Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. There are a variety of secure and efficient ways to gain access to your car.
It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools required to open your car without causing damage. Staying calm and taking some deep breaths will help you determine the most effective solution.
1. Assess the Situation
It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle however it's crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions that will increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and getting back on the road quickly. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout scenarios and offer efficient solutions.
Forgetting or misplacing your keys is a typical reason for car lockouts. Many people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs don't work or the doors won't unlock. Whatever the reason it is, you must remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving swiftly.
In the beginning, you must reassess the situation to determine if it is appropriate to attempt a DIY solution. If it's late or you're in an area that's busy and crowded, it's not a good idea to reach into your car's trunk or rear window. You could damage your car and put yourself in danger, and also void your warranty.
If you can, reach out to your contacts in your personal network 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 app on your phone to contact a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable reach any of these options then you should seek out professional assistance. A towing service with the appropriate skills will be able to handle your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Find a spare key
Keep a spare key in a safe place. This will allow you to avoid costly assistance from the roadside or locksmith calls. If you have a friend or family member that knows where the spare is stored ask them to bring it to you in case of an emergency. In certain situations you could even make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your car without having the actual key. This is a great alternative for those with more modern vehicles, which can be controlled using a smartphone application!
If you don't have a spare, stay calm and assess the problem. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle, it is often because we have closed the door without the keys inside. Make sure you check all windows and doors before you panic. You may find an unlocked entry point that you hadn't noticed.
You could also gain access to your vehicle using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools are dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should only be used as a last option.
If all else fails, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for help. Your service plan could include the cost of sending an expert to unlock your vehicle. You can also hire locksmiths to respond promptly. In many urban areas, you will find a locksmith that offers 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles that are equipped with top safety features, so be sure to browse our latest inventory!
3. Call for Help
It is very likely that you will put your keys in the lock of your car at some moment. Lack of concentration keys disappearing from your purse or pocket as you exit your vehicle, and malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to happen. Whatever the cause is it's crucial to be calm and think about all options.
The first step is to double-check each of your doors. While it may be obvious, many people forget to double-check before closing the door especially in a crowded lot or unfamiliar environment. If you can't open any doors, dial 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will dispatch a police officer to help you. Depending on the situation, they might be able to open your vehicle or call tow-trucks for you.
Prepare for this situation by keeping an extra key at the office or at home or giving it to a neighbor or friend who you are able to trust. It's also recommended to establish a routine of checking your keys before shutting the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock most vehicles. You'll find that they are the safest and most affordable alternative. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before making a call, as some policies do not. If you do not have roadside assistance, you may make contact with locksmith. Beware of the scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. They may employ tools like slim jims to break into your car, and these methods often cause extensive and costly damage to the locking mechanisms.
4. Take an inhale
Being locked out of your vehicle is not an enjoyable situation, but rushing to panic will only make it worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and follow the steps below to get back in your vehicle quickly and safely.
Verify that you have really locked your keys in your car. Next, walk around your vehicle and look at all windows and doors. If you own an SUV or hatchback be sure to examine the trunk too. Inspect the surrounding area to see any potential dangers, such as an unidentified person or activities that could put your security at risk.
You might be able break out a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure to check for pedestrians or traffic before you do so. It is also important to consider whether the spare key is at home or if you have roadside assistance through your insurance company. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other typical issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
These preventative steps can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set keys with an amiable family member to allow them to open your car if you find yourself in a tight spot. You can also consider a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare set of keys when you're on the go. You can also employ one of the tricks that professional mountain climbers employ to overcome a difficult situation, such as threading a shoestring with a slip knot through the door to pull up the post lock, or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your hand or a tool through.
5. Help is available
When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's essential to keep a cool head and think in a rational manner. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, because they could cause damage and may not work. The most reliable and safest option is to seek assistance from a roadside assistance service or professional locksmith. Many auto insurance companies and even automakers provide these services, and they usually are charged. However they have the proper tools needed to unlock a car without damaging it.
A lot of newer cars have technology that can assist drivers if they get locked out of their car. Certain automakers have apps for smartphones that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, opening the doors and launching the engine. It's a great idea connect your car with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota has a wide selection of models that are modern and have impressive safety features that can assist you in avoiding lockouts in the future.
You can also avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving the spare car key with a family member or friend and making sure your car's door locking mechanism is functioning correctly. You can also lower the chance of an accidental lockout by examining your vehicle before leaving and keeping a spare in a secure location in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our latest vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features that you desire.