Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

It can be frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are safe and effective ways to get back in your vehicle.

Contacting roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best choice, as they have the tools to open a car door your vehicle without causing any damage. A few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to figure out the best solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

Facing the dreaded locked out of your car scenario is always stressful, but it's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make smart decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most common lockout scenarios and offer efficient solutions.

A common cause of car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing keys. However, many people also are locked out of their vehicles because of malfunctioning keys or doors that simply don't open. Regardless of the cause it's crucial to remain calm and take the steps listed below to get back on the road in a hurry.

The first step is to evaluate your situation and determine whether you're in an area where it's safe to try an DIY solution. For instance, if it's late at night, or you're in a bustling zone, it might not be the best option to attempt to reach inside your vehicle through the trunk or back window. You could end up damaging your car and put yourself in danger as well as voiding your warranty.

If you can try reaching out to your contacts in your personal network to see if they have a spare key or can help you in some other way. If you own a mobile equipped with an application that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable to connect to one of these options, it's time to seek professional help. A professional towing service will be able to resolve your problem quickly and safely.

2. Look for a spare key

Keep a spare key in a safe location. This will help you avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a family member who knows where the spare is stored ask them to bring it to you in case in the event of an emergency. In some instances, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is an excellent option for those who have newer cars that can be controlled via a smartphone application!

If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and analyze the situation. In most cases, when we get locked out of our car the reason is that we closed the door and left keys still in the car. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. There could be an entry point that you didn't notice.

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 dangerous tools that can break the parts of your vehicle or cause injury, and they should only be used as the last resort.

If all else fails then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for assistance. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you and the cost may be covered by your service plan. You can also engage a locksmith to respond quickly. In many urban areas, there is a 24-hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles that are equipped with excellent security features. Be sure to check our latest inventory.

3. Help is available

You're very likely to lock your keys in your vehicle at some time. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you leave the car or a malfunctioning lock. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to stay calm and consider your options for getting back inside.

The first step is to double-check every one of your doors. While it may appear obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded area or in a new environment. If you're unable to open one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be sent to your location as fast as it is possible. Depending on the situation they may be able open your vehicle or summon tow-trucks for you.

It's a good idea to prepare prior to the time you need it by storing an extra key in your home or office or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. You should also make it a practice to ensure you have your keys before closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are trained to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. They are the safest and most affordable alternative. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to calling, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call locksmith. Beware of scammers who offer the ability to unlock your vehicle for a cost. These individuals may use tools such as slim jims to gain access to your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, result in costly and extensive damage to the locking mechanisms.

4. Take a deep breath

Being locked out of your car is not a fun situation, but panicking can only make the situation worse. Take your breath, take a look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and safely.

First, ensure that you have locked your keys in the car. Next, take a walk around the car and inspect all doors and windows. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Be sure to check the surrounding area to determine whether there are any potential hazards such as a homeless person or any suspicious activities that could put your security in danger.

You may be able to take a window off to escape your car, but make sure you check for pedestrians or traffic prior to you do so. Think about whether you have a spare key at home or if your insurance company provides roadside assistance. Numerous roadside assistance providers provide assistance for car lockouts in addition to other common issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.

These preventative steps can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. You should also think about keeping a spare set keys with a trusted family member to allow them to unlock cars Service your car in the event that you find yourself in a bind. You can also purchase an electronic key system for your car to avoid the hassles of having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and out and about. You can also make use of an innovative technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out of a tight location. For example you can string a shoestring through a door and tie an elastic knot to lift a post lock. You can also inflate a blood-pressure cuff to create a hole to stick your arm or use a tool.

5. Call for Help

When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's crucial to keep your cool and think rationally. Avoid using improvised tools like wire coat hangers or shoelace, as they can cause damage and not work. The most reliable and safest option is to seek assistance from a roadside assistance service or a locksmith professional. Many auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, which often are charged. However they do have the right tools to unlock a vehicle without causing any damage to it.

A number of modern vehicles have technology that can assist drivers in the event that they are locked out of their vehicles. Some automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into an remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and launching the engine. If you have one of these cars it's a good idea sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. These features can help you avoid future lockouts.

Other options for avoiding an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving a spare key with a neighbor or friend and making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. Also, you can lower the risk of accidental lockouts by making a habit of checking your car prior to leaving and keeping a spare key in a safe place in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us for more about our latest vehicles, and which ones are equipped with the security and convenience features you desire.