It happens to everyone – and always at the worst possible time. Here’s how to get back in your car and on the road as quickly as possible
So you’ve locked your keys in your car – and somehow not your phone. Maybe you can even see your keys in the car through the window, almost grinning at you. How do you get them back out?
It goes without saying, but if it’s a hot day and there’s a child, vulnerable person or pet trapped inside the car and they’re at risk, don’t delay – call 000.
If that’s not the case, let’s have a look at how to get back in.
RELATED: What do to do if your child locks themselves in your car
Can you still lock keys in modern cars?
It’s not easy – modern cars are designed to avoid locking in the keys – but it is possible.
Accredited master locksmith Robert Clarke from The Lock Guy in Melbourne has been unlocking cars for more than 35 years – and still sees it happening with modern vehicles.
“A lot of people lock their keys in the boot when they’re doing their shopping or similar,” he says. “There are a lot of different trade tricks and tools we use to get into the cabin.”
I’ve locked my keys in my car, what do I do?
First things first, don’t panic. Try to open all the exterior doors and the boot. Check if any windows are open. Can you call a family member to bring a spare keyless remote or key?
Also, if your keyless remote simply isn’t working, there might be a metal key hidden inside the fob for emergencies. Closely inspect the fob remote for a little button or toggle you can press, or consider looking up your car’s user manual online.
Call roadside assistance
Many new car manufacturers offer 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the new vehicle warranty. Often the phone number is on a sticker in the corner of the windscreen, otherwise a quick Google will do the trick. If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can sign up over the phone, on the spot, without a waiting period.
Here is each state and territory’s roadside assistance provider:
ACT – NRMA 13 11 22
Northern Territory – AANT 13 11 11
NSW – NRMA 13 11 22
Queensland – RACQ 13 11 11
South Australia – RAA 13 11 11
Tasmania – RACT 13 11 11
Victoria – RACV 13 11 11
Western Australia – RAC 13 11 11
Call a mobile locksmith
This could be a smarter option than roadside assistance, reckons Robert, as accredited master automotive locksmiths have more experience and more tools to get into your car quicker – and with a lower risk of damage. Google mobile locksmiths in your area and call the closest.
Can I use a coat-hanger to get in?
Not if it’s a newer car, says Robert. “A lot of that went out the door with the old HQ Holden back in the seventies,” he laughs. Best call an expert.
If you have to break a window, which one and why?
Smashing a window is dangerous and not recommended. “Everyone thinks that the smallest window is the best one to smash but most car manufacturers, it’s the most expensive to replace,” says Robert.
“Ten years ago it would be the windscreen, but not with modern cars now because windscreens are very expensive with their heating de-misters built all through the glass.”
And once you’ve smashed a window, you’ll have lots of glass in your car. “You’ll never get it all out,” says Robert.
Four tips to avoid getting locked out of your car
- Don’t let kids play with keyless remotes, as they might lock themselves in the car. They’ll find it funny, but you won’t
- Regularly change the keyless remote battery. They’re often cheaply available from a supermarket, and easy to replace
- Ensure there’s a spare key at home. The glovebox will not seem so wise a place to store a spare key once you’re locked out of the car
- Get in the habit of taking your keys when you exit the car. Some cars can auto-lock with the keys still inside. (French carmakers, we’re looking at you)
RELATED: What do to do if your child locks themselves in your car
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