The Main Issue With Locked Out Of Your Car And How You Can Solve It
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are a variety of secure and efficient ways to gain access to your vehicle.
It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools needed to unlock your car without causing damage. By taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm will make it easier to determine the best solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Being faced with the dreaded locked-out of your car scenario is always a nightmare, but it's important to stay calm and assess the situation. You will be able make wise choices to increase your chances of getting your keys back quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide effective strategies for resolving the issues.
Losing or misplacing keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. But, many find themselves locked out of their vehicles due to malfunctioning keys or doors that won't open. Whatever the reason, you should remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving quickly.
The first step is to reassess your situation and determine if you're in an area that allows an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night, or you're in a crowded area, it might not be a good idea to attempt to reach inside your vehicle through the trunk or rear window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and putting you at risk of injury, but it could also trigger your security system in your car or void your warranty.
If you can, contact your contacts to see whether they have an extra or assist in any other way. If you own a smartphone with a built-in application that provides roadside assistance, consider utilizing it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable to contact one of these services then it's time to contact for professional help. A towing company with the appropriate skills will be able to deal with your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Find an extra key
One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key in a place that is secure. Ask an acquaintance or family member who knows the location where your spare key kept to deliver it to you should you require it in an emergency. In certain situations you could even use a smart phone app to gain entry into your car without having an actual key. This is an excellent option for people with newer automobiles, which can be controlled with the smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and analyze the situation. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our vehicle it's because we shut the door while keys still inside. Check all the windows and doors before you panic. You may find an entry point that is open that you hadn't noticed.
You may also gain access to your vehicle using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. However, these are dangerous tools that can break the parts of your car or cause injury, and they should be used only as an emergency.
If all else fails, contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance provider. Your service plan could include the cost of sending an expert to unlock your vehicle. Alternatively, you can also engage a local locksmith for rapid response. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top security features. Make sure you check our latest inventory.
3. Need Help?
You're very likely to put your keys in the lock of your car at some moment. It can be due to a number of reasons, such as being distracted, keys falling out of your pocket or purse as you exit the car or a malfunctioning lock. No matter what the cause is it's crucial to remain calm and consider all options.
The first step is to double-check each of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people don't verify before closing the door, particularly in a parking lot that is crowded or in a new surroundings. If you're unable to open one doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to assist you. Based on the circumstances, they might be able to open your vehicle or summon the tow truck for you.
Prepare for this situation by keeping a spare key at the office or at home or giving it to a friend or neighbor you trust. It is also recommended to make it a practice to always check for your keys when closing the car door.
Roadside assistance programs have professionals who are trained to unlock most cars. You'll discover that they're the most secure and cost-effective option. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can make contact with locksmith. Beware of scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee however. They may employ tools like slim jims in order 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 is not a fun situation, but panicking will only make things worse. Relax, assess locked keys in car uk and follow the steps below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.
Examine if you really locked your keys inside the car. Then go around the outside of your car to inspect all the doors and windows. Inspect the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Examine the surrounding area to determine whether there are any dangers that could be present like an unidentified person or actions that could put your security at risk.
It's possible to break a window out to escape the vehicle, but make sure to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. Check if you have an extra key at home, or if your insurance company 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 measures can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set keys with a trusted family member to unlock your car if you find yourself in a tight spot. You could also consider investing in a keyless system for your car to avoid needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and about. You can also use an innovative trick that professional mountaineers use to escape a difficult location. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into an opening and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and make a gap through which to put your arm or a tool.
5. Call for help
When you're locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, because they could cause damage and might not work. The most secure and reliable option is to call for help from a roadside assistance service or professional locksmith. Many auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, which usually come at a cost. However, these professionals have the proper tools needed to unlock a car without damaging 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 a remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and starting the engine. It's a great idea to connect your car to the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with impressive safety features that can help you avoid accidental lockouts in the near future.
Other alternatives to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving keys with a neighbor or friend and making sure your car door locks are working properly. You can also minimize the chance of an accidental lockout by examining your vehicle before you leave and keeping a spare in a safe place in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and see which ones feature the security and convenience features you want.