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 for assistance, as they've got the tools required to unlock your car without damaging your vehicle. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will help to find the right solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle It's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make wise choices to increase the chances of getting your keys back quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will explain six of the most common lockout scenarios, and provide effective solutions.

The most common reason for a car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing keys. Many people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't open. Whatever the reason it is, you must remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving swiftly.

First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it is appropriate to attempt a DIY solution. If it's late, or you're in an area that's busy, it might not be an appropriate idea to get into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. This could not only be risky for damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injuries, but it could also trigger the security system of your vehicle or invalidate your warranty.

If possible, reach out to your contacts in your personal network to see if they have an extra key or are able to help you in some other way. Consider using a roadside assistance app on your smartphone to call the towing or locksmith services. If you are unable to access any of these options, it's time to seek out professional assistance. A skilled towing company will be able to address your issue quickly and safely.

2. Reach out for an extra key

Keep the spare key in a safe place. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. You can ask a family member or friend who knows the location where your spare key stored to bring it to you in case you need it in an emergency. In some cases an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is a great option for those with cars that are more modern and allow the control of their vehicles from the smartphone app!

If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and evaluate the situation. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our car the reason is that we closed the door and left keys still in the car. Be sure to check all doors and windows before you panic. You might find an entry point that you didn't realize.

Another way to gain access to your vehicle is to use a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that can cause damage to parts of your car or cause injury and should be used only as the last resort.

If nothing else works, contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. Your service plan could include the cost of sending an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. You can also employ locksmiths to respond quickly. In the majority of urban areas, you can locate a locksmith that provides 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles that are equipped with top safety features, so be sure to look through our new inventory!

3. Help is available

The odds of locking your keys in your car at one point or another are incredibly high. Inattention keys disappearing from your pocket or purse as you leave the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all cause this to occur. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to remain in a calm state and think of your alternatives for getting back.

Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. While it may seem obvious, many people forget to double-check the door before closing it especially in a crowded area or in a new environment. Call 911 if you are unable to open any of the doors. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. Depending on the situation they might be able to unlock your vehicle or call a tow-truck for you.

It's a good idea to prepare for this situation prior to the time you need it by storing a spare key in your office or at home or entrusting it to an amiable neighbor or friend. It's also an excellent idea to establish a routine to always check for your keys prior to closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs have professionals who are certified to unlock most cars. They are the safest and most affordable alternative. Be sure to check that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before calling, since some policies don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact a locksmith to get help. Beware of the scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. These people may use 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 a deep breath

Being locked out of your car is not a fun situation, but rushing to panic can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and in a safe manner.

Verify that you really locked your keys in your car. Then, go around your car and look at all doors and windows. Inspect the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Make sure you check the surrounding area to see if there are any potential hazards such as a homeless person or suspicious activities that could put your safety in danger.

It is possible to break a window to escape the car, but be certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. It is also important to consider whether you have a spare key at home or if you have roadside assistance from your insurance company. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance for car lockouts, in addition to other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.

By taking these preventative steps, you can help prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Keep a spare key with a family member or trusted friend so they can assist you should you find yourself locked out. You can also purchase a keyless system for your vehicle to avoid having to search for a spare set of keys when you're out and out and about. You can also employ one of the clever tricks that many professional mountain climbers employ to get out of a tricky spot, such as threading a shoestring with a slip knot through the door to open a post lock keys in car out car services (https://acosta-skovgaard-3.federatedjournals.com/are-you-responsible-for-a-i-lock-my-keys-in-the-car-budget-12-ways-to-spend-your-money/) or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your hand or a tool through.

5. Need Help?

It is important to remain calm and rational when you're locked out of your vehicle. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, as they can cause damage and might not work. The most reliable and secure option is to call for assistance from a roadside assist service or professional locksmith. These services are typically provided by auto insurance companies or automakers, but they can be costly. However, these professionals have the right tools to unlock a vehicle without causing damage to it.

Many newer cars have technology that can aid drivers who are locked out. Certain automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. It's a great idea sync your vehicle with the app in advance. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with amazing safety features that could 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 your car's door locking mechanism is working correctly. You can also minimize the risk of a mishap resulting in a lockout by checking your car before leaving and keeping a spare in a safe place in case you forget. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles and see which ones come with the security and convenience features you're looking for.