Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be a stressful and frustrating situation. There are a myriad of secure and efficient ways to get into your vehicle.
It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance since they have the tools needed to open your vehicle without creating damage. Staying calm and taking a few deep breathes will help you find the most efficient solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Facing the dreaded locked out of your car situation is always a nightmare, but it's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions to increase your chances of getting your keys back quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will uncover six of the most frequent lockout situations in cars and offer effective solutions for solving them.
The most common reason for a car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing keys. Many people are locked out of their car because their key fobs don't work or the doors don't open. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving quickly.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine whether you're in an area where it's safe to attempt an at-home solution. If it's late or in a location that is crowded or crowded, it's probably not an ideal idea to reach into your car's trunk or rear window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injury, but it could also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible try reaching out to your contacts from home to see if they have a spare key or can help you in some other way. Consider using a roadside assistance application that you can download on your phone to call locksmith or towing services. If you are unable to connect to one of these options, then it's time to seek help from a professional. A towing company with right skills will be able handle your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out for a spare key
Keep your spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a friend or family member that knows where the spare key is stored, ask them to drive it to you 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 the key. This is a great option for those who have newer automobiles that can be controlled via an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and assess the situation. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our car it's because we shut the door and left the keys still in the car. Examine G28 and doors before you panic. You may find an entry point you didn't even notice.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. These tools are extremely dangerous and can cause damage to your car. They should be used only as a last resort.
If nothing else works then you can always call your automaker or an independent roadside assistance provider to get help. Your service plan may cover the cost of sending a professional to unlock your vehicle. You can also engage locksmiths to respond promptly. In many urban areas, you can find a locksmith that offers 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding safety features. Make sure to look through our latest inventory.
3. Help is available
The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at one point or another are extremely high. Inattention keys disappearing from your purse or pocket when you exit your vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to happen. Whatever the cause is it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all options.
The first step is to double-check every one of your doors. Although it may seem obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check before closing the door especially in a busy lot or unfamiliar environment. Contact 911 if you are unable to open any of the door. A quick dispatch will dispatch a police officer to assist you. They might be able to unlock your car, or will call a tow truck for you, depending on the circumstances.
Prepare for this eventuality by keeping an extra key at home or at work or giving it to a family member or a neighbor you trust. It's also recommended to make it a habit of always checking for your keys before shutting the car door.
Professionals who have been trained in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll discover that they're the safest and most affordable option. Make sure your insurance includes roadside assistance before you call, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of the fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. These individuals may employ tools such as slim jims 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 isn't a pleasant situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and follow the steps below to get back in your vehicle quickly and safely.
The first step is to ensure that you have locked your keys in the car. Then, take a take a walk around the car and inspect all doors and windows. Inspect the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Be sure to check the surrounding area to determine any dangers that could be present, such as an unidentified person or activities that could put your safety in danger.
It is possible to break a window out to escape your car, but you should be certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. Think about whether you have an extra key in your home or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance for car lockouts, as well as other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures will prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Consider keeping an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend to assist you if you ever get locked out. You can also purchase the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of fumbling around with a spare key when you're out and about. You can also use one of the tricks that many professional mountain climbers do to escape from a difficult place, like stringing a shoestring through a slip knot through the door to unlock the post lock, or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can insert your arm or implement through.
5. Call for Help
It's important to remain calm and logical when you are locked out of your vehicle. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and might not work. A roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. Many auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, and they usually come at a cost. These professionals are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without causing damage.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can help those who are locked out. Certain automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into a remote control for your car, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. It's a great idea sync your vehicle with the app in advance. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive security features. These features can help you avoid any future lockouts.
You can also avoid paying for a costly roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving keys for your car with a friend or neighbor and ensuring that your car's door locking mechanism is functioning properly. You can also reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by routinely checking your car before leaving, and keeping an extra key in a safe place in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of new cars and find out which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.