If you’ve ever locked your keys in the car, you’re not alone. According to the latest stats from AAA, more than 4,000,000 motorists lock themselves out of their vehicles each year.
While you may not be able to avoid the occasional moment of absent-mindedness or an incident with a mischevious toddler who decides to hide the keys under the seat, you can make your life a bit easier by knowing the right way to regain access to your vehicle.
The wrong way
Many YouTube video and online discussion board proponents claim that you can easily pop open the lock on your own. However, this usually isn’t the best way to go. Most of these do-it-yourself methods involve wedging an object down the crack between the window and door, or prying back the door frame. Both methods can seriously ruin your car door if you mess up.
Additionally, if you use a method like sliding a wire hanger or other sharp, narrow object down the crack between the window and weather stripping, you could damage the inner wiring or the airbags inside the door.
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Photo: Chris F
The right way
The safest way to remedy a lock-out incident is to call a local auto locksmith. These professionals are trained and equipped with specialized tools to help you get back into your vehicle without damaging it.
But exactly how does a locksmith unlock a vehicle without access to the key? If your car has an old-fashioned physical lock, the locksmith typically uses a key analyzer or VATS passkey decoder. These tools copy enable the locksmith to make a copy of the vehicle’s key even if they don’t have a physical key on hand to base the copy on. Even if your key is stuck in the lock, and damaged, a locksmith will have the necessary tools to extract the broken key while keeping the lock intact.
If your car has a keyless entry function, a locksmith will use a transponder programming tool to open the car. If your car has a keyless ignition system, the same method should apply.
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News Sources: Destin Locksmithing, AAA
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