Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It is important to remember that there are safe and efficient ways to get back into your vehicle.

Contacting roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best solution because they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing damage. Staying calm and taking some deep breaths will help you find the best solution.

1. Review the Situation

It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your car however it's crucial to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions that will increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and returning to the road quickly. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios, and offer effective solutions for solving them.

The most common reason for a car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing the keys. A lot of people are locked out of their car because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't open. Whatever the reason it is, you must remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.

The first step is to reassess your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to attempt a DIY solution. For instance, if it's late at night or you're in a busy area, it may not be the best option to try to get inside your car through the rear or trunk window. This will not only risk damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injuries, but it could also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.

If possible, call your contacts to ask whether they have a spare or help in any other way. If you own a smartphone equipped with an app that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable contact one of these services and you're in need of help, call for assistance from a professional. A towing company with proper skills will be able manage your situation quickly and safely.

2. Reach Out to a spare Key

Keep your spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. Ask someone in your family or a friend who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you if you need it in an emergency. In some cases, you can even use a smartphone app to gain entry into your car without having the actual key. This is an excellent option for those who have newer cars that allow the control of their vehicles from the smartphone app!

If you don't have a spare, remain calm and assess the problem. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle, it is often because we've shut the door but left my keys in the car keys inside. Make sure you check all windows and doors before you panic. You might find an entry point that you didn't even notice.

Another way to gain access to your vehicle is to use a tool such as a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. But, these are risky tools that could break parts of your vehicle or cause injuries and should only be used as an emergency.

If all else fails you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance service. Your service plan may cover the cost of sending an expert to unlock your vehicle. You can also employ locksmiths who can respond promptly. In most urban areas you can find a 24 hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding security features. Make sure to look through our latest inventory.

3. Call for Help

It is very likely that you will lock your keys in your car at some point. Absentmindedness, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you exit your vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to happen. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to stay at peace and think about your options for getting back in.

The first step is to double-check each of your doors. While it may seem obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check before closing the door, particularly in a busy lot or unfamiliar environment. If you are unable to open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be sent to your location as quickly as it is possible. They may be able to unlock your car, or will call a tow truck for you, based on the situation.

Prepare for this situation by keeping a spare key in your the office or at home or giving it to a friend or neighbor Unlock a car Service who you are able to trust. It's also advisable to be sure to check your keys after closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs have experts who are certified to unlock a car service the majority of cars. They are the most secure and cost-effective alternative. Make sure your insurance provides roadside assistance prior to making a make a call, since some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can contact locksmiths. Beware of scammers who offer to unlock your car for a fee. They may employ tools such as slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and costly damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take a deep breath

The stress of panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and follow the steps below to get back into your car quickly and safely.

Check to see if you have really locked your keys in your car. Then go around the outside of your vehicle to examine all windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Be sure to check the surrounding area to see any potential hazards such as a homeless person or any suspicious activities that could put your security in danger.

It may be possible to open a window to escape the car, but you should be sure to look around for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Consider whether you have an extra key at home or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts as well as other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.

These preventative measures will help to keep you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping a spare key with a family member or trusted friend to help you if ever you find yourself locked out. You could also consider investing in an electronic key system for your car to avoid needing to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also make use of one of the clever techniques that many professional mountain climbers use to overcome a difficult situation, such as stringing a shoestring through a slip knot through the door to open a post lock or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can insert your arm or tool through.

5. Call for Help

If you are locked out of your car, it's important to keep a cool head and think in a rational manner. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger since they can cause damage and could not work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. Many auto insurance companies and even automakers offer these services, and they usually are charged. They are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without damaging it.

A lot of newer cars come with technology that can assist drivers who get locked out. For instance, some automakers have apps for smartphones that let you control your car remotely, transforming your phone into a key fob that allows you to unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a good idea to connect your car with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive security features. These can help you avoid any future automotive lockouts.

Other alternatives to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving an extra key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. You can also lower the risk of an accidental lockout by examining your vehicle 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 have the security and convenience features you want.