2 Mistakes To Avoid When Trying To Get Into Your Car When You Lock Your Keys Inside
When going to unlock your car to get in, you may have discovered that you have locked your keys inside. Especially if you are in a hurry to get somewhere, you may be tempted to try to get into your vehicle using methods that you may have heard or read about. However, if you make a mistake such as those discussed below, you may wind up only making matters worse.
1. Attempting to Force the Lock to Turn Using Anything Other Than the Key
One mistake that you should avoid after being locked out of your car is attempting to unlock it by forcing the lock to turn with anything other than the key. You may have seen where inserting a pair of needlenose pliers or an icepick was successful in unlocking a car door and think that it may work for you.
However, the tumbler in which the key is inserted has several delicate layers. If you attempt to push an object other than the key that fits these layers into the tumbler, you risk breaking the lock and making it useless even if you were to get your key.
The object could also become jammed inside of the lock. Either way, you would end up having to replace the lock with a new one.
2. Trying to Push a Wire Clothes Hanger or Other Long Item Through a Closed Window
After deciding that you should not try to force the lock, you may decide to get a wire clothes hanger or other long, sturdy item and try to push it through the top of the window. While this technique may have worked for older cars, if your vehicle is a newer model, you may wind up breaking the glass.
Unlike older cars, the windows in modern vehicles have a tight seal around them. If they are completely closed, you will not be able to insert something and try to wiggle it down to unlock the door. If you try, the odd angle and pressure from the object will most likely crack or even shatter the glass.
If you make either of the above mistakes while trying to get into your car, you will most likely cause damage to your vehicle that will result in the need for costly repairs. Instead of attempting to get into your car and risk making the problem worse, contact an auto shop that offers auto lockout services to have them help you get back into your car.