We’ve all been there – that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize you’ve locked your car keys inside your vehicle. It’s a frustrating, often panic-inducing situation, but it’s also a surprisingly common one. Instead of succumbing to despair, take a deep breath and remember that there are several practical steps you can take to resolve the situation. This guide will walk you through various strategies, from simple DIY solutions to knowing when to call for professional help.
1. Don’t Panic – Assess the Situation
The absolute first thing to do is to remain calm. Panicking will only make it harder to think clearly and make good decisions. Take a moment to assess the situation:
Is the car running? If the engine is still on, this adds an element of urgency due to fuel consumption and potential carbon monoxide buildup if in an enclosed space.
Are windows slightly ajar? Even a tiny gap might be enough to thread a slim jim or a coat hanger through.
Are there spare keys nearby? This is the ideal scenario and the quickest fix.
Where are you? Are you in a safe location, or do you need to move to one (if possible) while you work on retrieving your keys?
Do you have roadside assistance? Many car insurance policies or car manufacturers offer this service.
2. Check All Doors and the Trunk
It might sound obvious, but in a moment of stress, you might overlook the simplest solution. Walk around your car and try every single door, including the passenger doors and the trunk. Sometimes, a door that you thought was locked might actually be slightly ajar or even fully unlocked. Modern cars sometimes have quirky locking mechanisms, so it’s worth a thorough check.
3. The Spare Key – Your Best Friend
If you have a spare key, this is by far the easiest and quickest solution. Many people keep a spare at home, with a trusted friend or family member, or even in a magnetic hide-a-key box somewhere on the exterior of their vehicle (though this last option comes with security risks if discovered). If your spare key is accessible, retrieve it and unlock your car. This is why it’s always recommended to have a readily available spare.
4. Roadside Assistance – Your Lifeline
If you’re a member of a roadside assistance program (like AAA, your car’s manufacturer service, or through your insurance provider), now is the time to call them. They specialize in these types of situations and can often send a professional locksmith or technician to your location relatively quickly. They have specialized tools and expertise to unlock your car without causing damage. Be prepared to provide your location and vehicle details.
5. Call a Locksmith – Professional Help is Available
If you don’t have roadside assistance or they can’t reach you in a timely manner, a professional locksmith is your next best bet. Look up reputable locksmiths in your area. They have the necessary tools and experience to open your car door without damaging the lock or window. While this will incur a fee, it’s often worth the cost to avoid damaging your vehicle. Make sure to choose a certified and trustworthy locksmith.
6. The “Coat Hanger” Trick (Use with Extreme Caution)
This is a classic DIY method, but it comes with a significant caveat: it can easily damage your car if not done correctly. Only attempt this if you are comfortable with the risk and as a last resort.
For older cars with manual locks: Straighten a wire coat hanger, leaving a small hook at one end. Carefully slide the hanger between the rubber seal of the window and the car door frame. The goal is to maneuver the hook to catch the locking mechanism or the interior door handle. This requires a delicate touch and a bit of luck.
For cars with power locks: This method is much harder. You might try to use the hanger to press the unlock button, but this is often difficult to achieve.
Modern cars: Many modern cars have anti-theft measures that make this trick almost impossible or highly likely to cause damage to wiring or internal mechanisms.
Seriously, consider the risks of scratching paint, bending weather stripping, or even damaging electrical components before attempting this method.
7. The “Wedge and Rod” Method (Professional Preferred)
This method is similar to what professionals use but requires specific tools. You’ll need a wedge (often inflatable, like an air pump wedge) and a long, slender rod or tool.
Carefully insert the wedge into the top corner of the car door frame, creating a small gap.
Inflate the wedge (if it’s an air wedge) or gently push it in to widen the gap just enough to slide the rod through.
Use the rod to press the unlock button or pull the interior door handle.
Again, this method carries risks of bending the door frame, damaging paint, or breaking the window if not done correctly. It’s generally best left to professionals.
8. Break a Window (Absolute Last Resort and Not Recommended)
This should only be considered in an absolute emergency, such as a child or pet being locked in a hot car, and only if no other option is immediately available. Breaking a window is costly to replace, can cause injury, and will leave your vehicle unsecured. If you must break a window, choose the smallest one furthest from any occupants (e.g., a rear vent window) and cover your hand and arm with a cloth to protect yourself from glass shards.
9. Connected Car Services and Apps
If you have a newer vehicle, it might be equipped with connected car services (e.g., OnStar, FordPass, BMW ConnectedDrive, etc.). Many of these services allow you to remotely lock and unlock your car using a smartphone app or by calling their customer service line. This is an incredibly convenient feature that can save you a lot of hassle. Make sure you have the app installed and set up beforehand.
10. What to Do After You’re Back In
Once you’ve successfully regained entry to your car:
Check for damage: Inspect your car for any scratches, dents, or damage to the door frame, weather stripping, or window mechanisms, especially if you attempted DIY methods.
Consider preventative measures:
Always have a spare key: Keep one at home, with a trusted neighbor, or even hidden in a secure, magnetic key box (though be mindful of security risks).
Use connected car apps: If your car has the feature, set up and familiarize yourself with the remote unlock app.
Get roadside assistance: If you don’t have it, consider adding it to your insurance or purchasing a membership.
Be mindful: Develop a habit of checking for your keys before closing your car door.
In conclusion, locking your keys in your car is a common inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. By staying calm, assessing your options, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can resolve the situation efficiently and get back on the road. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take steps to ensure you have a spare key or access to remote unlocking services to avoid this predicament in the future.
Here is an image of someone looking frustrated after locking their keys in the car.
