Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. There are a myriad of safe and effective ways to gain access to your car.
It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith to get help, as these professionals have the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. By taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to determine 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 take note of the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios, and offer effective strategies for resolving the issues.
Losing or misplacing keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't unlock. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving swiftly.
The first step is to review your situation and determine if you're in an area that allows an at-home solution. If it's late or in a location that is crowded and crowded, it's not a good idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger and could also void your warranty.
If you can, contact your contacts to see if they can provide an extra or assist in any other way. If you have a phone with a built-in application that provides roadside assistance, you can use it to connect with a locksmith or towing service. If you're not able to reach any of these options, it's time to call for professional help. A skilled towing company can handle your problem quickly and safely.
2. Reach out to a spare Key
One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key somewhere secure. 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 an emergency. In some instances, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is a great option for those who have newer cars that permit you to control them from a smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare key, attempt to remain calm and evaluate the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle, it is often because we have closed the door but left keys inside. Make sure to inspect all the windows and doors before you panic. There could be an open entry point you hadn't noticed.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins or a flathead screwdriver. These tools are extremely dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should only be used as a last option.
If nothing else works, you can always contact your automaker or an independent roadside assistance provider for help. Your service plan might cover the cost of sending a professional to unlock your vehicle. You can also employ locksmiths to respond promptly. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and a 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent safety features, so be sure to look through our latest inventory!
3. Help is available
You're likely to put your keys in the lock of your car at some moment. Inattention, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you exit the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to happen. It doesn't matter what the cause is it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all options.
The first step is to double-check all of your doors. While it may be obvious, many people forget to double-check the door before closing it, particularly in a busy parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. If you're unable to open one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to help you. They may be able unlock your car, or they will call a tow truck for you, depending on the situation.
Prepare for this eventuality by keeping a spare key in your home or in the office or giving it to a family member or a neighbor you can trust. You should also establish a routine to check your keys after closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are certified to unlock most cars. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and cheapest alternative. Make sure you check 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 call a locksmith. Beware of fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. These individuals may employ tools like slim jims 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 take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to swiftly and safely return to your vehicle.
First, ensure that you have locked your keys in the car. Then, walk around the outside of your vehicle to examine all windows and doors. Check the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Be sure to check the surrounding area to determine any potential hazards such as a homeless person or any suspicious activities that could put your safety in danger.
It is possible to open a window to escape from the vehicle, but make sure to look around for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. You should also consider whether the spare key is at home, or if have roadside assistance through your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance for car lockouts, in addition to other typical problems like battery jump-starts or flat tires.
These preventative measures can help you avoid being locked out of your vehicle 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 could also consider investing in a keyless system for your vehicle to avoid needing to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also use a clever technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out a tight location. For instance, you can string a shoestring through a door and tie a slip knot to raise the post lock. You can also use a blood pressure cuff to create a gap to put your arm or use a tool.
5. lockout car service for help
When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Avoid using improvised tools such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are typically provided by automakers or auto insurance firms, but they can be expensive. However they do have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without causing any damage to it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can help those who are locked out. Certain automakers offer smartphones with apps that transform your phone into an remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and starting the engine. If you own one of these cars it's a good idea sync it with the app prior to using 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 friend or neighbor and ensuring that the door lock mechanism is operating properly. You can also lower the chance of an accidental lockout by making sure you check your car before you leave and keeping a spare in a safe place in case you forget. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles, and which are equipped with the security and convenience features that you want.