Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a myriad of methods that are safe and efficient to gain access to your vehicle.
A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best option because they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. Remaining calm and taking some deep breaths will help you figure out the best solution.
1. Review the Situation
It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your car It's important to remain calm and assess the situation. You will be able make smart decisions to increase your chances of retrieving your keys quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent car lockout scenarios, and offer effective solutions for solving them.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. However, many are locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning keys or doors that won't open. Whatever the reason, it's important to remain calm and take the following steps to get back on the road quickly.
The first step is to review your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to try an at-home solution. For instance, if you're late at night or you're in a crowded area, it may not be a good idea to try and reach inside your vehicle through the rear or trunk window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and putting yourself at risk of injury, but it may also trigger the security system of your vehicle or invalidate your warranty.
If possible, call your contacts to see whether they have a spare or help in any other way. If you have a phone equipped with an app that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable to contact any of these options and you're in need of help, call for professional help. A professional towing service can handle your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out to a spare Key
One of the best methods to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key somewhere safe. If you have a family member who knows where the spare is stored and is willing to take it to you in the event in an emergency. In some instances you could even use a smart phone application to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is a great option for those who have newer cars that allow you to control them from a smartphone app!
If you do not have a spare key, remain calm and evaluate the issue. When we lock ourselves out of our car, it is often because we have closed the door without keys inside. Make sure to inspect all the doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an open entry point you didn't know about.
Another way to gain access to your vehicle is to use a tool such as a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injuries, and they should only be used as a last resort.
If nothing else works, 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. Alternately, you can employ a local locksmith to provide rapid response. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24 hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar security features, so be sure to browse our new inventory!
3. Help is available
The odds of locking your keys in your car at some time or another are very high. Inattention keys disappearing from your purse or pocket as you leave the vehicle, and malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to happen. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to remain at peace and think about your alternatives for getting back.
Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. While it may be simple, many people fail to double-check the door before closing it especially in a busy parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. Call 911 if you are unable to open any of the doors. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as possible. They may be able to unlock your car, or will call a tow truck for you, depending on the circumstances.
It's a good idea to prepare for this situation ahead of time by stashing an extra key in your office or home or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. It is also recommended to be sure to check your keys before closing the car door.
Professionals who have been trained in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll find that they are the most secure and affordable alternative. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to calling, since some policies don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of scammers offering to unlock your vehicle for a small fee. They might use tools such as slim jims or other devices to break into your vehicle, and these methods often cause extensive and costly damage to locking mechanisms.
4. Take a deep breath
Panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Take unlock cars service , assess the situation and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and safely.
The first step is to confirm that you've locked your keys inside your vehicle. Then go around the outside of your vehicle to check all the doors and windows. If you own a hatchback or SUV make sure you check the trunk as well. Be sure to check the area around you to determine if there are any dangers that could be present, such as a homeless person or any suspicious activity that could put your security in danger.
You might be able to take a window off to escape your car, but be sure you check for pedestrians or vehicles before you decide to do this. Consider whether you have a spare key at home, or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts as well as other common problems like battery jump-starts or flat tires.
By taking these preventative steps, you will help to keep your car from being locked out of your car in the future. Consider keeping a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend to assist you should you get locked out. You can also invest in a keyless system for your car to avoid the hassles of needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and out and about. You can also employ a clever technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out of a tight location. For example, you can thread a shoestring through a door and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to stick your arm or attach a device.
5. Call for Help
It is important to remain calm and logical 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 may not work. The most reliable and safest alternative is to get assistance from a roadside assist service or a professional locksmith. Numerous auto insurance companies and even automakers offer these services, which often are charged. However they do have the right tools to unlock a car without causing damage to it.
Many newer cars have technology that can help drivers who get locked out. Certain automakers have smartphones with apps that transform your phone into a remote control for your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. It's a great idea sync your vehicle with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide selection of models that are modern and have impressive safety features that can aid you in avoiding lockouts in the 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, as well as making sure your car door lock is working correctly. You can also reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by making a habit of checking your car before leaving, and storing the spare key in a secure spot in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us to find out more about our selection of new vehicles and to determine which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.