Preventing Car Lockouts

Car lockouts can be a stressful and frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from happening.

The first step is to remain calm and evaluate the situation with a keen eye. Panicking can make you lose your focus and make it harder to find an answer. In the next step, seek assistance if you need it. This is the most secure and least damaging method.

Check Your Keys Before Exiting the Car

Being locked out of your car is one of the most common problems that drivers encounter. It could happen at any time and is an issue that causes frustration and stress. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure this issue doesn't happen again becoming a problem in the future.

Before you panic, it's important to check all the doors to your vehicle for keys. Also, empty your bags and pockets in case your keys were dropped accidentally. Finally, take a walk through your day to determine if you could have accidentally put the keys down or reached into your bag to grab something and put them out of the way.

Many people attempt DIY methods for regaining access to their vehicles when they are locked out, for instance, using coat hangers or bobby pins to pick the lock. However, these methods are often dangerous and may damage the locks or windows of your car. Modern cars also have advanced alarms and lock systems that will set off if these tools are used to gain entry into the vehicle.

In addition to using an experienced locksmith or a roadside assistance service, it's important to keep an extra key on hand. You can find a variety of options, including a universal car key, at your local hardware store or discount department stores. A spare key will ensure you can get into your car quickly and conveniently when you are stuck in a tight spot.

If you're a brand new car owner or bought your vehicle as a certified pre-owned model, then you may be eligible for roadside assistance through the dealership's website or from the manufacturer's website. These services include assistance with car lockouts as well as various other problems. In addition, you can download the HONK app for your smartphone and connect to a professional locksmith or towing service near you to assist you in times of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or up-front charges and informs you of the amount your service will cost prior to they arrive.

Keep a Spare Key on Hand

A spare key in your possession is one of the best ways to avoid car lockouts. It provides you with a means to gain access to your vehicle in the event that your primary key gets lost, and can help you avoid the headache of calling emergency locksmith services for help.

It can be a hassle to get locked out of your car however, you must remain calm and logical to find the best solution. In most cases, calling roadside assistance is the best option, since they have the tools necessary to unlock your car without causing any damage. If you do not have a roadside assistance plan or plan to call locksmiths instead.

You can also keep a spare in your office or home. This is a great solution for people who live in shared homes or vehicles, as it helps to coordinate schedules. You could also leave an extra key with a family member or friend, if you believe they will return it to you in the event of an emergency.

Test your spare key to ensure it functions properly. Ideally, you should store the spare key in a conspicuous location that is difficult for a burglar to locate. If you are unsure where to hide your keys that you don't want to lose you could use the key lockbox. Only you and trusted individuals will be able to access. Also, you may decide to give the spare key to a family member who lives nearby and is able to bring it to you if needed.

You should also be aware that a spare can reduce the lifespan of your original key, which is why it's a good idea for you to replace the spare every couple of months. This will keep your original key from becoming worn down and can help you avoid problems in the future. It can be a bit of a pain to do but it will prevent you from having to pay money for emergency locksmith services in the future.

Use a Wedge and a Long-Reach Tool

There are many reasons why cars lock themselves out. Some are caused by human error, while others are technical. It is important to do everything you can to prevent such instances. There are a few steps you can do to avoid being locked out of your vehicle.

You can use a wedge as a tool to create a gap between the door frame of the vehicle and the body. Then, you can move rods, or a straightened wire clotheshanger, through the gap to activate the door handle inside. This technique can be difficult to implement in a tight space.

A better alternative is to purchase a long-reach tool designed for car lockouts. Most of these tools have a flexible cover that can be used to prevent damage to the weather stripping, paint and the edges of the car door during the lockout. The sleeve is also able to protect your hands and fingers while using a long-reach tool.

Most of these tools are designed in standard configurations that allow instant access to most situations without further modification. Some tools even have a contrasting colour to make them easier to locate in dim lighting. For maximum versatility, try the Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit comprising four of the most popular long-reach tools. It also includes a Button Master and Mega Master snare tool with two air wedges, protective lockout tape, a slim jim, windshield mounted flashlight for nighttime openings and more.

Some people will try to break into their vehicles by using a rod or hanger to gain access back inside, but this could be risky and costly. It could damage the locking mechanism of the car and the paint, door and window. The breaking in can cause an investigation by the police and additional charges.

If there is no emergency, such as tiny children or vulnerable persons locked in the vehicle, it's best to call for roadside assistance. A service like HONK will send you an auto locksmith on demand who will unlock a car service your car quickly and safely. The app displays upfront pricing and allows you not to worry about hidden charges or bargaining with the tow truck driver.

Need Help?

Being locked out of your car is not just frustrating, but it's also dangerous. If you attempt to unlock your car without the right tools, you could cause damage to your vehicle, which could make it more difficult to access in the future. Professional lockout services have the tools and know-how to unlock your car quickly without causing any damage, which saves you time and stress.

Stay calm and call for help in the event that you are stranded in your car, with your keys locked inside. Don't try to unlock your vehicle with the DIY methods you have seen on the Internet. These methods might work for certain cars but they can cause serious damage to modern vehicles with advanced locking mechanisms.

Towing companies in your region offer lockout services at a reasonable price. In addition, some automakers have apps for smartphones that let drivers unlock their car remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these brands and have an active warranty or roadside assistance program, be sure to look into their app offerings for more details on to utilize them.

You can also contact your local auto dealership to find out if they're capable of unlocking your car. Depending on the car's manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this could be free or at a minimal cost. Finally, some non-profit organizations and community support groups also provide resources for people who find themselves locked out of their car. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to find more about the options available in your area.

It's not a pleasant experience to be locked out of your car However, it doesn't have to ruin your day. You can avoid this scenario in the future by staying calm, calling for help, and taking preventive steps. Make sure you have a spare key, if you have one, before exiting your vehicle. Also, make sure to check each door before closing the door. If you're unable to locate your keys, leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Also, make sure you practice safe driving every time you enter the car.