An expert explained what to do when a driver has lost his car keys.
Drivers often face various unpleasant situations. Losing car keys is one of them.
How to Open a Car Without a Key?
The best way is to use a special inflatable cushion – the so-called pneumocline (pump wedge). It is a small bag made of hard rubber with a strong fabric cover, connected by a hose to a medical “pear”. Inserting the ingenious device between the body and the corner of the door and pumping air, the hapless owner wedges them together.
As a result, a gap appears in the door, where you can push a metal wire, a long hook or similar “tools”. Which, if successful, will reach the elements responsible for unlocking the door.
3 Steps to Try to Open a Car Without a Key
- Try to hook the door lock button with a lanyard. To do this, you will also need something to set the corner of the door away from the body: thermocline, dense cardboard, plastic, or wooden blocks – whatever is at hand. A loop is made from a strong twine of suitable length in the middle. Then through the created gap from top to bottom pull the cord carefully (so as not to tighten the loop) is bring it to the locking pin on the door card. Then the cord is pulled from both sides – the hinge is tightened on the pin, and then it is pulled upward, unlocking the door. The method will not suit all cars. Some cars have smooth lock buttons (the hinge will slip off), and some in the closed position they do not protrude above the door card. Well, and in modern models they do not even have them at all.
- Act on the pull of the door locks through the gap between the glass and the seal (from the outside). This method will not work 100%: it all depends on the design of the door and seals. Usually, such a trick is relevant only for simple and old cars. On some of them, part of the outer seal can be removed from the street, which will provide a large convenient gap to the interior of the door. Well, then it is a matter of technique: again wire, ruler, hook, and other “special means”, are selected according to the situation.
- In the most extreme case, for example, if the situation occurred in the forest or in a remote village, you can break one of the side windows, preferably the smallest one. Later you will have to install new glass, and the price, as a rule, depends on the size. You can’t break a car window with your foot or hand, don’t even try. It is better to arm yourself with a hammer or at least a stone and hit the edge of the glass.
Services to Contact if a Driver Loses his Keys
If the driver does not have access to a second, spare key, it is possible to use the services of technical assistance specialists. In all major cities, there are companies that specialize in opening any locks, including car locks. Or it can help rescue services specialists – call the Ministry of Emergency Situations at 112. Be sure to describe your case in detail so that the right pros can be sent to help.
If the key is lost, it can be made again or use an arsenal of various electronic or mechanical “lock picks”. Remember that when calling such services, you will have to show your car documents and your passport. It is good if you have a photo of your documents in your cell phone.
Another option – in case the situation occurred on the highway and the second set of keys is waiting for you at home. Then you can call a tow truck. Sometimes the cost can be comparable to the services of a “car breaker”.
