10 Facts About Locked Out Of Your Car That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are many secure and efficient ways to gain access to your vehicle.
Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best choice, as they have the tools needed to open your vehicle without causing any damage. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to find the right solution.
1. Assess the Situation
Being faced with the dreaded locked-out of your car scenario is always frustrating however, it's essential to remain calm and analyze the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions that will increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and returning to the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will explain six of the most common lockout scenarios and offer effective solutions.
Losing or misplacing keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. However, many are locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning key fobs or doors that don't open. Whatever the reason, you should remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving quickly.
The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's feasible to make an at-home solution. For instance, if it's late at night, or you're in a busy area, it might not be a good idea to try to get inside your car through the trunk or rear window. This will not only risk damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injuries, but it could cause the security system in your car or void your warranty.
If possible, contact your contacts to inquire whether they have a spare or help in any other way. If you own a smartphone equipped with an application that provides roadside assistance, you can use it to connect with a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable to access any of these options, then you should seek professional help. A professional towing service can handle your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach Out to a spare Key
Keep your spare key in a secure location. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. You can ask an acquaintance or family member who knows where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you should you require it in an emergency. In certain situations an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car, without having the key. This is an excellent option for people with newer automobiles that can be controlled via a smartphone application!
If you don't have a spare, stay calm and evaluate the issue. In most cases, when we get locked out of our car it's because we shut the door and left keys still in the car. Examine all windows and doors before you panic. You may find an entry point that is open that you didn't notice.
You could also gain access to your vehicle using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that could break parts of your vehicle or cause injury, and they should be used only as the last resort.
If all else fails you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance service. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your car for you, and the cost might be covered by your service plan. You can also engage locksmiths who can respond quickly. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent safety features, so be sure to browse our latest inventory!
3. Call for Help
You're very likely to put your keys in the lock of your vehicle at some point. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling from your purse or pocket as you leave the car or a malfunctioning lock. It doesn't matter what the reason is it's essential to remain calm and consider all options.
The first step is to double-check every one of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people fail to check before they close the door, especially in a crowded parking lot or in a strange environment. Call 911 if you are unable to open any of the door. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as fast as it is possible. Based on the circumstances, they might be able to unlock your vehicle or summon the tow truck for you.
It's a good idea to prepare prior to the time you need it by storing an extra key in your office or home or leaving it with a trusted friend or neighbor. It's also recommended to make it a habit to always check for your keys before shutting the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ experts who are certified to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. You'll find that they are the most secure and affordable alternative. Make sure your insurance provides roadside assistance prior to making a make a call, since some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance you can contact an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of scammers that offer to unlock your vehicle for a cost. They may employ tools such as slim jims or other devices to break into your vehicle and often result in extensive and expensive damage to the locking mechanisms.
4. Take a deep breath
Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take an inhale, look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back into your car quickly and safely.
First, check to confirm that you've locked your keys in the car. Next, take i lock my keys in the car around the car and inspect all doors and windows. Inspect the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Be sure to check the surrounding area to determine whether there are any potential dangers, like an unidentified person or activity that could put your safety in danger.
You might be able to open a window to escape your car, but be sure you look for pedestrians or vehicles before you make the move. You should also consider whether you have a spare key at home, or if have roadside assistance from your insurance company. Many roadside assistance services provide assistance for lockouts of cars, as well as other common problems such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.
By taking these preventative steps, you will prevent your car from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Keep a spare key with a family member or trusted friend to assist you if you ever are locked out. You can also invest in a keyless system for your car to avoid having to search for an extra set of keys when out and out and about. You can also use a clever technique used by professional mountaineers to escape a difficult location. For example, you can string a shoestring through an opening and tie an elastic knot to lift the post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a hole to put your arm or attach a device.
5. Help is available
It's important to remain calm and rational in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. Do not try improvised techniques such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger since they can cause damage and may not work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. Many auto insurance companies and even automakers offer these services, which often cost. They are equipped with the right tools to unlock a car without causing damage to it.
A number of modern vehicles have technology that can help drivers who are locked out of their cars. For instance, certain automakers offer smartphone apps which allow you to manage your car remotely and transform your phone into an electronic key fob that allows you to unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a good idea to connect your car to the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of models that are more modern and have impressive safety features. These can help you avoid any future lockouts.
You can also avoid costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving keys for your car with a friend or neighbor and ensuring that the door lock mechanism is functioning correctly. You can also minimize the risk of a mishap resulting in a lockout by checking your car before you leave and storing a spare key in a safe location in case you forget. Contact us for more about our new vehicles, and which ones are equipped with the security and convenience features that you're looking for.