Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be a bit frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and efficient ways to get back in your vehicle.
It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help since they have the tools required to unlock your car without creating damage. Staying calm and taking some deep breaths will help you figure out the most effective solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Facing the dreaded locked out of your car situation is always a nightmare, but it's important to remain calm and analyze the situation. You'll be able make intelligent choices that increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and getting back on the road quickly. This comprehensive guide will uncover six of the most frequent car lockout scenarios, and offer efficient strategies to resolve these issues.
A common cause of a car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing keys. A lot of people are locked out of their car because their key fobs won't work or the doors don't open. No matter what the cause be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.
The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's feasible to make an at-home solution. If it's late or in a location that is crowded or crowded, it's probably not a good idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, and also void your warranty.
If you can, contact your contacts to inquire if they can provide a spare or help in any other way. If you own a smartphone with a built-in app that offers roadside assistance, consider utilizing it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're unable reach any of these options, it's time to seek professional help. A towing company with proper skills will be able handle your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach out for an extra key
Keep the spare key in a safe place. This will allow you to avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. Request a family member or friend who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you should you need it in an emergency. In some instances you could even make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your car without having the actual key. This is a great option for those with cars that are more modern and allow you to control them from the smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare key, remain calm and assess the problem. In most cases, when we get locked out of our car it's because we shut the door and left keys still inside. Be sure to check all of the doors and windows before you panic. You may find an open entry point you hadn't noticed.
You could also gain access to your car by using a tool like a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools are extremely dangerous and could cause damage to your car. They should only be used as a last resort.
If all else fails you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance provider. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you, and the cost could be covered by your service plan. You can also hire locksmiths who can respond promptly. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top security features. Be sure to check our new inventory.
3. Help is available
You're likely to lock your keys in your vehicle at some time. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as being distracted, keys falling from your purse or pocket as you exit the car or even malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason is it's essential to be calm and think about all options.
The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It may seem obvious but many people don't examine the door prior to closing the door, especially in a busy parking lot or in a strange setting. If you can't open any doors, you should call 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as fast as is possible. They may be able to unlock your car, or will summon a tow truck for you, based on the circumstances.
Prepare for this eventuality by keeping an extra key at home or at work or giving it to a family member or a neighbor you trust. It's also a good idea to make it a habit of checking your keys before closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are trained to unlock most cars. They are the most secure and affordable option. Check that your insurance policy covers roadside help before you call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call a locksmith to get help. Beware of scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. These individuals may use tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle, and these methods often result in costly and extensive damage to the locking mechanisms.
4. Take a Deep Breath
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a fun situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breathe take a look at the situation, and follow the steps listed below to quickly and securely get back into your vehicle.
First, make sure you really have locked your keys inside your car. Then, go around your car and look at all doors and windows. If car opening service own an SUV or hatchback make sure you examine the trunk too. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to see if there are any dangers that could be present, such as an unidentified person or activity that 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 other vehicles before you attempt this. Check if you have an extra key in your home, or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. Numerous roadside assistance providers provide assistance for car lockouts in addition to other common issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
Taking these preventative measures will prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set keys with a trusted friend or family member to unlock your car in the event that you find yourself in a tight spot. Also, you can invest in a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of fiddling around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also make use of one of the clever techniques that professional mountain climbers employ to get out of a tricky place, like threading a shoestring using an untied slip knot through the door to unlock the post lock, or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap you can stick your hand or a tool through.
5. Help is available
It's important to remain calm and rational in the event that you are locked out of your car. Avoid using improvised tools like a wire coat hanger or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. The most reliable and safest option is to call for help from a roadside assistance service or professional locksmith. These services are typically provided by automakers or auto insurance companies however, they can be costly. They have the proper tools to unlock cars without causing damage to it.
Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can aid those who are locked out. Certain automakers have smartphone apps that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. It's a good idea to connect your car to the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with impressive safety features that can aid you in avoiding lockouts in the future.
Other options to avoid an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving a spare key with a neighbor or friend and also making sure that your car's locking mechanism works properly. You can also reduce the risk of lockouts by accident by regularly checking your car before leaving, and keeping a spare key in a secure spot in case you forget where to put it. Contact us to find out more about our latest vehicles, and which ones have the security and convenience features you desire.