Avoid leaving your keys in the car, whether in the ignition or on the passenger seat. After all, you probably would not leave your home keys stuck on the welcome mat or stuck in the front door, and so, as a vehicle owner, you should not leave your car keys in the ignition either.
Leaving your car unlocked with the keys inside is risky, and if it is damaged or stolen, your policy won’t cover it. If you park your vehicle inside a secured property, like a locked garage, your policy will not cover any damage or theft.
In this article, we will cover many precautions and techniques to help you unlock your vehicle without causing any damage.
Using a long-reach tool
A long-reaching tool, generally known as a “slim jim”, is a flexible, thin piece of metal used to manipulate the locking mechanism inside your vehicle’s door. This tool is largely accessible and can be purchased through the internet or at your local auto parts store. To use it:
· Insert the long-reach tool between the weather stripping and the window stripping. A wedge might be necessary to get it in.
· Carefully manoeuvre the device until you hook the locking mechanism
· Generally push or pull the tool to unlock the car door.
The methods might be different depending on the lock type you have. Different vehicles come with varying lock types, including horizontal and vertical locks. When using a long-reach tool, it is essential to understand your vehicle’s lock type. For vertical locks, insert the tool vertically and hook the mechanism.
Unlock it with an inflatable pump wedge
If you happen to lock yourself out of the vehicle regularly, it might be the best idea to invest in an inflatable wedge kit. These “auto entry tools” will help you avoid destroying the vehicle’s paint, which can sometimes happen with metal tools. The wedge creates an area between the jamb and door, permitting you to insert access rods or tools that disengage the lock.
Unlocking a car with a shoelace
If your vehicle has a manual lock system with a toggle or button on the inside door handle or, for power locks, with a door lock knob via the top of the panel, you can use a shoelace to unlock it.
· Tie a little loop at the end of the shoelace.
· Insert the loop via the top corner of the door frame.
· Manoeuvre the loop around the lock button.
· Pull the shoelace to unlock the vehicle.
Use the latest technology
Many vehicle manufacturers provide smartphone apps that permit you to unlock your vehicle remotely. If you have set up this spec, you can just use the app to unlock your vehicle. Make sure you keep your phone charged and familiarise yourself with the app’s functionality ahead of time.
New vehicles often use certain key fobs. If you have left your key fob inside the car, some smart fobs have a spec that permits you to access the vehicle without it.
