Did you know that South Australia leads the nation when it comes to accidental lock-ins?
In a recent Budget Direct survey, nearly one in five Aussies (21.8%) leave their car keys on a table or flat surface near the door, leading to urgent locking issues.
We know it’s comforting to know that you’re far from alone in this type of situation. Fortunately, there are safe and caring options that won’t exacerbate your problem. Taking the right steps next can help you avoid scratching paint, damaging seals, or damaging your car’s electronics.
Let’s walk through some safe options and when it’s time to leave it to the professionals.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog:
- Safe methods to unlock an older car
- Why you shouldn’t unlock a modern car without professional help
- How Cambridge Locksmith can get you help fast
- What to do if your car key is completely lost or missing
- Easy ways to prevent future lockouts and avoid the same stress again
Try These Gentle DIY Car Unlocking Methods (Only Applicable for Older Car Models)
For older cars with manual locks with visible posts, there are a few things you can try if you go slowly and don’t panic. These aren’t 100% guaranteed, but in some cases, they’ve helped people get back into their vehicles without damage.
- Shoelace Loop Trick
Tie a small loop in the centre of a long shoelace. Gently slide it through the top corner of the door (where the window meets the frame), loop it around the lock, and pull upward. It may take a few tries, but it works on certain older models with upright lock posts.
- Wire Hanger Method
If you have an old wire coat hanger and an older car, you can try sliding the wire between the window and door seal to hook the lock. It takes patience and a careful hand, but it can work; just don’t rush it or jab too hard.
Disclaimer: These methods are delicate, so too much force or the wrong angle can scratch your paint, bend door frames, or even damage internal wiring. Practice with caution!
Do You Need to Call a Locksmith Now?
If your vehicle has keyless entry, electronic locks, or modern security systems, step away from the shoelaces and wire hangers!
With today’s cars, there are layers of technology, and trying to unlock them manually without the right tools can damage seals or fry electronics.
At Cambridge Locksmith, our emergency locksmiths utilise professional-grade tools specifically designed for vehicle lockouts, including inflatable wedges and long-reach grabbers, which open your door without forcing anything.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients across Penrith and surrounding suburbs, parked in driveways, outside shops, on highways, even in hospital car parks.
What If the Key Is Completely Lost?
The key isn’t inside, there isn’t a spare, and nobody knows where it went. It happens.
What if my key isn’t just locked in, but completely gone?
We can still help. There are some vehicles that allow remote unlocking via apps. If yours doesn’t, our team can cut and program a new key on the spot. You don’t need a tow or a trip to the dealership.
We handle:
- Transponder keys and keyless fobs
- On-site programming and replacement
- Emergency remote reprogramming
- Duplication for spare keys (so it doesn’t happen again)
A Smart Approach to Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you’re back behind the wheel, it’s worth setting up a few simple systems to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
- Keep a spare key with someone you trust or in a magnetic lockbox
- Download your car brand’s keyless app, if available
- Attach a Bluetooth tracker (like a Tile or AirTag) to your keyring
- Add roadside assistance that includes locksmith coverage, and it pays for itself
Final Thoughts
If you’re standing next to your locked car reading this on your phone, take a breath. Help is already close. Give us a quick call at 0412 864 801, and we’ll take care of the rest.