Last Updated on December, 2024
Owning a car is all fun and games until you mess up and lock the keys in the boot.
Most car owners make the common mistake of leaving their car keys locked in the boot.
The feeling of walking up to your car and patting down your pocket for the car keys only to realise that you’ve left them in the boot is an all-too-familiar experience, akin to losing your house keys or carrying the wrong keys.
Fear not–we’ve got a backup plan for you! In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to gain access to your car, such as unlocking it with a spare key, if you have accidentally locked your keys in the boot. We’ll also tell you when to seek professional help from an auto locksmith.
Let’s get to it.
Quick Summary
- Use a spare key if available, try to unlock the car using a manufacturer’s mobile app, or access the boot through the car’s interior using the boot release lever. If these options fail, you may need to use tools like a slim jim or wire hanger, but proceed with caution to avoid damage.
- If all else fails, breaking into the boot is an option, though it risks significant damage to the vehicle. The best course of action is to contact a professional auto locksmith, who can unlock the car safely and efficiently.
- To avoid locking keys in the boot in the future, develop habits like always holding the keys while closing the boot, designating a specific spot for keys, and keeping a spare key in a secure, accessible place.
What to Do if Your Car Keys are Locked in the Boot?
Your car is not going to stay locked forever. Here are some ways to unlock your car if you have locked your keys in the boot.
Unlock With a Spare Key
When you purchase a car, it is always essential to have a spare key with you in case of emergencies like these. Having only one key can land you in trouble with no way out.
Either you will be provided with a spare set of keys from the dealer, or you can forge the spare key yourself. Trust us, you don’t want to go through the hassle of making a new key after you get locked out of your car.
Of course, if this situation occurs when you’re not at home, you will likely not have your spare keys with you. In which case, you will have to leave your car and take a cab home, which may cost you some extra cash if you live further away.
For safekeeping purposes, it is best to entrust your spare keys to someone you trust–like a partner, parent, or friend.
This could be more convenient, especially at night time, as you could ring the person who is safeguarding your spare key and wait for them to bring it to your location.
Load Up Your App
Modern cars can often be remotely unlocked using a mobile app provided by the manufacturer. To use this feature, you must register and link your vehicle to your account on your phone beforehand.
The first thing you must do when you buy the car is set this up so that it can help you avoid being locked out later.
Below are some lockout apps available for popular car brands:
- myChevrolet: Functions as a remote key fob that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle. You can also start or stop the engine, honk the horn, and locate the vehicle, among other features.
- Hyundai Blue Link: Lets you lock, unlock, start, stop, and control the headlights and horn of your Hyundai vehicle.
- NissanConnect: Offers services like lock/unlock, vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts, and integration with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Toyota App: This app allows you to lock and unlock doors, locate your Toyota vehicle, receive recall notifications, and access maintenance information.
- MySubaru: Through STARLINK, the MySubaru app enables you to lock and unlock your vehicle, start and stop remotely, has an alarm, and even immobilise your car if it gets stolen.
This method only applies to newer car models. If you own an older car, you may have to resort to more physical means to unlock it.
Interior Boot Release
If you’ve locked your keys in the boot of your car, you may be able to retrieve them using the interior boot release lever.
First, identify where the boot release is located inside the car. It is usually found near the driver’s seat, often on the floor, on the dashboard, or in the glove compartment. If you’re unsure, check your car’s manual.
If you can get inside the vehicle but can’t open the car door, try accessing the boot. Many cars have foldable back seats that allow access to the boot from the inside. Look for a lever or button to fold the seats down.
Once you have access to the boot, locate the manual release mechanism. Pull the lever or press the unlock button to release the boot open.
Remember that the exact steps can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, so consulting your owner’s manual can provide specific instructions for your vehicle.
Lubricate the Car Boot Lock
Before you attempt to unlock your boot using metal tools, like a wire hanger or a slim jim (we’ll be discussing how to use these tools in a bit), it is best to first lubricate the lock to allow for smoother insertion into the locking mechanism.
You can use a lubricant like oil or graphite, and carefully pour a little into the locking mechanism before you insert any tools into it to pop the boot open.
Unlock Using a Slim Jim
A slim jim is designed to slide between windows and the weather stripping to manipulate the lock rods or levers inside the car door.
It is not typically recommended for modern cars due to the risk of damaging the vehicle’s electronic system or locking mechanism. However, if you choose to proceed, here’s how to do it.
- First, slide the slim jim between the window and the weather stripping on the driver’s side of the door.
- Gently move the slim jim around to locate the lock rod or control arm inside the door.
- Once you find it, carefully hook it with the slim jim and point it upwards to unlock the door.
- After unlocking the door, you can enter the car and use the interior boot release lever to open the boot.
Unlock Using a Wire Hanger
Like the slim jim, proceed with caution when you attempt this method.
- Unfold a wire hanger into a long piece with a small hook at one end.
- Slide the hanger between the window and the weather stripping.
- Move the wire hanger around inside the door to find the lock mechanism. Since the hanger is less precise, this can be more challenging than with a slim jim.
- Once you locate the lock mechanism, use the hooked end of the wire hanger to manipulate the lock rod or lever.
- Pull it upwards to unlock the door.
Unlock Using String or Fishing Line
Keep in mind that this method only works on older cars with manual lock mechanisms.
First, cut a length of strong string or fishing line that is approximately 3 to 4 feet long. Tie a small loop or slip knot in the centre of the string. This will be used to catch the unlock button.
Insert the string through the top corner of the door by gently prying the door frame away from the car body just enough to slip the string through. This can be done using a wedge or a similar tool to create a small gap.
Lower the string down so the loop or slipknot is positioned around the door lock button. Carefully manoeuvre the string so the loop catches the lock button. Force both ends of the string to tighten the loop around the lock button and pull to unlock the door.
The Last Resort: Break Into the Boot
Let’s say you don’t have a spare key or the above tools to attempt unlocking your car, and you can’t get in touch with a locksmith. In this case, you will have no choice but to break into the boot.
Understand that breaking into a boot can risk causing significant damage to your vehicle, which will cost you a pretty penny to fix. You’ll need tools such as a flathead screwdriver, pry bar, or even a hammer.
First, look for the seams around the boot lid where it meets the vehicle body. These areas might be slightly easier to pry open. Insert the flathead screwdriver or pry bar into the seam, firmly apply force to create a gap, and pry your boot open.
You can also directly target the lock mechanism by using a hammer and screwdriver to force it open. However, this will most certainly damage the lock beyond repair.
If you still don’t wish to pay for the cost of such high damage to your vehicle, you could seek nearby police officers to provide assistance on your next course of action.
Relevant guides:
Contact a Professional Auto Locksmith
If an emergency like this occurs, the best option is to seek professional help.
A professional locksmith service has the specialised tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. They follow protocols to ensure your car remains safe and secure. They can often resolve the issue quickly, minimising the time you’re locked out.
While contacting a professional locksmith service comes with a cost, it is generally worth it to avoid potential damage and complications to your vehicle when you attempt to break into the boot yourself.
If an emergency like this occurs, the best option is to seek professional help.
A professional locksmith service has the specialised tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. They follow protocols to ensure your car remains safe and secure. They can often resolve the issue quickly, minimising the time you’re locked out.
While contacting a professional locksmith service comes with a cost, it is generally worth it to avoid potential damage and complications to your vehicle when you attempt to break into the boot yourself.
How to Prevent Your Car Keys from Getting Locked in the Boot?
Preventing your keys from getting locked in the boot involves adopting a few simple habits. Here are some effective strategies:
- Make it a habit to always hold your keys in your hand when closing the boot. This ensures that you never leave them inside accidentally.
- Designate a specific pocket or section of your bag for your keys. This routine helps you ensure you always know where they are.
- Develop a habit of double-checking that you have your key with you before closing the boot.
- Keep a spare key in a safe, easily accessible place outside the vehicle, such as your wallet or purse or with a trusted friend or family member.
FAQs
Conclusion
Locking your car key in the boot is a common accident that must be prevented to avoid the headache of having to use other methods to unlock your vehicle.
While the approaches discussed in this article are viable, it is best to seek professional assistance from a locksmith to avoid damages to your car.
