Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be a bit frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of methods that are safe and efficient to get into your car.
It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help for assistance, as they've got the tools needed to open your vehicle without creating damage. By taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm will help to find the right solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Facing the dreaded locked out of your car scenario is always a nightmare, but it's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able make intelligent decisions that will increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and getting back on the road in a short time. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common lockout scenarios and offer efficient solutions.
A common cause of car lockout is forgetting your keys or misplacing keys. However, many people also get locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning keys or doors that won't open. No matter what the cause be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving quickly.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine whether you're in a location where it's safe to attempt an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night, or you're in a bustling area, it may not be the best idea to try and reach inside your vehicle through the trunk or back window. This will not only risk damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injury, but it could also trigger your car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible, call your contacts to ask if they can provide an extra or assist in any other way. If you have a phone with a built-in app that provides roadside assistance, you can use it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you are unable to access any of these options, then it's time to seek professional help. A towing company with the proper skills will be able manage your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out for an extra key
Keep your spare key in a safe place. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a family member who knows where the spare is kept, ask them to drive it to you in case in an emergency. In some cases the use of a smartphone app can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is a great option for those who have newer automobiles, which can be controlled via an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have a spare key, attempt to remain calm and analyze the situation. In most cases, when we get locked out of our vehicle the reason is that we closed the door while the keys still in the car. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. You may find an entry point that you didn't realize.
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 cause damage to parts of your vehicle or cause injury and should only be used as the last resort.
If all else fails, contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance service. Your service plan could include the cost of sending an expert to unlock your vehicle. You can also hire a locksmith to respond promptly. In the majority of urban areas, you will find a locksmith that offers 24-hour service and competitive rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top safety features. Make sure you check our new inventory.
3. Call for Help
You're very likely to put your keys in the lock of your vehicle at some time. Inattention, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you exit your vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all cause this to happen. It doesn't matter what the reason it's crucial to remain calm and consider all options.
Double-checking your doors is the first step. Although it might be obvious, many people forget to double-check before closing the door especially in a busy area or in a new environment. If you are unable to open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. They may be able to unlock your car, or will summon a tow truck for you, based on the situation.
It's a good idea to prepare for this scenario in advance by storing an extra key in your office or home, or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. You should also make it a practice to always check for your keys before closing the car door.
Professionals trained in roadside assistance are able to unlock most vehicles. They're your best bet for the most reliable, safest, and least costly alternative. Make sure your insurance covers roadside help before you call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can make contact with a locksmith. Beware of the scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. These people may use tools such as 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
Doing nothing will only make the situation worse. Relax, assess the situation and follow the steps listed below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.
Examine if you really locked your keys in your car. Next, walk around your vehicle and inspect all doors and windows. Check the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Be sure to check the surrounding area to see if there are any dangers that could be present, such as a homeless person or suspicious activities that could put your safety in danger.
You might be able break out a window to escape your car, but be sure you check for pedestrians or traffic before you make the move. You should also consider whether the spare key is at home, or if have roadside assistance through your insurance company. Many roadside assistance services provide assistance for car lockouts in addition to other issues that are common, such as battery jump-starts and flat tires.
car open service can help you avoid being locked out of your car in the future. Keep an extra key with someone in your family or a trusted friend so they can assist you should you find yourself locked out. You can also purchase a keyless system for your car to avoid having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also employ one of the clever tricks that many professional mountain climbers employ to escape from a difficult situation, such as stringing a shoestring through a slip knot through the door to open a post lock or inflating the blood pressure cuff in order to create a gap you can stick your hand or a tool through.
5. Call for assistance
It's important to be calm and rational when you're locked out of your car. Avoid using improvised tools like wire coat hangers or shoelace, as these could cause damage and won't work. The most secure and reliable option is to seek help from a roadside assistance service or a locksmith professional. Numerous auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, which often are charged. These professionals are equipped with the right tools to unlock cars without damaging it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can help drivers who are locked out. For instance, some automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to control your car from a distance, transforming your phone into a key fob which can open the doors and start the engine. If you have one of these vehicles, it's a good idea to sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with amazing safety features that could aid you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.
Other options for avoiding a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving a spare key with a friend or neighbor, as well as making sure your car door locking mechanism works properly. You can also lower the chance of an accidental lockout by checking your car before leaving and keeping a spare in a safe location in the event that you forget. Contact us for more about our latest vehicles, and which ones are equipped with the security and convenience features that you're looking for.