The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Locked Out Of Your Car Should Be Able To Answer
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and efficient methods to gain access back to your vehicle.
Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best solution, as they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. Be calm and take some deep breaths will help you determine the most efficient solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Being faced with the dreaded locked-out of your car situation is always frustrating however, it's essential to stay calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions to increase the chances of regaining your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will uncover six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide efficient strategies to resolve them.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors don't open. Whatever the reason it's crucial to remain calm and take the steps listed below to get back on the road in a hurry.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine whether you're in an area where it's safe to try an DIY solution. For example, if it's late at night, or you're in a bustling zone, it might not be a good idea to try and reach inside your car through the trunk or back window. You could end up damaging your car and put yourself in danger, as well as voiding your warranty.
If possible, contact your contacts to see whether they are able to provide a spare or help in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app that you can download on your phone to call the towing or locksmith services. If you're not able to reach one of these services and you're in need of help, call for help from a professional. A towing company with the proper skills will be able handle your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach out for a spare key
Keep a spare key in a secure place. This will help you avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. Request a family member or friend who knows the location where your spare key kept to deliver it to you in case you require it in an emergency. In some instances, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is a great option for those with cars that are more modern and permit the control of their vehicles from a smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare, remain calm and evaluate the issue. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our car, it's because we closed the door while keys still inside. Make sure you check all windows and doors before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't notice.
Another way to gain access to your vehicle is to use a tool such as a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. But, these are risky tools that can cause damage to parts of your car or cause injuries, and they should only be used as a last resort.
If all else fails, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for help. Your service plan might provide an expert to unlock your vehicle. You can also engage a local locksmith for a fast response. In the majority of urban areas, there is a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and a 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top security features. Make sure you check our new inventory.
3. Help is available
The odds of locking your keys in your car at some point or another are incredibly high. Absentmindedness, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you exit the vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all cause this to happen. No matter what the reason it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.
Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. Although it may be simple, many people fail to double-check the door before closing it especially in a crowded parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. Call 911 if you are in a position to not open the doors. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. They may be able open your car, or will call a tow truck to assist you, based on the circumstances.
Prepare yourself for this scenario by keeping a spare key at home or in the office or giving it to a family member or a neighbor who you can trust. It's also a good idea to make it a habit to always check for your keys before closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ experts who are trained to unlock most cars. You'll discover that they're the safest and most affordable alternative. Make sure that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance before you call, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance you can contact locksmith. Beware of the fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee, though. These individuals may employ tools such as slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and costly damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take an inhale
Being locked out of your car isn't a pleasant situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breathe take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to quickly and securely return to your vehicle.
First, check to make sure you really have locked your keys inside the car. Then go around the outside of your car to inspect all the doors and windows. If you own an SUV or hatchback be sure to also check the trunk. Check the surrounding area to see any potential dangers for example, an individual who is homeless or a suspicious activity which could put your safety in danger.
You might be able to take a window off to escape your car, but be sure you look for pedestrians or traffic before you do so. Consider whether you have an extra key in your home, or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance services provide assistance with car lockouts in addition to other common problems such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures will help to keep you from getting locked out of your car in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can unlock your car if you ever find yourself in a jam. You can also invest in an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid the hassles of having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also employ one of the tricks that many professional mountain climbers do to escape from a difficult place, like threading a shoestring using an untied slip knot through the door to open a post lock or inflating a blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can insert your arm or implement through.
5. Help is available
When you're locked out of your car, it's important to maintain a calm mind and think rationally. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and could not work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. Numerous auto insurance companies and automakers offer these services, which usually cost. These professionals are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without damaging it.
Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can assist drivers who are locked out. For instance, some automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to control your car remotely, transforming your phone into an ignition key that allows you to unlock the doors and also start the engine. If you have one of these vehicles it's best to connect it to the app prior to using it. i lock my keys in the car has a wide variety of newer models with amazing safety features that could aid you in avoiding lockouts in the future.
Other alternatives to avoid the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call is to leave a spare key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure that your car's lock is working correctly. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of lockouts by accident by regularly checking your car before leaving, and storing the spare key in a safe place in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us to learn more about our new vehicles and to determine which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.