a slip knot in the middle of the shoelace, then insert it through the top of the door frame, and finally, manoeuvre the loop around the lock until it engages and unlocks the door.
3. Can I Use A Coat Hanger To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, a coat hanger can be used to unlock a car door, but it’s only effective on cars with manual lock systems. You need to straighten the coat hanger, create a hook at one end, and then carefully insert it through the door frame and manipulate it until it hooks the lock mechanism.
4. Can I Use A Wedge To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, a wedge can be used to create a gap between the car door and the frame, which can allow you to insert a tool to unlock the door. However, it is crucial to use a wedge that won’t damage your car’s paint or door seal. You can use a plastic wedge or even a deflated blood pressure cuff.
5. Can I Use A Smartphone App To Unlock My Car Door?
Yes, some car manufacturers offer smartphone apps that allow you to unlock your car door remotely. However, this only works if you have the app installed, and your car is equipped with the necessary technology. It’s essential to make sure that your car’s battery is charged, and that you have a strong network connection to use this method effectively.
Important Note: While we aim to provide helpful insights and solutions for unlocking car doors when keys are trapped inside, it is essential to emphasise the importance of ethical conduct and responsible use of this information. The techniques and tips shared in this article are intended solely for situations where you find yourself locked out of your vehicle. We strongly discourage any misuse or attempts to unlock other people's cars without their permission or for any malicious purposes. Respect for others' property and privacy is paramount, and we wholeheartedly endorse responsible and lawful actions. Please use the knowledge gained from this article responsibly and solely for personal use.
