Breaking into My Car(s)

Today I had the pleasure of locking my keys in my car, and, having no spares, being forced to find a way in.

In the end, I was able to get in using a clotheshanger, by pushing down on the electric window-opener (which only worked because the keys were in the ignition). It took about 10 minutes (5 to think of what to do, 5 to get in using the clotheshanger).

It made me think about getting into / getting locked out of previous cars I've owned.

1. 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan
It happened quite a few times with the Caravan, but I had a nifty plastic wallet key so I was always able to get back in.

2. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300SD
It happened one or two times with the Mercedes, which I (luckily) had a spare key for, so I was always able to use that to get back in. And that was a good thing, because the Mercedes doors, locks, and windows were built like a tank. I would never have been able to "break in" without a key.

3. 1983 Chevy Chevette
I don't remember ever locking myself out of the Chevette, probably because it worked so infrequently that I almost never drove it.

4. 1981 Ford Escort
It was impossible to lock myself out of the Escort, because it only locked from the outside (it was missing the push-down lock button on the driver's side).

5. 1983 Dodge Ramcharger
Surprisingly easy to break into, because the windows would roll down basically just by pushing them down.

6. 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham
Already explained at the beginning of this entry.

The moral of the story is: it's cool to be talented enough to break into your own car, but it's much easier to simply own a spare key. Also: although most modern clotheshangers are the plastic type, it's a good idea to have a few of the old metal wire ones: you never know when you'll need one!