Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It is important to remember that there are safe and effective methods to gain access back to 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. Remaining calm and taking several deep breaths will help you find the most effective solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your car however it's crucial to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able to make smart choices that increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and returning to the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common lockout scenarios, and provide efficient solutions.
A common cause of car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing keys. But, many get locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning key fobs or doors that don't open. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving in a hurry.
The first step is to review your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to attempt an at-home solution. If it's late or you're in an area that's busy, it might not be an appropriate idea to get into your car's trunk or rear window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and putting yourself at risk of injury, but it may also trigger your car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible, call your contacts to see whether they have an extra or assist in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact locksmith or towing services. If you're unable to contact any of these options then it's time to contact for professional help. A towing company with the proper skills will be able deal with your situation quickly and safely.
2. Look for an extra key
Keep a spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. Ask someone in your family or a friend who knows the location where your spare key is stored to bring it to you should you need it in an emergency. In certain situations an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is an excellent option for people with newer automobiles that can be controlled with the smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare, stay calm and evaluate the issue. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle usually because we have closed the door without the keys inside. Be sure to check all the doors and windows before you panic. You might find an entry point that you didn't realize.
You could also gain access to your vehicle using a device such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools are extremely dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should only be used as a last resort.
If all else fails then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance service for help. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you and the cost could be covered by your service plan. car open service can also engage a locksmith to respond quickly. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24 hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles that are equipped with excellent safety features. Make sure to look through our latest inventory.
3. Call for Help
The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at one point or another are incredibly high. Absentmindedness keys disappearing from your purse or pocket when you exit the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to occur. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to remain in a calm state and think of your options for getting back in.
Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. Although it might appear obvious, many people forget to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. If you're unable to open one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will dispatch a police officer to assist you. They may be able unlock your car, or will summon a tow truck to assist you, based on the situation.
It's a good idea to prepare for this scenario ahead of time by stashing a spare key in your home or office or entrusting it to a trusted friend or neighbor. It's also a good idea to make it a habit of checking your keys before closing the car door.
Professionals who have been trained in roadside assistance are able to unlock most vehicles. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable, and least costly option. Check that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance before you call, as some policies don't. If you don't have roadside assistance you can contact locksmith. Beware of scammers who offer to unlock your car for a cost. They may employ tools such as slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause extensive and costly damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a deep breath
Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breathe examine the situation and follow the steps listed below to swiftly and safely return to your vehicle.
First, check to make sure you really have locked your keys in the vehicle. Then go around the outside of your vehicle to examine all windows and doors. If you own an SUV or hatchback make sure you examine the trunk too. Be sure to check the surrounding area to see any potential hazards such as a homeless person or any suspicious activities that could put your security in danger.
You might be able to take a window off to escape your vehicle, but make sure you look for pedestrians or traffic prior to you make the move. Think about whether you have an extra key in your home, or if your insurance company provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance services provide assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other issues that are common, such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.
These preventative measures will prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Keep an extra key with a family member or trusted friend so they can assist you should you find yourself locked out. You can also invest in a keyless system for your car to avoid needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and about. You can also employ an innovative trick that professional mountaineers use to get out a tight location. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into the door and tie a slip knot to raise a post lock. You can also use a blood pressure cuff to make a gap through which to put your arm or attach a device.
5. Help is available
It's important to be calm and rational when you are locked out of your car. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, because they could cause damage and could not work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are usually provided by automakers or auto insurance companies however they can be costly. They are equipped with the right tools to unlock a car without damaging it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can assist drivers who are locked out. Certain automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into an remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and starting the engine. It's a great idea connect your car to the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with impressive safety features that can aid you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.
Other options to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving an extra key with a neighbor or friend, as well as making sure your car door locks are working properly. You can also reduce the risk of a mishap resulting in a lockout by making sure you check your car before leaving and keeping a spare in a safe place in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our latest vehicles, and which are equipped with the security and convenience features that you want.