Ideally, everyone wants to open their car door with the key or remote control effortlessly. However, there are times when drivers accidentally lock themselves out of their vehicles. When such instances occur, mastering safe car unlock techniques can be helpful for both first-time drivers and seasoned pros alike.
Knowing the Basic Methods
Before trying any advanced techniques or contacting a professional locksmith, it is worthwhile for drivers to familiarize themselves with the basic methods that may help them regain access to their locked cars:
- Check all doors: Some vehicle owners do not have automatic locks and might only lock the driver’s side by habit. In this case, checking all other doors might solve your problem without needing professional assistance.
- Contact Roadside Assistance: Many auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as part of their policies. This may include help getting back into a locked vehicle if you lose your key or accidentally lock yourself out.
- Rely on Spare Keys: Always keep spare keys stored in an accessible location outside the vehicle. It could be in a purse or backpack; add a Bluetooth tracker so you can find them more quickly in case they are misplaced.
The Big Easy Method
If the basic methods fail to unlock your car door, you may consider trying the Big Easy method. This method is a non-destructive, easy way to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. The Big Easy Car Unlocking Kit is a commonly recommended toolset often used by professional locksmiths for safe entry.
Follow these steps:
- Insert the inflatable wedge into the door gap between the window and the metal part of the door.
- Inflate the wedge with an attached pump until it creates a sizable opening on top of the door for inserting another tool.
- Insert a long reach tool (like those available in unlocking kits) through the created gap and push or pull back on the car lock mechanism to unlock it.
The Coat Hanger Method
This old-fashioned trick has been useful in locked-out scenarios for decades. However, note that this method may cause minor scratches and damage to your car if you do not exercise caution while using it.
Follow these steps:
- Find a wire coat hanger and straighten it, keeping one hooked end intact.
- Slightly pry open your car’s door just wide enough for the coat hanger to get through, using wedges like rubber gloves or pieces of cloth wrapped around a sturdy flat object such as metal butter knife or screwdriver.
- Gently insert the curved end of the coat hanger through opened gap, attempting to grab onto either internal locking mechanism inside door frame or lever itself below your window level which should open lock. It might take few tries before successfully engaging with correct part so be patient!
The Air Pump Bag Method
This technique utilizes an air pump bag and a long reach tool. Air pump bags are also known as air wedges, and various professional locksmith kits include them.
Follow these steps:
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- Insert deflated air bag into a small gap between your car window and door panel.
- Pump the bag until it creates enough space to gain access to lock mechanism with long reach tool. Make sure not to create excessive efforts on car glass that can be damaging – only inflate it just enough for good access coverage without damaging anything).
- Once enough space is created, carefully introduce your long tool of choice through created opening while still holding onto inflated wedge then either push or pull back upwards which should release vehicle latch from locked position so you can easily enter!
Contacting A Professional Locksmith
If all DIY methods fail or you feel uncertain about using them, consider calling a professional automotive locksmith. These skilled technicians possess experience handling car lockout scenarios and will arrive at your location with appropriate tools designed specifically for unlocking vehicles without causing damage. Do not hesitate to call them when needed!
