How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith

It's not pleasant to lock your keys inside your car. This happens most often when you need to be.

A locksmith can help. The process is more complicated than simply cutting a brand new key and programming it into your vehicle. For starters, you have be able to prove the ownership of your car to be able to do this.

Transponder Keys

Many modern car manufacturers have implemented transponder keys into their key system in order to guard against theft. The advantage of transponder keys is that they prevent people from duplicating your key without the assistance of specialist tools. The keys also have an electronic chip that transmits radio frequency signals to the immobilizer, ensuring that only keys with a valid license can start your car. It is important to determine if your car takes a transponder key or not, so you can make the right decision. You can check this by calling an automotive locksmith and revealing the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

Transponder keys are comprised of an embedded microchip that has a unique digital serial that authenticates duplicate and original keys. It also transmits radio signals that are activated only when the key is placed close to the dashboard or into the ignition to start the car. The signal is not sent when the key is in a different position, and is not picked up by scanners.

It is crucial to know that a transponder key can only be duplicated by a licensed auto-locksmith or your car dealer. If you attempt to duplicate the key yourself, it will likely not work and may even damage your immobilizer system. A car key that does not have a transponder can cause malfunctions as well as permanent damage.

However, mobile auto locksmiths does not mean that your car is more secure than a non-transponder vehicle since car thieves are found to be able to bypass even the most advanced security systems. Most car thieves are well-trained and are equipped with the most advanced technology to steal cars, regardless of whether they have transponder keys.

Lost Keys

They are light and small which makes them easy to lose. They can also break in locks due to natural wear or when they are caught on something unexpectedly. This could cause difficulty to start your vehicle and you may have to call a professional to get the key out.

Locksmiths can typically unlock your car with no issue, and will usually accomplish this for less than you might think. Most auto locksmiths will remove the key from the lock for less than $20. This is considerably less expensive than replacing the entire lock.

You can also get a new one made even if the original model is not available. This process can be more time-consuming due to the fact that they must reprogram the system of the car using special equipment. They'll also need to know your VIN number or key identification number, which you might find in your manual or you can get from the car's manufacturer.

If you are prone to losing items, you might decide to make a separate area for keys, such as a kitchen drawer or coat pocket. You don't have to worry about losing a key and you'll be able to keep the track of your belongings.

You should also have your phone with an application for GPS to help you locate your home. This is especially helpful in the event that you tend to lose track of your destination. It can be extremely helpful in the event that you are running out of fuel or break down. Pay-per-mile insurance is another option. Companies such as Metromile offer this type of insurance and can help you save money. You pay a fixed monthly fee plus a few pennies per mile. This means that you're always covered in case of an emergency. You can compare quotes with other companies to determine which one is the best for you.

Locked Out

It's the most awful feeling in the world to return to your car at the end of a long, tiring day to find that your keys are in the car. Although it may be a bit overwhelming but there are a few things you can do to unlock your car yourself before calling a locksmith. Try first the door keypad or the trunk lock, in the event that you have it. If that doesn't work then you can try trying to reach through the windows using a tool such as the Slim Jim. You can also contact roadside assistance. Many automakers offer this service as do third-party companies. These services can take longer to arrive but are cheaper than a professional locksmith.

If you need locksmith services, make sure to call one who is MLA-approved. This means they have been scrutinized, inspected and certified as being competent for the task at hand. You can also review reviews on the internet to find out what people's opinions about the company. It is best to pick the services of a local locksmith when you can. They can give you advice on how to improve your home security. For instance, they may suggest installing locks that are more difficult to break or change the existing ones to work with a brand new key.

If you lock your keys inside your vehicle, a locksmith could rekey it so that the lock will work with a brand new key or the original one. This is a less expensive option than replacing the lock and can save time and money.

Make plans to avoid this problem. If you know you're likely to lock your keys in your vehicle, leave the spare key with a trusted friend or family member. You can then get inside your car without waiting for a locksmith or paying high roadside assistance fees. Alternately, you can sign up for a roadside assistance program or automaker app that offers on-demand assistance. They will dispatch technicians within a half hour to your location, and you will be able to return to your destination.

Broken Keys

If a key gets broken inside a lock it can be extremely difficult. There are a few DIY tricks you can try, but the best way to proceed is call a locksmith. They have the equipment and know-how to remove a broken lock without causing further damage.

Often, a key snaps within the lock due to hasn't been properly maintained. Repetitively inserting and removing keys could wear down the ridges and weaken the structure of the key. Furthermore, too much force in unlocking or turning the key can cause the key to break. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant on the lock cylinder can assist in preventing this from happening again in the future.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with a damaged key is to stay calm and not panic. A quick jiggling of a broken key can cause it to get stuck even more and could cause the broken piece to slide further into the lock. Instead, gently jiggle or twist the key in both directions. If the key is still snagged, apply a little additional lubricant.

If the key is stuck in the lock's cylinder, you can employ needle nose pliers grasp the broken piece. This technique is tricky and requires patience, however, if you choose the right pliers for this job, it will work. Avoid using tweezers since they are too large and can push the broken part of the key deeper into the lock.


Another method to DIY is to employ a paperclip to hold the broken portion of the key and leverage it out of the lock. This method works best using lubricant and is much easier to perform if the broken portion of the key is pushed out enough to be grasped with pliers.

If none of these methods work, you can always try a pair of specialized key extractors. They're shaped like a small drill and can be put into the cylinder of the lock, where they grasp the key fragment and begin to pull it out. Again, this process is best done in a safe neighborhood with a neighbor you trust!