Have you ever been on the way somewhere and had to make a quick stop, only to realize when you returned that you had left your car key fob inside? It can be an incredibly unpleasant experience to find yourself locked out of your car. Fortunately for us all, there are several ways you can unlock a vehicle with a key fob inside so that getting locked out doesn’t ruin your day.
Whether you have a key fob with a physical key or without one, there are ways how to lock car with key fob inside. Always double-check that your key fob is inside the car before attempting any of these methods.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the best methods for unlocking modern vehicles even if your keys are still inside!
What Will You Need?
The great thing about unlocking a car with a key fob inside is that you don’t need much. All you’ll need to do is be near your vehicle and have access to either a spare key or some tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spare Key: If you have another set of keys for the car, then all you’ll need to do is use those.
- Lock Pick: If you don’t have a spare key, you can use a lock pick to open the door.
- Slim Jim: A slim Jim is another tool that can be used to unlock cars. However, it should only be used as a last resort as it can damage the vehicle’s locks.
Once you have gathered the necessary tools, unlocking a car with a key fob inside is relatively straightforward.
10 Easy Steps on How to Lock Car With Key Fob Inside
Step 1. Approach the Car Door:
Walk up to your locked car door and confirm your keys are inside. Inspect the lock; some modern vehicle models have locks that automatically unlock if the key fob is detected inside. Some cars also have an emergency key slot inside the car door.
Step 2. Try using a Spare Key:
If you have a spare set of keys, try to open the car door with it. If your spare key has a chip, ensure it is inserted close to the reader on the lock. In most cases, if your key is near the reader, it will unlock the door.
Step 3. Use a Lock Pick:
A lock pick is a tool used to pick locks and can also be used on car doors. Make sure you know how to use one before attempting this method. If you need a lock pick, find instructions online or ask a locksmith for help.
Step 4. Use a Slim Jim:
A slim jim is another way to unlock car doors without keys, but it should only be used as a last resort as it can potentially damage the lock. Insert the tool between the weather stripping and window glass and move it around until you feel the tool catch. Once this happens, you should be able to unlock the car door.
Step 5. Call a Locksmith:
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith for help. This is generally much faster than other methods of unlocking your car and can save you some money! A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging it.
Step 6. Have a Spare Key Cut:
If you frequently find yourself leaving your key fob inside the car, it might be a good idea to have a spare key cut. Most locksmiths and car dealerships can do this for you, and having a spare key can be a significant convenience, saving you time and stress.
It’s also much cheaper than the cost of a locksmith’s visit or potential damage to your car’s lock. Just keep this spare key somewhere accessible and safe outside of your car.
Step 7. Consider Investing in Keyless Entry:
Investing in a keyless entry system is an excellent preventative measure if your car doesn’t already have one. These systems typically prevent the car from being locked if the key fob is detected inside the vehicle.
While it might seem like an expensive investment upfront, keyless entry systems can save you a lot of hassle and potential locksmith fees in the long run. Plus, they add layer of convenience to your daily routine.
Step 8. Regularly Check for Key Fob:
Develop a habit of regularly checking for your key fob before locking your car. This simple routine can prevent unfortunate situations of locking your key fob inside your vehicle. A good practice is to always have the key fob in your hand when exiting the car and only lock the doors once you’re sure the keys are not inside.
Step 9. Keep a Spare Key:
In addition to having a spare key cut, it’s also a good idea to keep one at home or with a person you trust who can access it easily in an emergency. This way, even if you end up locking your key fob inside your car, you’ll have an immediate solution. As an added precaution, you can even program your spare key to be used only for emergencies.
Step 10. Stay Calm:
If the worst happens and you end up locking your key fob inside the car, stay calm. As we’ve seen, many ways exist to unlock a vehicle with a key fob inside. Follow these steps, and the process should be relatively straightforward.
By following the above steps, you will be able to lock your car without having to worry about getting locked out again. With some preparation and practice, you can ensure that locking your key fob inside won’t end the world.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you have access to the trunk of your car, you can use a long-handled tool to pull the trunk release lever and unlock the car.
- Check if your vehicle has an emergency key blade on its key fob – this is usually located in a hidden slot or under a panel at the back of the fob. Inserting this into the door lock can help you open the door.
- If your vehicle has a wireless door unlocking feature, you can use this to unlock the car from a distance. Just ensure that the key fob is within range of the car and its battery is charged.
- If all else fails, you can call a roadside assistance service such as AAA or a local locksmith. These services can open your car door without damaging it and provide you with access to your key fob.
- Always make sure that the windows of your car are closed, as this will help prevent someone from breaking in and potentially stealing the car’s contents. Also, be sure to keep a spare key on hand if you have a similar situation. This way, you won’t have to call on external services or break into your own car!
By following these tips and tricks, however, you can help ensure this never happens to you again! Always double-check your pocket for your key fob when leaving the car, and you can avoid any potential lockouts.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t attempt to break into your car. This can cause damage to the vehicle and potentially pose a safety hazard.
- Make sure to leave spare keys in obvious locations, such as under the mat or inside the glove box. Instead, ensure they are kept somewhere secure, like with a trusted friend or relative.
- Avoid using emergency tools if you don’t know how to use them properly. This could cause further damage to the car and put you at risk of injury.
- Don’t leave your key fob in plain sight, as this can make it easier for someone to steal it from outside the car.
- Lastly, keep children or pets locked inside a car – no matter how quickly you plan on coming back! This could have serious consequences, so always double-check that everyone is out of the car before locking it.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your car remains secure and your key fob stays where it belongs – in your pocket! With a little extra care and attention, you can avoid any further lockouts and ensure that you and your car stay safe.
Can Key Fobs Be Tracked?
Yes, some key fobs can be tracked. Most newer models contain GPS tracking technology, allowing you to locate your car’s exact location in case of theft or loss. Some key fob systems also allow you to set up a geofence to receive alerts when the vehicle enters or leaves a predetermined area. This feature is handy if you’re worried about a family member or friend driving the car without permission.
Understanding how key fobs work and taking the necessary precautions can help protect your vehicle from theft and keep yourself safe in an emergency. Investing in a GPS-enabled key fob system is one way to ensure you’ll always know where your car is, allowing you to take action quickly if anything goes wrong.
Conclusion
Locking your car with the key fob inside is a useful tool many of us take for granted, but it’s important to know how to use it effectively and safely.
Whether running into a store or leaving your vehicle temporarily unattended, this feature can provide that added layer of protection and peace of mind. To ensure optimal security, always double-check that the car is securely locked and no valuables are left in plain sight. Knowing the right steps and the limitations of this tool can help keep your car safe from potential break-ins or other disturbances.
With these simple tips on how to lock car with key fob inside, you’ll be able to conveniently and confidently park wherever you go.
