Tips for Keys Locked in a Car

When traveling by car, one of the most frustrating and embarrassing things you can do is to lock your keys in the car. These situations not only put a damper on your immediate plans, they can also play havoc with the entire trip. When faced with this predicament, don't panic, trying one of several tips might help you reunite with your keys and be quickly on your way.

Pick Lock
Picking your car's lock is a good option if you drive an older car, namely one that is not operated by a sensor key, in which case, you wouldn't need to pick the lock in the first place. If you have some, spray the lock with a liberal amount of WD-40. Picking the lock will work best if you have a large safety pin, straight pin or straightened paper clip. Insert the paper clip directly into the lubricated keyhole, then wiggle the tool in different directions until you hear the click of the door unlocking.

Coat Hanger Or Lasso
Another option for retrieving locked keys in a car is to use a lasso tool or a wire coat hanger. You can create your own lasso tool by tying a piece of string securely into a loop around the end of a thin piece of metal or wood. Make sure the piece of metal or wood is thin enough to fit between the top of the side door window and the car door frame. If using a coat hanger, straighten the wire and bend its hooked end into a circular shape, similar to a lasso. Next, slide the tool between the window and door frame and lower the lassoed end around the flat part of the door's unlocking mechanism, then pull up. If your car doesn't have interior lock mechanisms, you can try using the same tools to press the mechanical unlock mechanism to open your car's doors.

Slim Jim
A Slim Jim is a slender metallic tool that resembles a large knife and is designed to unlock a car door by accessing the lock mechanism located inside the car door. If you have a Slim Jim, slide the device between the narrow slit between the door glass and car door, then slide the tool down into the door. Once you've located the lock mechanism, twist the Slim Jim until it wraps around the wire, and then pull up. Since they are a specialized tool, Slim Jims are hard to come by and are primarily used by locksmiths and law enforcement personnel. Some companies equip security personnel with Slim Jims, so locating a willing security officer might be a more viable option that involving the police or having to pay a locksmith.

Miscellaneous Tips
As the door closes on your car's interior and your forgotten set of keys, take a moment to make sure the car door is actually locked. Paying a locksmith or investing the time to pick the car's lock only to realize the door wasn't locked after all can make an already stressful and embarrassing situation turn uglier. In a worst case scenario, check with the car dealership you purchased the car from to see if it has the key code to make a new lock or key.

Courtesy of USA Today