When you're staring at your keys through the window, you have several options. Not all are created equal! First, don't panic. Take a deep breath and assess your situation. Are you in a safe location?

Is there extreme weather? Is there a child or pet locked inside? These factors determine whether this is a true emergency requiring immediate action.


Professional Help: The Safest Route

  • Call a Locksmith: This is almost always your best first option. Professional locksmiths have specialized tools and training to access your vehicle without damage. The average cost ranges from $60 - $150 during business hours, though emergency or after-hours service can jump to $150 - $250. While this might seem steep, it's far less than replacing a damaged window or door mechanism.
  • Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, auto club, or even your credit card, use it! AAA assists approximately 4 million people annually with car lockouts alone. These services often include lockout assistance as part of your membership, potentially saving you money.


DIY Methods (Use With Caution)

If professional help isn't immediately available, there are some DIY methods that can work without damaging your vehicle, but proceed with extreme caution.

The String Method (For Manual Locks Only)

This technique works only on older cars with manual upright door locks:

  1. Create a slipknot in the middle of a piece of string or fishing line (about 2 feet long)
  2. Insert the string through the upper corner of the door where it meets the frame
  3. Maneuver the slipknot around the lock button
  4. Tighten the loop by pulling both ends of the string
  5. Pull upward to unlock the door

The String Method (For Manual Locks Only)

I've seen this work beautifully on older vehicles, but it's practically useless on newer models with electronic locks or sleek interior designs.

The Wedge and Rod Method

‼️WARNING ‼️: This technique risks damage to your weather stripping and door alignment if done incorrectly.

  1. Create a small gap at the top corner of the door using a plastic wedge (never metal!)
  2. Insert the wedge slowly and gently to create a small opening
  3. Use a long, thin rod (like a straightened coat hanger with the end bent into a hook) to reach the unlock button
  4. Carefully press the unlock button or pull the interior door handle

The risk here is significant: improper wedging can damage weather stripping, bend the door frame, or trigger car alarms. I've repaired countless doors damaged by this method, often costing hundreds more than a locksmith would have.


Tech Solutions (For Newer Cars)

If you're fortunate enough to own a modern car with advanced features, technology might just be your saving grace:

Remote Unlock via Smartphone App

Remote Unlock via Smartphone App

As mentioned earlier, many car manufacturers offer dedicated apps that allow you to control various vehicle functions remotely, including unlocking the doors. Some popular examples include:

  1. myChevrolet: Functions as a digital key fob, letting you lock/unlock your GM vehicle, start/stop the engine, sound the horn, and even locate the car.
  2. Hyundai Blue Link®: Allows remote unlocking, locking, starting, stopping, activating headlights and the horn of your Hyundai.
  3. NissanConnect®: Offers lock/unlock functions alongside vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts, and connectivity to smart home assistants.
  4. Toyota App: Enables remote locking/unlocking, vehicle location tracking, recall alerts, and access to maintenance information.
  5. MySubaru (Powered by STARLINK): This app lets you lock/unlock your Subaru, remotely start/stop it, and even immobilize the vehicle in case of theft.
  6. BMW ConnectedDrive: This app lets you lock/unlock your BMW, control climate settings remotely, locate your parked car, and even send navigation destinations to the car's built-in system.
  7. FordPass Connect: Grants remote access features like lock/unlock, start/stop (for automatic transmissions), vehicle locator, and remote monitoring of certain vehicle functions.
  8. Genesis Connected Services: Offers features similar to BMW ConnectedDrive, including remote lock/unlock, climate control, car finder, and even stolen vehicle recovery assistance.
  9. Kia Connect: Provides remote lock/unlock, start/stop (for automatic transmissions), car locator, stolen vehicle tracking, and even curfew alerts for teen drivers.
  10. Lexus Enform Remote: This app allows for remote lock/unlock, remote start (for automatic transmissions), guest driver profiles, and even maintenance alerts.
  11. Tesla Mobile App: A leader in smartphone connectivity for cars, the Tesla app allows for remote lock/unlock, climate control adjustments, pre-conditioning of the cabin before you enter, and even summoning your car to your location (in certain circumstances).
  12. Volkswagen Car-Net: Provides a variety of features like remote lock/unlock, remote start (for automatic transmissions), car finder, stolen vehicle tracking, and even charging station locators (for electric vehicles).
  13. Volvo Cars App: This app offers remote lock/unlock, climate control adjustments, car locator, and even allows you to share your car digitally with others.


Prevention Is The Ultimate Solution

The best way to handle a lockout is to prevent it entirely:

  1. Create a Consistent Routine: Always touch your keys before locking the door. Make it a physical habit to pat your pocket or hold keys visibly in hand before closing any door.
  2. Use Technology: Many newer vehicles offer smartphone apps that can unlock your car remotely. Set these up before you need them! For older cars, consider aftermarket options that add remote access capability.
  3. Strategic Spare Key: Keep a spare key in your wallet or purse (not in the car!). Alternatively, use a magnetic key holder secured underneath your vehicle in a discreet location—but ensure it's properly attached.
  4. Make Your Keys Impossible to Ignore: Use a brightly colored or oversized keychain that you can't easily overlook or accidentally leave behind.
  5. Emergency Contact Plan: Have a trusted person who has a spare key to your vehicle and knows where you typically park.


When to Break a Window (Absolute Last Resort)

If there's a child or pet inside the car on a hot day, or any other life-threatening emergency, don't hesitate to break a window. But do it correctly:

  1. Choose the window furthest from any occupants
  2. Use a window-breaking tool (often found in emergency car kits) to strike the corner of the window, not the center
  3. Cover the window with a blanket or jacket before breaking to contain glass shards
  4. Call emergency services immediately before taking action


Being locked out is frustrating, but damaging your vehicle makes a bad day worse. Professional help is almost always worth the cost when compared to potential repair expenses. That said, having a plan in place before disaster strikes is your best defense. Keep a spare key accessible, establish good key habits, and know who to call if the worst happens.

Remember, even automotive professionals like me get locked out occasionally. The difference is knowing how to handle it properly when it happens!