Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. There are many methods that are safe and efficient to gain access to your car.
It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith to get help since they have the tools needed to open your vehicle without damaging your vehicle. Be calm and take several deep breaths will help you find the most efficient solution.
1. Assess the Situation
It's a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle, but it is 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 successfully. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide efficient strategies to resolve them.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a common reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their vehicle because their key fobs won't work or the doors don't open. Whatever the reason, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps below to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
The first step is to review your situation and determine whether you're in a location where it's safe to attempt an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night or you're in a bustling zone, it might not be the best idea to try and reach inside your car through the trunk or back window. You could damage your vehicle 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. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app that you can download on your phone to call the towing or locksmith services. If you're unable access one of these options, it's time to seek help from a professional. A towing company with proper skills will be able deal with your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach Out to a spare Key
Keep a spare key in a secure place. This will allow you to avoid costly assistance from the roadside or locksmith calls. Request someone in your family or a friend who knows the location where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you should you need it in an emergency. In some cases, you can even make use of a smartphone app to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is a great option for those who have newer automobiles, which can be controlled via a smartphone application!
If you don't have a spare key, remain calm and assess the problem. When we lock ourselves out of our car usually because we've shut the door but left keys inside. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't notice.
You can also gain access to your car using a device such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injuries and should only be used as an emergency.
If nothing else works, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider to get help. Your service plan could provide an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. You can also hire locksmiths who can respond quickly. In the majority of urban areas, you will find a locksmith who offers 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding safety features. Make sure to look through our new inventory.
3. Need Help?
The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at some point or another are incredibly high. Absentmindedness keys disappearing from your pocket or purse as you leave the vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to occur. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to stay calm and consider your alternatives for getting back.
Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. It may seem obvious but many people fail to examine the door prior to closing the door, especially in a parking lot that is crowded or in a strange environment. If you can't open any doors, dial 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will dispatch a police officer to help you. They might be able to open your car, or will summon a tow vehicle for you, depending on the situation.
Prepare yourself for this scenario by keeping an extra key at home or in the office or giving it to a family member or a neighbor who you trust. It's also an excellent idea to establish a routine to always check for your keys before shutting the car door.
Roadside assistance programs have professionals who are certified to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and cheapest option. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to calling, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you may call locksmith. Beware of scammers offering to unlock your vehicle for a fee. These individuals may use tools such as slim jims to break into your vehicle, and these methods often result in costly and extensive damage to locking mechanisms.
4. Take an inhale
The stress of panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Relax examine the situation and follow the steps listed below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.
First, make sure vehicle unlock service have locked your keys in the car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check all windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Check the area around you to see any potential dangers, such as a homeless individual or suspicious actions that could put your safety at risk.
It may be possible to open a window to escape the car, but you should be sure to check your surroundings for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Consider whether you have a spare key at home, or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance for car lockouts in addition to other common problems like battery jump-starts or flat tires.
These preventative steps can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted family member to unlock your car if you find yourself in a jam. You could also consider investing in an electronic key system for your car to avoid having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also employ an innovative technique that professional mountaineers employ to escape a difficult spot. For instance you can string a shoestring through a door and tie a slip knot to lift the post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to put your arm or attach a device.
5. Call for assistance
It is important to remain calm and logical when you're locked out of your car. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are typically provided by automakers or auto insurance companies however, they can be expensive. However, these professionals have the right tools to unlock a vehicle without causing any damage to it.
A lot of newer cars come with technology that can assist drivers who are locked out. For instance, some automakers offer smartphone apps that let you manage your car remotely by turning your phone into an electronic key fob that can unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a good idea to sync your vehicle with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive safety features. These features can help you to avoid any future lockouts.
Other alternatives to avoid the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call is to leave keys with a family member or friend and also making sure that your car's locking mechanism works properly. Also, you can lower the risk of accidental lockouts by routinely checking your car before leaving, and keeping the spare key in a safe place in case you forget where you put it. Contact us to find out more about our selection of new cars and find out which ones feature the security and convenience features you want.