Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be an unpleasant and stressful situation. It is important to remember that there are safe and effective methods to gain access back to your vehicle.
It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools required to open your car without damaging your vehicle. Remaining calm and taking several deep breaths will help you figure out the most efficient solution.
1. Review the Situation
Facing the dreaded locked out of your car scenario is always a nightmare however, it's essential to stay calm and assess the situation. You will be able make wise choices to increase your chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, as well as effective solutions.
The most common reason for a car lockout is not remembering your keys or misplacing keys. Many people are locked out of their vehicle because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't unlock. No matter what the cause it is, you must 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 appropriate to attempt an DIY solution. If it's late or you're in a busy area, it might not be an ideal idea to reach into your car's trunk or rear window. You could end up damaging your car and put yourself in danger, and could also void your warranty.
If possible, contact your contacts to ask if they can provide an extra or assist in any other way. Consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable connect to any of these options then it's time to seek help from a professional. A skilled towing company will be able to resolve your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out to a spare Key
Keep a spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. You can ask a family member or friend who knows where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you should you need it in an emergency. In certain situations the use of a smartphone app can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is a great alternative for those with more modern vehicles, which can be controlled with a smartphone application!
If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and analyze the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our car usually because we have closed the door without keys inside. Examine all doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an entry point that is open that you hadn't noticed.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is to use a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins or a flathead screwdriver. These tools can be dangerous and could cause damage to your vehicle. They should be used only as a last resort.
If all else fails If all else fails, you can always reach your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance service for assistance. Your service plan could cover the cost of sending a professional to unlock your vehicle. Alternately, you can hire a local locksmith for a fast response. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24 hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and a 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding safety features. Make sure to look through our new inventory.
3. Need Help?
You're very likely to lock your keys inside your vehicle at some point. unlock car service can happen due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your pocket or purse as you exit the vehicle or even malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to remain at peace and think about your options for getting back inside.
Double-checking your doors is the first step. Although it might be obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded area or in a new environment. Call 911 if you are unable to open any of the door. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to help you. Depending on the situation, they may be able open your vehicle or call the tow truck for you.
It's a good idea prepare for this scenario prior to the time you need it by storing a spare key in your office or home or leaving it with a trusted friend or neighbor. It's also recommended to establish a routine of checking your keys prior to 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 safest and most affordable option. Check that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance before you call, as some policies don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact locksmith. Beware of scammers offering the ability to unlock your vehicle for a small fee. These people may use tools such as slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and costly damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a Deep Breath
Panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Relax take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to swiftly and safely get back into your vehicle.
The first step is to ensure that you have locked your keys in the vehicle. Then, go around your car and check all of the doors and windows. If you have an SUV or hatchback be sure to check the trunk as well. Make sure you check the area around you to determine if there are any potential hazards such as an unidentified person or activity which could put your safety in danger.
You might be able to break out a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure you check for pedestrians or traffic prior to you decide to do this. You should also think about whether the spare key is at home or if you have roadside assistance through your insurance company. Many roadside assistance providers provide assistance with car lockouts in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
By taking these preventative steps, you can help prevent you from getting locked out of your vehicle in the future. You should also think about keeping a spare set keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can unlock your car if you ever find yourself in a tight spot. You can also consider an entry system that is keyless for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of fiddling around with a spare key when you're out and about. You can also employ one of the clever tricks that professional mountain climbers use to overcome a difficult place, like threading a shoestring using an untied slip knot through the door to pull up the post lock or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap you can stick your arm or tool through.
5. Call for Help
It's important to be calm and rational in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as wire coat hangers or shoelace, since they can 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. A lot of auto insurance companies and automakers offer these services, which usually come at a cost. However they do have the proper tools needed to unlock a car without damaging it.
A lot of newer cars come with 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, opening the doors and launching the engine. If you own one of these vehicles, it's best to connect it to the app prior to when you'll need it. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with impressive safety features that can aid you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.
You can also avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving a spare car key with a neighbor or friend, and making sure that the door lock mechanism is functioning correctly. Also, you can lower the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by making a habit of checking your car prior to leaving, and storing the spare key in a secure location in case you forget where to put it. Contact us to learn more about our new vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features that you're looking for.