Don’t Damage Your Vehicle, Call a Locksmith

Hello, and welcome back to our blog! Here at Redlands Lock & Key, we know that locking your keys in your car is never fun. For the majority of people, being locked out of their vehicle is not only an inconvenience but can also be a financial burden that they are not equipped to deal with. As a result, dozens of methods have cropped up over the years telling people how to “safely” break into their own cars to try and retrieve their keys. Unfortunately, these methods are not alway effective and in some cases can even cause damage to your vehicle. In today’s post, we are going to cover two of the most common methods and why it is a bad idea to use these methods to try and break into your own vehicle.

Save the Hangers for Your Clothes

One of the most common methods people use to try and break into their own vehicle is the hanger method. Dozens of sources on the internet show that by simply bending a hanger, shoving it between your weatherstrip and driver window, and pulling up you will be able to unlock your vehicle. However, as any good locksmith knows, this method is far from easy. The hanger is actually taking the place of a known locksmith tool, usually referred to as a Slim Jim, and the method was developed out of sheer necessity. While it is entirely possible to unlock your car this way, we here at Redland Lock & Key suggest that you call a locksmith instead. Shoving anything into your door frame has the potential to damage your locking mechanism and if you aren’t careful you could end up doing more harm than good. Breaking into your car using this method will not feel as rewarding if your car’s lock becomes damaged.

Shoestrings are for Shoes, no Locked Doors

Another popular internet method for unlocking a locked vehicle is the shoestring method. For this method, a person takes a shoelace, makes a small loop in the middle, slides it between the car frame and door, and loops it around the lock. When the loop is around the lock, you simply pull the two ends of the shoestring and the loop closes, allowing you to pull the locking mechanism up and get into your car. If this method seems a little too simple, that’s because it is. Most car doors create a tight seal with the vehicle to prevent moisture from leaking into the car. Trying to shove a shoestring through this small gap can be almost impossible and, if you aren’t careful, you can end up damaging the rubber seal around the door of your vehicle. In a worst case scenario, you could end up completely detaching the rubber seal from your door and have to get it repaired or replaced.

Make the Smart Choice and Contact a Locksmith

If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, it is in your best interest to call a locksmith. While many people view calling a locksmith as “wasting money”, the potential damage you could cause to your vehicle by trying to unlock it yourself could significantly outweigh the cost of a locksmith service. At Redlands Lock & Key, we have the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. Our goal is to get your car unlocked and have you back on the road as quickly as possible. To learn more about our automotive locksmith services, contact us today or visit our website. With Redlands Lock & Key, you and your vehicle are in good hands.