Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be a bit frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and effective ways to get back into your vehicle.
A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best option, as they have the tools to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. A few deep breaths and staying calm will help to find the right solution.
1. Assess the Situation
It's frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle however it's crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. You will be able make informed decisions to increase your chances of retrieving your keys quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will explain six of the most frequent lockout scenarios and offer efficient solutions.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a typical reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their vehicle because their key fobs don't work or the doors don't open. Regardless of the cause it's essential to remain calm and take the following steps to get back on the road quickly.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to attempt an DIY solution. For example, if it's late at night or in a crowded area, it may not be the best option to attempt to reach inside your car through the trunk or rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, as well as voiding your warranty.
If possible try reaching out to your contacts from home to see if they've got a spare key or can help you in some other way. Consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact the towing or locksmith services. If you're unable to contact one of these services and you're in need of help, call for assistance from a professional. A skilled towing company will be able to address your issue quickly and safely.
2. Find a spare key
One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key in a place that is safe. You can ask an acquaintance or family member who knows where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you should you need it in an emergency. In some instances an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is a great option for people with newer automobiles that can be controlled via the smartphone app!
If you do not have a spare key, remain calm and look into the issue. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our car it's because we shut the door and left the keys still inside. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an unlocked entry point that you didn't know about.
You can also gain access to your car by using a tool like a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools can be dangerous and could cause damage to your car. They should be used only as a last option.
If nothing else works you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. Your service plan might provide an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. Alternately, you can hire a local locksmith for rapid response. In the majority of urban areas, you will locate a locksmith that provides 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent security features, so be sure to look through our new inventory!
3. Need Help?
You're very likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. Absentmindedness keys disappearing from your purse or pocket as you leave the vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all cause this to happen. Whatever the reason is it's essential to be calm and think about all options.
Double-checking the doors of your home is the first step. It might seem obvious, but many people fail to check before they close the door, especially in a parking lot that is crowded or unfamiliar environment. If you're unable to open one doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. They may be able to open your car, or will summon a tow vehicle to assist you, based on the circumstances.
Prepare for this situation by keeping an extra key at home or at work or giving it to a friend or neighbor who you can trust. It's also an excellent idea to establish a routine of checking your keys prior to closing the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and cheapest option. Check that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance before you call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can make contact with locksmith. Beware of the scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee however. They may employ tools like slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This could cause significant and expensive damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a deep breath
The stress of panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Take your breath, take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and in a safe manner.
First, confirm that you've locked your keys in the car. Next, take a walk around the car and look at all windows and doors. If you own a hatchback or SUV be sure to check the trunk as well. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to see if there are any dangers that could be present, such as a homeless person or any suspicious activity which could put your safety in danger.
You might be able to take a window off to escape your car, but make sure you look for pedestrians or traffic prior to you make the move. You should also think about whether the spare key is at home, or if have roadside assistance with your insurance company. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other common issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
These preventative measures can help you avoid being locked out of your car in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set of keys with an amiable family member to unlock your car if you ever find yourself in a jam. You could also consider investing in an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and out and about. You can also employ an innovative technique that professional mountaineers employ to escape a difficult spot. For example, you can thread a shoestring through an opening and tie an elastic knot to lift a post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a hole to place your arm or use a tool.
5. Call for help
It's important to remain calm and logical in the event that you are locked out of your car. Avoid using improvised tools such as wire coat hangers or shoelace, since they can cause damage and not work. A roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. These services are often offered by automakers or auto insurance companies however they can be costly. However, these professionals have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without causing any damage to it.
Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can help drivers who are locked out. Some automakers offer apps for smartphones that turn your phone into a remote control for your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. If you own one of these vehicles, it's best to connect it to the app prior to when you'll need it. car key lockout service has a wide range of newer models that come with impressive safety features that can help you avoid accidental lockouts in the near future.
Other options to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving a spare key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure that your car's locking mechanism works properly. Also, you can lower the risk of accidental lockouts by regularly checking your car before leaving and keeping an extra key in a safe place in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and to determine which ones feature the security and convenience features you want.