Tricks to Unlock Your Car Without Roadside Assistance

Imagine returning to your car after a long day and realizing you locked your keys inside. This can be a very unpleasant and irritating experience, but you can fix it without calling roadside assistance.

Stay calm and assess the situation. If you can, try non-destructive methods to gain access to the vehicle.

1. Hiding behind your tires

Imagine walking to your car at the end of a long, exhausting day and realizing you've locked your keys in. It's a terrible feeling. It doesn't matter if you're heading to work or running to the grocery store it happens to a lot of people, and it can be very stressful.

Put your spare key in a safe place on or around your car. This is one of the most effective ways to avoid being stranded. But the best location to store your spare key is not in your vehicle, but rather in a secure and accessible location.

It's best to avoid hiding the spare key behind your tire because it is not the most discreet place and can be easily seen by passersby. A thief can easily open your door to grab the keys.

Another great place to store your spare key is in the wheel well. It's a great place to keep your spare key because it's hidden from view and is difficult to access without knowing. It's also a great place as it shields your spare key from dirt and weather.

You can also place a lock box on the handle of your door to store keys that you have left. These boxes are usually intended for use in homes, but they can be put onto the handle of your car to look like a regular doorknob. If you're worried about scratching your car's door there are lockboxes made of rubber casings designed to protect against scratches.

2. Cover your license plate behind it

The key fob is a vital tool for locking and unlocking your car, however it's not difficult to leave it behind when you're running out the door. If you have an additional key fob or another way to open your car, you can place it beneath your license plate. The key fob is shielded from water, dirt and other things that could damage it. It will still be in a position to open the doors even if you're locked out.

If you don't have an extra key fob, try using a coat hanger. It's an easy and cheap method to gain entry into your car. It won't scratch or damage it. You can buy a coat hanger at most supermarkets, discount stores and pharmacies, or even find one in your emergency kit.

Another option is to place your keys in the area where you open the gas cap. Make sure that you don't put the keys in too far or they will be hard to reach. You can place your keys in the windshield wipers on certain vehicles, but it could be dangerous for a driver to drive your car.

The best way to avoid locking your keys in your vehicle is to never do it. Newer vehicles have security features that prevent you from locking your keys inside your vehicle, and a lot of roadside assistance companies offer new services, such as remote unlocking.

3. Hide behind your tailpipe

A majority of newer vehicles have keys that lock the doors with just a click. However, older vehicles might require a little more work to unlock the door manually. It's a good idea to keep a spare car key hidden in your vehicle. If you're in a bind, you can use tools like pliers and screwdrivers to make space in the door frame, or an inflatable blood pressure cuff to create an opening through which you can reach your keys.

If you don't own any of these tools, a shoelace can be used. You can either pull the string upwards to unlock the lock button, or tap the rod that is on top of the post lock using the help of a bar made of metal.

Other places to hide in your car include the nook behind your air vent where you can hide valuables and avoid being crushed when you switch on the vent. Certain cars have deep recesses behind the windshield wipers. The keys can be tucked in here could be a great option to keep them out of sight however, be careful not to put them in too deep or you could hear them jingle as leave your car.

4. Hide behind your grille

If you're locked out of your car, one the best things to do is to call a friend or family member. They can help calm your nerves and might even have tools that can help you get back in. If you don't have anyone nearby there are some tricks you can use to unlock your vehicle.

First, verify that the key fob is working correctly. Sometimes, valet keys do not have a chip and aren't able start the engine. If this is the case, try replacing the battery on the keyfob and see if this solves the issue.

You can also try to manually lock your vehicle using the handle. Most cars have a manual lock on the door handle, which can be activated by turning the knob toward the trunk or the hood. This method should work in most instances, but if it doesn't, you may need to look for a different method.

You could also unlock your vehicle by using wire hangers. Straighten the hanger, then insert it in the door's frame, just above the button to lock or unlock. After that, carefully maneuver the hook at the end of the hanger and gently insert it into the lock button.

If you have tried all these methods but still can't unlock your car, it's time to call a professional. Professional locksmiths are expensive however they're worth it if you have locked your keys in the vehicle and don't have a spare.

5. Hiding behind your car's hood

It's not just an inconvenience when you realize you've locked your keys in your car. It can be a risk particularly if there's pets or children in the vehicle. You could be in a panic and be wondering how to open a car door without a key you'll ever get out, but it is important to remain calm. Try to think of ways to open the door of your car.

A modified wire coathanger is one of the most convenient methods to unlock your vehicle without a car key. To do this, simply straighten the coat hanger before putting it into the lock. Then you can use the hook to open the door and unlock your vehicle. You may also use pliers, or a rod made of metal in the event that you don't have a wire hanger. These tools are more difficult to use, but they could nevertheless assist you in getting into your car.

Another way to ensure that you don't lock your keys in your car is to keep a spare key in your car. You can store it in a safe place that a thief would not look or by keeping it with you. You can also buy a magnetic lockbox that you can use to store your spare keys. Alternatively, you can leave keys with someone you are confident in. Be sure that they know how to open locked car to open the door without key (talking to) to open your car in an emergency.

6. You can hide behind your wheels

Imagine that you are on your way home or to work after a tiring, long day. You lock your keys inside the car. Millions of people face this scenario every year. If this happens, the most important option is to remain calm and determine what to do. There are a variety of ways to get the keys back to the car. You can make use of a Slim Jim, inflatables wedges, or even a bobbypin.

You can keep a spare key in the car to avoid getting locked out in the future. Certain vehicles have innovative features that will prevent you from locking your keys in your vehicle. Others have services such as OnStar which will help you remotely unlock your car. If you do not have these features, put your spare key in a safe place where thieves would not be in a position to view it.

If you're unable find your car keys or any of these hacks don't work, it might be time to call a locksmith. There's no need to panic if you lock your keys inside the car and a quick phone call to a locksmith will save you a lot of hassle and anxiety. To avoid this situation in the future, make sure to check your pockets before leaving and keep an extra key in a safe place. It's also recommended to install an alarm system in your car and always make sure you're not hurrying when getting into and out of your vehicle.