Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are safe and effective ways to get back into your vehicle.
Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best option for a locksmith, since they have the tools to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. Staying calm and taking several deep breaths will help you determine the most efficient solution.
1. Review the Situation
It's a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle, but it is important to remain calm and take note of the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout situations in cars and offer efficient strategies to resolve the issues.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a frequent cause of car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs don't work or the doors don't open. Whatever the reason it's essential to remain calm and follow the steps below to get back on the road quickly.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine if you're in an area that allows an DIY solution. If it's late, or you're in a location that is crowded or crowded, it's probably not an ideal idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. This will not only risk damaging your vehicle and putting you at risk of injuries, but it could cause the car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible, call your contacts to ask whether they have assistance in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your smartphone to call locksmith or towing services. If you're unable contact any of these options, it's time to call for help from a professional. A towing company with proper skills will be able handle your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Look for an extra key
Keep a spare key in a secure location. This will help you avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a friend or family member that knows where the spare is stored ask them to bring it to you in case in the event of an emergency. In some cases the use of a smartphone app can be used to gain access to your car, without having the key. This is an excellent alternative for those with more modern automobiles that can be controlled using an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have a spare key, remain calm and assess the problem. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our car the reason is that we closed the door while keys still inside. Examine all windows and doors before you panic. You may find an unlocked entry point that you didn't 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 potentially dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injuries and should be used only as the last resort.
If all else fails, contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you, and the cost might be covered by your service plan. You can also engage a local locksmith for a fast response. In most urban areas there is a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and a 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles that are equipped with top security features, so be sure to look through our new inventory!
3. Help is available
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you exit the car, and malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason, the important aspect is to be calm and consider your options for getting back in.
Double-checking your doors is the first step. Although it may be obvious, many people forget to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a busy parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. If you can't open any doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. Based on the circumstances, they may be able open your vehicle or summon tow-trucks for you.
Prepare for this eventuality by keeping a spare key at home or at work or giving it to a friend or neighbor you trust. It's also advisable to make it a practice to check your keys before closing the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance can unlock most vehicles. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and least expensive alternative. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can call locksmith. Beware of scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. They may employ tools like slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and costly damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take an inhale
Being locked out of your vehicle is not an enjoyable situation, but panicking will only make things worse. Relax take a look at the situation, and follow the steps listed below to quickly and securely return to your vehicle.
First, check to ensure that you have locked your keys inside the car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle to examine all the doors and windows. If you have a hatchback or SUV be sure to check the trunk as well. Inspect the surrounding area to see any potential dangers for example, an individual who is homeless or a suspicious actions that could put your safety in danger.
It's possible to break a window to escape your car, but you should be certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. It is also important to consider whether you have a spare key at home, or if have roadside assistance from your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other typical problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.
By taking these preventative steps, you will help to keep you from getting locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend to assist you if you ever are locked out. You could also consider investing in a keyless system for your car to avoid the hassles of needing to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and out and about. You can also make use of a clever technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out a tight area. For instance you can string a shoestring through an opening and tie an elastic knot to lift the post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to make a gap through which to put your arm or use a tool.
5. Call for assistance
When you're locked out of your car, it's essential to keep a cool head and think in a rational manner. Avoid using improvised tools like a wire coat hanger or shoelace, as they can cause damage and not work. Calling G28 Car Keys or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are typically provided by automakers or auto insurance firms however they can be expensive. However they do have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without causing damage to it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can help those who are locked out. Some automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. If you own one of these vehicles it's a good idea sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with impressive safety features that can aid you in avoiding lockouts in the future.
You can also avoid a expensive roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving the spare car key with a family member or friend and making sure your car's door locking mechanism is functioning properly. You can also reduce the risk of lockouts by accident by making a habit of checking your car before leaving, and storing an extra key in a secure spot in case you forget where you put it. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and to determine which ones have the safety and convenience features you want.