What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car
It's not pleasant to be locked out of your vehicle. But don't panic. There are a variety of options, such as calling a roadside service provider (such as GM's OnStar), or leaving the spare car keys with family or friends.
You can also avoid lockouts by creating routines, like making sure you have your wallets checked prior to leaving your vehicle and finding an appropriate place to keep your keys.
Review the Situation
The first step to take when locked out of your car is to assess the situation. Examine the weather and time of day to ensure your safety and there are no other problems.
Based on the situation depending on the circumstances, you may have a few options for getting back in your vehicle. If you have an extra key, think about asking a friend or family member to bring it over for you. Additionally, many modern key finders allow you to track your keys through an app for mobile devices making it easier to find them in the situation of an emergency lockout.
If you don't have a spare key or if it's too late to ask someone for help, you might need to seek professional assistance. The most important thing to remember is your safety as well as the safety of any pets or children who are also locked inside the vehicle. Don't try to break open the door or use aggressive methods that could damage your vehicle.
Try to find another way into the trunk or car. The threading of a shoestring through a lock or using an inflatable wedge can create a gap between the door and the frame that you can reach with your arm or tool through. You may also be able to open the trunk of your car with a screwdriver, depending on the model of your vehicle.
You can also contact your roadside assistance provider to find out whether they offer services for locking keys in the car. They are expensive, however they are more efficient than using improvised tools or putting yourself to enter. These services are less likely to damage your vehicle.
It's also important to remember that DIY unlocking your car can cause physical damage to the car or its security system. It is also illegal to modify the locks on your car in the absence of the proper credentials. In some cases it could even invalidate your guarantee. The risks of not seeking help from a professional must be considered in relation to the costs.
Help is available
It's easy to get back to your car only to find that you've locked your keys inside. This harrowing situation could result from being uninformed or putting your keys in your pocket or purse as you leave the car, or even faulty locks. Instead of panicking, you should take a few moments to assess your options and decide on the best plan of action.
The first step is to inspect each of the doors in your car. You can still open a door if it is not locked by using shoelaces or wire hangers (though it could take an extended time and multiple attempts to get these tools in place).
The next step is to call for assistance. Assistance services for roadside emergencies like AAA can be lifesaver in getting out of a car that is locked, Moody says. They are accessible 24/7 and will send an expert as quickly as they are able. Be aware that it can take up to 30 minutes or more for a different person to arrive.
You can also contact a local auto-locksmith to help you unlock your vehicle if locked out. A skilled professional will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging it and can make you a spare key if necessary. Some automakers have smartphone apps that you can use to unlock your vehicle if you forget the keys. You can check with your car manufacturer to see if such an app is available for your vehicle.
It's also worth contacting the towing companies in your region to inquire about their lockout services. While they usually specialize in towing and recovery, some have the tools and know-how to unlock vehicles too.
You may also be capable of contacting with someone in your family or a friend who has access to your vehicle. Make sure you ask them to bring a spare key. Some communities have non-profit organizations or community support services who can assist in times like a car lockout. These organizations can be reached for free or at a minimal cost.
Keep Calm
If you are locked out of your vehicle The first thing you need to do is stay calm. Panicking can make you lose your focus, but anger can cloud your judgment. Take deep breaths to keep your head clear and come up with the solution.
After you've regained your sanity After regaining your composure, you should look at the situation to see if there are any easy ways to get into your car. Many people think they have locked themselves out of their vehicle only to discover that they had left an open window or the trunk open as they prepared to leave. A quick lap around the vehicle is the best way to check for any issues.
After assessing car opener service , it's time to contact for assistance. This is the most secure and responsible option, since it will ensure someone with the proper tools will arrive quickly. Many roadside assistance providers have websites or apps which connect you with nearby locksmiths who are equipped to handle car lockouts efficiently and safely.
Be careful not to damage your vehicle if you opt to DIY. There are a myriad of techniques and hacks you can find on the internet however, the majority of them are not safe or effective for modern cars. Many of these hacks can cause permanent or even irreparable damage to your car's security system, therefore it is best to leave this type of work to experts.
After your car lockout issue has been resolved, you should consider taking preventive measures. A spare key that you keep with a trusted friend or family member or using technology such as key finders, could be helpful in avoiding the possibility of a lockout in the future. Regular maintenance and routine vehicle checks can also reduce the likelihood that you'll find yourself in a lockout situation. If you follow these suggestions you can avoid the stress and frustration of a car lockout, and leave feeling confident that you handled it responsibly.
Take Preventive Measures
The odds of locking your keys inside the car are very high however, you can do a few things to reduce this risk. A spare key along with a routine and a technology can aid you in avoiding car lockouts.
If you own an extra, store it in a place where it is easy to locate. This means you'll be able to quickly access your vehicle whenever the need arises.
Before calling for help, you should test the trunks and doors to make sure that your keys aren't locked. It's also an excellent idea to tell your trusted family member or friend of the situation so that they can keep an eye on your situation while you wait for assistance. This is a safety measure and could aid you in staying calm when waiting for assistance.
Many people are locked out of their cars because they've lost or forgotten their keys. One solution to this issue is to create an established routine. You can repeat a short phrase or chant, that includes all the things you'll must bring each time you're about leave your vehicle. Doing this you'll be less likely to forget your keys, particularly if you're in a rush or distracted.
Another common cause of car lockouts is trying to force entry into the vehicle without the proper tools. Different methods, like the coat hanger trick, or the shoelace method, are commonly used but can damage your vehicle. In an emergency situation, like if a child or pet are trapped in the vehicle, you might have to break a window.
In the majority of cases, being locked out of your car isn't a major emergency that can be solved by following a few easy steps. By taking a look around and remaining calm, as well as reaching out to professionals such as Lithonia Towing, you can reduce the stress and anger that can result from this situation. Prevention measures, a spare car key, and modern technology can help you deal with a lockout.