Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be a bit frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of methods that are safe and efficient to get into your vehicle.
It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools required to open your vehicle without causing damage. By taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will help to figure out the best solution.
1. Review the Situation
The dreaded locked out of your car scenario is always a nightmare however, it's essential to stay calm and assess the situation. You will be able make informed decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios, and offer effective strategies for resolving them.
A common cause of car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing the keys. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't open. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to try a DIY solution. For instance, if you're late at night, or you're in a bustling area, it might not be the best option to try and reach inside your vehicle through the rear or trunk window. This is not just a risk of 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 you can, reach out to your contacts in your personal network to see if they've got an extra key or are able to help you in some other way. If you have a phone equipped with an app that provides roadside assistance, you can use it to connect with a locksmith or towing service. If you are unable to connect to one of these options, it's time to seek professional help. A towing company with the appropriate skills will be able to manage your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach Out to a Spare Key
One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key secure. Ask an acquaintance or family member who knows the location where your spare key kept to deliver it to you if you require it in an emergency. In some instances, you can even make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is an excellent option for those who have newer cars that can be controlled via an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have a spare key, attempt to remain calm and evaluate the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our car usually because we've shut the door without keys inside. Make sure you check all doors and windows before you panic. You may find an entry point that is open that you didn't notice.
You may also gain access to your car by using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools can be dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should be used only as a last resort.
If nothing else works you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance provider. They can send a professional to unlock your car for you, and the cost might be covered by your service plan. You can also engage locksmiths to respond quickly. In most urban areas there is a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles that are equipped with excellent security features. Make sure you check our new inventory.
3. Help is available
The odds of locking your keys in your car at one point or another are extremely high. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you exit the vehicle or even malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason it's essential to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.
The first step is to double-check each of your doors. Although it might seem obvious, many people forget to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded lot or unfamiliar environment. If you can't open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. G28 Car Keys will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. Based on the circumstances, they might be able to open your vehicle or call the tow truck for you.
Prepare for this situation by keeping an extra key at the office or at home or giving it to a neighbor or friend who you are able to trust. It's also recommended to establish a routine to always check for your keys before closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs are run by professionals who are certified to unlock the majority of cars. They're your best bet for the most reliable, safest and least expensive alternative. Be sure to check that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior calling, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you may make contact with locksmith. Beware of scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee, though. They might use tools such as slim jims or other devices to break into your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, cause extensive and costly damage to 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 breath take a look at the situation, and follow the steps listed below to quickly and safely get back into your vehicle.
First, ensure that you have locked your keys in the vehicle. Then take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check all windows and doors. If you have a hatchback or SUV, examine the trunk too. Make sure you check the surrounding area to see any potential dangers, like a homeless person or any suspicious activity which could put your safety in danger.
It may be possible to open a window to escape from the vehicle, but make sure to look around for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Think about whether you have a spare key at home or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance services offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other common problems such as battery jump-starts and flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures can help prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Keep an extra key with a family member or trusted friend so they can assist you should you are locked out. You can also purchase an entry system that is keyless for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare key whenever you're out and about. You can also make use of one of the clever techniques that professional mountain climbers do to escape from a difficult situation, such as stringing a shoestring through a slip knot through the door to pull up the post lock or inflating the blood pressure cuff in order to create a gap you can stick your hand or a tool through.
5. Call for assistance
When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's crucial to keep your cool and think rationally. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and could not work. The most secure and reliable alternative is to get help from a roadside assistance service or a locksmith professional. These services are usually provided by automakers or auto insurance firms however they can be costly. They are equipped with the best tools to unlock a car without causing damage to it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can aid drivers who get locked out. Some automakers offer apps for smartphones that turn your phone into an remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and starting the engine. If you own one of these vehicles it's a good idea sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with amazing safety features that could help you avoid accidental lockouts in the near future.
Other options for avoiding the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call include leaving an extra key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. You can also reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by regularly checking your car before leaving, and keeping an extra key in a secure spot in case you forget where you put it. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features that you're looking for.