Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and effective methods to gain access back to your vehicle.
It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help since they have the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without creating damage. By taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to find the right solution.
1. Assess the Situation
It's a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle It's important to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed choices that increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and getting back on the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will highlight the top six lockout situations in cars and offer effective strategies for resolving these issues.
The most common reason for a car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing the keys. But, many are locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning keys or doors that simply don't open. Regardless of the cause, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps below to get back on the road quickly.
The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it is appropriate to attempt a DIY solution. If it's late or you're in a busy area, it might not be an appropriate idea to get into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. You could end up damaging your car and put yourself in danger and could also void your warranty.
Instead, if possible, reach out to your contacts from home to see if they've got a spare key or can help you out in some other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance application on your smartphone to call locksmith or towing services. If you're unable contact any of these options then it's time to contact for assistance from a professional. A towing company with the proper skills will be able handle your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out for 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 secure. If you have a family member that knows where the spare is kept ask them to bring it to you in case of an emergency. In some cases, you can even use a smartphone app to gain entry into your vehicle without having the actual key. This is a great option for those who have newer cars that permit you to control them using an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and assess the situation. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our vehicle the reason is that we closed the door and left the keys still inside. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. You may find an unlocked entry point that you hadn't noticed.
Another way to gain access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injury, and they should be used only as a last resort.
If all else fails then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider to get help. Your service plan might include the cost of sending an expert to unlock your vehicle. Alternately, you can employ a local locksmith to provide rapid response. 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 you check 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. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling from your pocket or purse as you exit the car, and malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason, it's important to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.
The first step is to double-check each of your doors. Although G28 Car Keys might appear obvious, many people forget to double-check before closing the door especially in a crowded lot or unfamiliar environment. Call 911 if you are unable to open any of the doors. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as is possible. Depending on the situation they might be able to unlock your vehicle or call tow-trucks for you.
It's a good idea prepare in advance by storing keys in your office or home or leaving it with an amiable neighbor or friend. You should also be sure to check your keys after closing the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. They're the most reliable, secure and least expensive alternative. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you may call locksmith. Beware of the scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. They may employ tools such as slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This could cause significant and costly damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a fun situation, but panicking can only make the situation worse. Take your breath, take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to get back in your vehicle quickly and safely.
Verify that you really locked your keys in the car. Then, walk around the outside of your vehicle to examine all the doors and windows. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Inspect the area around you to see any potential dangers, such as a homeless individual or suspicious activities that could put your security at risk.
You might be able open a window to escape your car, but be sure you look for pedestrians or traffic before you make the move. You should also think about whether you have a spare key at home, or if have roadside assistance with your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance with car lockouts as well as other common issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures can help prevent your car from being locked out of your car in the future. Consider keeping the spare key with a family member or trusted friend so they can help you if ever you find yourself locked out. You can also purchase an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid the hassles of having to search for a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also employ one of the tricks that many professional mountain climbers employ to overcome a difficult place, like threading a shoestring using a slip knot through the door to unlock the post lock, or inflating a blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your hand or a tool through.
5. Call for assistance
If you are locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think rationally. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and may not work. The most reliable and secure option is to seek help from a roadside assistance service or professional locksmith. Many auto insurance companies and even automakers provide these services, which usually come at a cost. These professionals are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without damaging it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can help drivers who get locked out. Certain automakers have apps for smartphones that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. It's a great idea connect your car with the app in advance. Longo Toyota has a wide selection of models that are modern and have amazing safety features that could help you avoid accidental lockouts in the near future.
Other options for avoiding the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call is to leave a spare key with a family member or friend and also making sure that the car's locking mechanism works properly. You can also minimize the risk of a mishap resulting in a lockout by making sure you check your car before leaving and storing a spare key in a safe place in the event that you forget. Contact us to learn more about our new vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features you're looking for.