Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and efficient ways to get back into your vehicle.
It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance since they have the tools required to open your car without damaging your vehicle. Staying calm and taking some deep breaths will help you determine the best solution.
1. Assess the Situation
It's a hassle to be locked out of your car however it's crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions to increase your chances of retrieving your keys quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will uncover the top six car lockout scenarios and provide effective solutions for solving the issues.
Losing or misplacing keys is a common reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't unlock. Regardless of the cause, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps below to get back on the road in a hurry.
The first step is to review your situation and determine whether you're in an area where it's safe to try an DIY solution. For example, if it's late at night or you're in a busy area, it might not be a good idea to try and reach inside your car through the rear or trunk window. This could not only be risky for damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injuries, but it could cause the car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible, call your contacts to ask if they can provide assistance 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 contact one of these services, it's time to call for assistance from a professional. A professional towing service can handle your problem quickly and safely.
2. Reach out to a spare Key
Keep a spare key in a secure location. This will allow you to avoid costly assistance from the roadside or locksmith calls. You can ask a family member or friend who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you in case you need it in an emergency. In some instances you may even be able to use a smart phone application to gain access to your vehicle without having the actual key. This is an excellent option for people with newer cars that allow you to control them from a smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and evaluate the situation. In most cases, when we get locked out of our car the reason is that we closed the door and left the keys still inside. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an open entry point you didn't know about.
Another way to gain access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges or bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. But, these are risky tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injury, and they should only be used as an emergency.
If nothing else works, contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance provider. Your service plan may provide an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. Alternatively, you can also employ a local locksmith to provide quick response. In most urban areas there is a 24-hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and a 24-hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles that are equipped with excellent safety features. Make sure you check our new inventory.
3. Need Help?
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be due to a variety of reasons, such as being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you exit the vehicle, and malfunctioning locks. No matter what the reason it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.
The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people forget to verify before closing the door, especially in a busy parking lot or unfamiliar environment. Contact 911 if you are in a position to not open the door. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. Depending on the situation they may be able open your vehicle or call tow-trucks for you.
It's a good idea prepare for this situation prior to the time you need it by storing a spare key in your office or home, or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. It's also a good idea to establish a routine of checking your keys before closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are trained to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and cheapest option. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before calling, since some policies do not. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call locksmith. Beware of scammers who offer to unlock your car for a cost. These people may use tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause extensive and expensive damage to the locking mechanism.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your car isn't a pleasant situation, but panicking can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breathe, assess the situation and follow the steps listed below to quickly and safely get back into your vehicle.
Check to see if you've actually locked your keys in your car. Then, take a take a walk around the car and inspect all doors and windows. Check the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Make sure you check the area around you to determine if there are any potential dangers, like a homeless person or suspicious activities that could put your safety in danger.
You may be able to break out a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure you check for pedestrians or traffic prior to you make the move. You should also think about whether you have a spare key at home or if you have roadside assistance with your insurance company. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance for car lockouts in addition to other typical problems like battery jump-starts or flat tires.
These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Keep a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend to assist you should you are locked out. You can also invest 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 trick that professional mountaineers use to get out of a tight area. For lockout car service , you can thread a shoestring through an opening and tie a slip knot to raise a post lock. You can also inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to put your arm or attach a device.
5. Need Help?
When you're locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, as they can cause damage and may not work. The most reliable and secure option is to seek assistance from a roadside assist service or professional locksmith. A lot of auto insurance companies and even automakers offer these services, which usually are charged. They are equipped with the right tools to unlock a car without damaging it.
A number of modern vehicles have technology that can help drivers who are locked out of their car. Certain automakers have apps for smartphones that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, opening the doors and launching the engine. If you own one of these cars it's a good idea connect it to the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with amazing safety features that could help you avoid accidental lockouts in the future.
Other alternatives to avoid an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor and making sure your car door locks are working properly. You can also reduce the risk of an accidental lockout by checking your car before leaving and keeping a spare in a safe location in the event that you forget. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles and to determine which ones feature the security and convenience features you're looking for.