Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your vehicle is an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are many safe and effective ways to get into your car.
A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best option, as they have the tools to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will help to figure out the best solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Facing the dreaded locked out of your car situation is always stressful however, it's essential to remain calm and analyze the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions that will increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and returning to the road in a short time. This comprehensive guide will explain six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, and provide effective solutions.
A common cause of car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing the keys. A lot of people are locked out of their car because their key fobs don't work or the doors won't open. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.
In the beginning, you must reassess the situation to determine if it's safe to try a DIY solution. If it's late or you're in a location that is crowded, it might not be an appropriate idea to get into your car's trunk or rear window. This could not only be risky for damaging your vehicle and putting yourself at risk of injury, but it could cause the security system in your car or void your warranty.
If possible try reaching out to your personal contacts to find out if they have keys that are spare or help you out in some other way. If you own a mobile equipped with an app that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're unable connect to one of these options, it's time to seek out professional assistance. A towing company with appropriate skills will be able to manage your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach out to 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 safe. If you have a family member who knows where the spare key is kept and is willing to take it to you in case in the event of an emergency. In some cases, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is an excellent option for people who have newer cars that allow the control of their vehicles from 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 it's because we shut the door while keys still in the car. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't even notice.
Another way to gain access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injury and should be used only as a last resort.
If all else fails Contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance service. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you, and the cost may be covered by your service plan. G28CarKeys can also hire locksmiths to respond quickly. In many urban areas, you can find a locksmith that offers 24 hour service and affordable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar security features, so be sure to look through our latest inventory!
3. Need Help?
You're very likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Inattention 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 aspect is to be at peace and think about your options for getting back inside.
The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It may seem obvious but many people fail to check before they close the door, particularly in a parking lot that is crowded or in a strange setting. If you're in a position to not open the door. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. Depending on the situation they might be able to unlock your vehicle or summon a tow-truck for you.
It's a good idea to prepare ahead of time by stashing an extra key in your home or office or entrusting it to your trusted neighbor or a friend. It is also recommended to be sure to ensure you have your keys when closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are certified to unlock most cars. You'll find that they are the most secure and cost-effective alternative. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to calling, as some do not. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of scammers offering to unlock your car for a fee. They may employ tools such as slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and expensive damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your car is not a fun situation, but rushing to panic will only make things worse. Relax, assess the situation and follow the steps below to swiftly and safely get back into your vehicle.
First, ensure that you have locked your keys inside your vehicle. Then, take a walk around the car and check all of the windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to see whether there are any potential hazards such as a homeless person or any suspicious activities which could put your safety in danger.
You might be able to break out a window to escape your car, but make sure you check for pedestrians or vehicles before you decide to do this. Think about whether you have a spare key at home, or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Numerous roadside assistance providers provide assistance with car lockouts as well as other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.
These preventative measures can help you avoid 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 find yourself locked out. Additionally, you can purchase the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare key whenever you're on the go. You can also make use of one of the clever tricks that professional mountain climbers do to overcome a difficult situation, such as threading a shoestring with an untied slip knot through the door to open the post lock, or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your arm or implement through.
5. Help is available
It's important to remain calm and logical when you are locked out of your vehicle. Avoid using improvised tools like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. These services are usually provided by automakers or auto insurance firms however they can be costly. These professionals have the proper tools to unlock a vehicle without causing damage.
A lot of newer cars have technology that can help drivers who are locked out of their car. For instance, some automakers have apps for smartphones which allow you to control your car from a distance, transforming your phone into an ignition key that can unlock the doors and start the engine. If you own one of these cars it's a good idea sync it with the app before you need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive safety features. They can assist you to avoid any future lockouts.
Other alternatives to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave a spare key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure that your car's lock is working correctly. You can also reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by making a habit of checking your car prior to leaving and keeping a spare key in a safe place in case you forget where to put it. Contact us to learn more about our range of new vehicles and to determine which ones come with the security and convenience features you want.