What to Do If You Lock Your Keys in the Car

Locking your keys inside your car is a common yet frustrating experience. Whether you’ve stepped out for a minute and closed the door behind you or you’ve mistakenly left your keys on the passenger seat, this situation can quickly disrupt your day. The good news is that while it can be stressful, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue without causing further panic or damage to your vehicle. Here’s what you should do if you ever find yourself locked out of your car.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step when you realize your keys are locked inside your car is to stay calm. It’s easy to panic, but getting upset or frantic won’t help the situation. Take a moment to breathe and assess the situation.

• Is the car running or off? If your car is still running, be extra cautious when attempting to unlock it. In such cases, you don’t want to risk leaving it running while you try to resolve the issue.
• Is there a child or pet inside? If a child or pet is locked inside the vehicle, it’s important to act quickly and contact emergency services immediately. In hot weather, cars can heat up quickly, leading to serious health risks.

By staying calm and identifying the severity of the situation, you’ll be able to approach the problem with a clear mind.

2. Check for Unlocked Doors or Windows

Before you panic and assume you’re locked out completely, check your vehicle for any other unlocked doors or windows. It may seem obvious, but in the rush of the moment, you may overlook an unlocked door or a slightly open window that you could use to gain entry.

• Inspect all doors: Sometimes, the trunk or rear door may be unlocked, even if the front doors are not. If your vehicle has child safety locks or special mechanisms, make sure to check for those as well.
• Check windows carefully: If the window is cracked or left slightly open, you may be able to reach inside and unlock the door. If you have a long object (such as a coat hanger or a telescoping rod), you can try to maneuver it carefully to hit the unlock button inside.

If you find an open door or window, unlocking your car is easy. However, if everything is securely locked, you’ll need to try other methods.

3. Use Your Spare Key

If you have a spare key available, this is often the fastest and easiest solution. Keeping a spare key handy can save you a lot of time and frustration in the event of a lockout.

• Keep your spare in a safe location: You might want to keep your spare key at home, with a trusted friend or family member, or in a secure key box or safe. For added convenience, some people also use keyless entry fobs or remote apps that allow them to unlock their car via their smartphone.
• Remember, it’s always good to have a backup: If you don’t already have a spare key, it’s a wise investment to get one made. Most car dealers or locksmiths can quickly duplicate keys or fobs at a reasonable cost.

If your spare key is readily accessible, use it to open your car and continue on with your day.

4. Use a Lockout Tool (If You’re Comfortable and Safe Doing So)

If you’re unable to find a spare key and there’s no other option to unlock your car, there are some lockout tools you might be able to use. However, these methods should only be attempted if you feel confident and comfortable doing so. Using lockout tools improperly can damage your car’s locking mechanism or airbags, so proceed with caution.

Common Lockout Tools Include:

• The “BigEasy” or “BigWedge”: These are inflatable tools used to gently pry apart the door frame from the vehicle. By inserting a small wedge into the gap, you can create enough space to insert a long, flexible rod that can press the unlock button inside.
• A Long Reach Tool: This tool is a long rod that allows you to manually press the unlock button from the outside of the vehicle.

Using these tools requires patience and care, and you may need to rely on instructional videos or professional guidance if you are unfamiliar with the technique. If you’re uncertain, it’s usually best to skip this step and move on to professional help.

5. Call for Professional Help

If all else fails and you’re unable to unlock your car yourself, calling a professional locksmith is often the best option. A licensed locksmith has the skills, experience, and specialized tools to unlock your car without damaging it.

• Auto Locksmith Services: Many locksmiths offer emergency lockout services and can arrive on-site to assist you quickly. They may use non-destructive methods such as air wedges or long-reach tools to unlock your vehicle.
• Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance provider, they may also be able to help you unlock your car. Depending on your insurance plan, they may dispatch a locksmith or offer a solution to help you regain access to your vehicle.
• Dealerships: If you’re unable to reach a locksmith, contacting your car dealership is another option. They can either help you retrieve your keys or provide a replacement key if necessary, but keep in mind that this option may be more expensive and take longer.

Professional help is often the safest and most reliable option, especially if you’re unsure how to unlock the car without causing damage.

6. Consider Keyless Entry Options for the Future

To avoid future lockouts, it’s a good idea to consider installing or using keyless entry systems. Many newer cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your doors without the need for a traditional key.

• Key Fobs: Modern cars often come with key fobs or remote access, which allows you to unlock your car with a simple button press. If you already have a fob but didn’t bring it with you, consider getting a spare fob programmed and stored safely.
• Smartphone Apps: Some car manufacturers offer smartphone apps that can remotely unlock your car. These apps can be especially useful if you frequently forget your keys or need to access your car from a distance.
• Bluetooth Key Systems: Some vehicles now feature Bluetooth-enabled keys that automatically unlock your car when your phone is in range. These systems provide added convenience and security.

Investing in a keyless entry system can significantly reduce the risk of future lockouts and give you peace of mind.

7. Preventing Lockouts in the Future

Once you’ve resolved the current situation, it’s wise to take steps to avoid future lockouts. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Routine Key Check: Develop a habit of checking for your keys before you leave the car. Make sure they are safely in your pocket, purse, or bag before you shut the door.
• Store a Spare Key in a Secure Place: As mentioned earlier, a spare key can be a lifesaver. Consider investing in a magnetic key holder or using a key storage service to keep your backup key safe but accessible.
• Use Keyless Entry Systems: If your vehicle offers a remote access or smartphone app feature, make sure it’s activated and configured properly.

By taking simple preventive steps, you can ensure that you’re better prepared in case of a future lockout.

Final Words

Locking your keys in the car is undeniably frustrating, but it’s a problem that can often be resolved quickly with the right approach. By staying calm, using a spare key, considering professional help, or utilizing lockout tools, you can regain access to your vehicle without too much hassle. Taking steps to prevent future lockouts, such as investing in keyless entry systems or keeping a spare key, can help you avoid the stress of being locked out in the future. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re faced with this common dilemma, and remember: there’s always a solution to get back on track.