Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle lockout service. It is important to remember that there are safe and efficient ways to get back in your vehicle.

It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help for assistance, as they've got the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without creating damage. Staying calm and taking several deep breaths will help you find the most efficient solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

Facing the dreaded locked out of your car situation is always a nightmare, but it's important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make smart decisions to increase the chances of regaining your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight the top six car lockout scenarios and provide efficient strategies to resolve them.

The most common reason for a car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing keys. However, many are locked out of their vehicles because of malfunctioning key fobs or doors that don't open. Regardless of the cause it's essential to remain calm and take the steps listed below to get back on the road quickly.

The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's safe to try an DIY solution. If it's late or you're in a location that is crowded and crowded, it's not a good idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. This will not only risk damaging your vehicle and putting you at risk of injuries, but it could also trigger your security system in your car or void your warranty.

If you can, reach out to your personal contacts to see if they've got keys that are spare or help you in some other way. If you own a mobile with a built-in app that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're unable access any of these options then it's time to seek out professional assistance. A towing service with the proper skills will be able deal with your situation quickly and safely.

2. Reach out for a spare key

One of the best methods to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key secure. You can ask an acquaintance or family member who knows where your spare key is stored to bring 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 the key. This is a great alternative for those with more modern cars, which can be controlled using the smartphone app!

If you do not have a spare, stay calm and assess the problem. When we lock keys in car ourselves out of our car, it is often because we've closed the door but left keys inside. Make sure to inspect all of the windows and doors before you panic. You may find an entry point that you didn't notice.

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. However, these are dangerous tools that can cause damage to parts of your vehicle or cause injuries and should be used only as a last resort.

If all else fails If all else fails, you can always reach your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for assistance. 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 the majority of urban areas, you will locate a locksmith that provides 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent security features, so be sure to look through our new inventory!

3. Need Help?

You're very likely to put your keys in the lock of your car at some point. Absentmindedness, keys disappearing from your pocket or purse as you exit your vehicle, and malfunctioning locks can all cause this to happen. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to stay at peace and think about your options for getting back in.

The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It may seem obvious but many people fail to check before they close the door, especially in a busy parking lot or in a strange setting. Contact 911 if you are not able to open the door. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to assist you. Based on the circumstances, they might be able to unlock your vehicle or summon the tow truck for you.

Prepare yourself for this scenario by keeping a spare key at home or in the office or giving it to a friend or neighbor who you can trust. It's also advisable to establish a routine to ensure you have your keys when closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs employ experts who are certified to unlock most cars. They're your best bet for the most reliable, secure, and least costly alternative. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to calling, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of the fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee however. These individuals may use tools such as slim jims or other devices to gain access to your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, cause extensive and costly damage to locking mechanisms.

4. Take a Deep Breath

Doing nothing will only make the situation more difficult. Take an inhale, look at the situation, and follow the steps below to get back into your vehicle quickly and safely.

The first step is to make sure you really have locked your keys inside the car. Then go around the outside of your car to inspect all the windows and doors. If you have an SUV or hatchback make sure you examine the trunk too. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to see whether there are any dangers that could be present, such as a homeless person or suspicious activity which could put your safety in danger.

You might be able take a window off to escape your car, but be sure you look for pedestrians or traffic prior to you decide to do this. You should also think about whether you have a spare key located at home or if you have roadside assistance with your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance for car lockouts, in addition to other typical problems like battery jump-starts or flat tires.

These preventative steps can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Consider keeping a spare key with a family member or trusted friend to assist you if you ever find yourself locked out. Additionally, you can purchase an entry system that is keyless for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of fiddling around with a spare key when you're on the go. You can also use an innovative technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out of a tight spot. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into a door and tie an elastic knot to lift the post lock. Or, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to make a gap through which to place your arm or attach a device.

5. Need Help?

When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, as they can cause damage and may not work. A roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. Numerous auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, which usually come at a cost. They are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without causing damage.

Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can help those who are locked out. For instance, some automakers offer smartphone apps which allow you to control your car remotely by turning your phone into a key fob that allows you to unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a good idea to sync your vehicle with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive safety features. These features can help you avoid any future lockouts.

Other options to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave keys with a family member or friend and also making sure your car door locks are working properly. Also, you can lower the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by making a habit of checking your car prior to leaving and keeping an extra key in a secure spot in case you forget where you put it. Contact us to learn more about our new vehicles, and which ones come with the safety and convenience features that you want.