Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your vehicle is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It's important to remember that there are safe and effective ways to get back into your vehicle.
Contacting roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best option for a locksmith, since they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. A few deep breaths and remaining calm will help to find the right solution.
1. Review the Situation
It's a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle It's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make smart decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will uncover the top six lockout situations in cars and offer efficient strategies to resolve them.
Losing or misplacing keys is a common reason for car lockouts. But, many find themselves locked out of their vehicles because of malfunctioning keys or doors that simply don't open. Regardless of the cause, it's important to remain calm and take the steps listed below to get back on the road quickly.
The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's feasible to make a DIY solution. For example, if it's late at night or in a crowded area, it may not be the best idea to try and reach inside your vehicle through the trunk or back window. You could damage your car and put yourself in danger, and also void your warranty.
If possible, contact your contacts to inquire if they can provide assistance in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact the towing or locksmith services. If you're unable to reach any of these options then it's time to seek out professional assistance. A towing company with appropriate skills will be able to manage your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out for a spare key
One of the best methods to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key secure. Ask an acquaintance or family member who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you in case you require it in an emergency. In certain situations, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car, without having the key. This is an excellent option for those with newer cars that allow you to control them from an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have a spare, stay calm and assess the problem. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle usually because we have closed the door without the keys inside. Make sure you check all windows and doors before you panic. There could be an unlocked entry point that you didn't know about.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that can cause damage to parts of your vehicle or cause injury and should be used only as an emergency.
If nothing else works then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider to get help. Your service plan might cover the cost of sending a professional to unlock your vehicle. You can also engage a local locksmith for quick response. In many urban areas, there is a 24-hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar security features, so make sure to browse our latest inventory!
3. Call for Help
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. Absentmindedness, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you exit your vehicle, or malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to happen. It doesn't matter what the cause is it's essential to be calm and think about all your options.
Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. While it may appear simple, many people fail to double-check before closing the door especially in a crowded area or in a new environment. Call 911 if you are not able to open the doors. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to help you. Based on the circumstances, they may be able open your vehicle or summon a tow-truck for you.
It's a good idea to prepare for this situation in advance by storing keys in your office or home or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. It is also recommended to make it a practice to ensure you have your keys when closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs are run by experts who are certified to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. You'll find that they are the safest and most affordable option. Be sure to check that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before calling, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you may call a locksmith. Beware of scammers that offer the ability to unlock your vehicle for a fee. These people may use tools like slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This could cause significant and costly 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, ensure that you have locked your keys in the vehicle. Then, walk around the outside of your vehicle to check all the windows and doors. If you own an SUV or hatchback, also check the trunk. Examine the surrounding area to determine any potential dangers, such as a homeless individual or suspicious activities that could put your security at risk.
You may be able to break out a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure to check for pedestrians or traffic before you do so. You should also consider whether you have a spare key at home or if you have roadside assistance through your insurance company. A lot of roadside assistance companies provide assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other issues that are common, such as battery jump-starts and flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures will help to keep you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping the spare key with a family member or trusted friend so they can help you if ever you get locked out. Additionally, you can consider the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of fumbling around with a spare set of keys when you're on the move. You can also employ an innovative technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out of a tight area. For locked keys in car uk can thread a shoestring through the door and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. You can also inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to place your arm or a tool.
5. Help is available
It's important to remain calm and logical in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. Avoid using improvised tools like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, as they can cause damage and not work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are often offered by automakers or auto insurance firms however they can be costly. However they do have the proper tools needed to unlock a car without causing any damage to it.
Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can help those who are locked out. For instance, certain automakers offer smartphone apps that allow you to control your car from a distance by turning your phone into an ignition key that allows you to unlock the doors and also start the engine. If you own one of these cars, it's a good idea to connect it to the app before you need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive security features. These features can help you to avoid any future lockouts.
Other options to avoid the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call is to leave keys with a neighbor or friend and also making sure that your car's locking mechanism works properly. You can also lower the risk of an accidental lockout by examining your vehicle before you leave and storing a spare key in a secure location in case you forget. Contact us to find out more about our range of new vehicles and see which ones come with the security and convenience features you're looking for.