Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be an unpleasant and stressful situation. It's important to remember that there are safe and efficient ways to get back in your vehicle.
Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best solution because they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will help to determine the best solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
It's frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle, but it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions that will increase your chances of successfully regaining your keys and returning to the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent lockout scenarios and offer effective solutions.
A common cause of car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing the keys. But, many are locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning key fobs or doors that simply don't open. Whatever the reason it's essential to remain calm and follow the steps below to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
The first step is to evaluate your situation and determine whether you're in an area where it's safe to attempt an DIY solution. For instance, if you're late at night or you're in a busy area, it may not be a good idea to attempt to reach inside your car 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 possible, contact your contacts to inquire if they can provide an extra or assist in any other way. If you own a mobile with a built-in app that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're not able to reach one of these services, it's time to call for professional help. A towing company with appropriate skills will be able to handle your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Find an extra key
Keep your spare key in a safe location. This will help you avoid costly assistance from the roadside or locksmith calls. You can ask a family member or friend who knows the location where your spare key kept to deliver it to you if you require it in an emergency. In certain situations you may even be able to make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is a great option for those who have newer cars that can be controlled using a smartphone application!
If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and assess the situation. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our vehicle it's because we shut the door and left keys still inside. Be sure to check all of the windows and doors before you panic. You may find an entry point that you didn't even notice.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. But, these are risky tools that can cause damage to parts of your car or cause injuries and should be used only as a last resort.
If all else fails then you can always call your automaker or an independent roadside assistance provider to get help. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your car for you, and the cost may be covered by your service plan. You can also hire a locksmith to respond quickly. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top safety features. Make sure to look through our latest inventory.
3. Need Help?
The odds of locking your keys in your car at one point or another are incredibly high. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your pocket or purse as you exit the car, and malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason, the most important aspect is to be at peace and think about your alternatives for getting back.
Double-checking the doors of your home is the first step. It may seem obvious but many people fail to verify before closing the door, particularly in a crowded parking lot or unfamiliar setting. If you are unable to open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be sent to your location as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be able open your vehicle or call tow-trucks for you.
It's a good idea to prepare for this scenario in advance by storing a spare key in your office or home or entrusting it to your trusted neighbor or a friend. It is also recommended to make it a practice to always check for your keys before closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs have professionals who are trained to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. They're the most reliable, secure, and least costly option. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior calling, since some policies do not. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of scammers that offer to unlock your vehicle for a cost. These individuals may use tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, result in extensive and expensive damage to the locking mechanisms.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your vehicle isn't a pleasant situation, but being panicked will only make things worse. Take a deep breathe examine the situation and follow the steps below to swiftly and safely get back into your vehicle.
First, confirm that you've locked your keys in the car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your car to inspect all the windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Examine the surrounding area to determine if any potential hazards exist like an individual who is homeless or a suspicious actions that could put your safety at risk.
You might be able to open a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure you look for pedestrians or traffic before you make the move. You should also think about whether the spare key is at home or if you have roadside assistance with your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance providers provide assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like jump-starting batteries and flat tires.
These preventative measures will help to keep you from getting locked out of your car in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted friend or family member to allow them to unlock your car in the event that you ever find yourself in a bind. You could also consider investing in an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid having to search for a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also employ a clever trick that professional mountaineers use to get out a tight spot. For instance, you can string a shoestring through a door and tie a slip knot to raise a post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a hole to stick your arm or use a tool.
5. Call for Help
When you're locked out of your car, it's essential to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. open my car try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, as they can cause damage and might not work. A roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. These services are typically provided by auto insurance companies or automakers, but they can be expensive. However they 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 if they get locked out of their cars. For example, some automakers have smartphone apps that let you control your car from a distance by turning your phone into a key fob that can unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a great idea to connect your car to the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive security features. These can help you to avoid any future lockouts.
Other options to avoid an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving an extra key with a neighbor or friend and also making sure that the car's locks are working properly. Additionally, you can reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by regularly checking your car before leaving and keeping an extra key in a secure location in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us for more about our latest vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features that you want.