Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

It can be frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are safe and effective ways to get back in your vehicle.

Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best solution because they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing damage. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will help to find the right solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

Being faced with the dreaded locked out of my car-out of your car situation is always a nightmare, but it's important to stay calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions to increase the chances of getting your keys back quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, as well as efficient solutions.

A common cause of car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing keys. A lot of people are locked out of their car because their key fobs don't work or the doors won't unlock. 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 reevaluate the situation to determine if it is appropriate to attempt a DIY solution. If it's late, or you're in an area that's busy, it might not be an appropriate idea to get into your car's trunk or rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, and also void your warranty.

If possible contact your personal contacts to see if they've got an extra key or are able to help you in some other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable to access any of these options, then you should seek out professional assistance. A skilled towing company can handle your situation quickly and safely.

2. Find an extra key

Keep your spare key in a secure place. This will help you avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a family member that knows where the spare key is stored and is willing to take it to you in the event in the event of an emergency. In some instances you could even make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your car without having the actual key. This is an excellent option for people with newer vehicles, which can be controlled with an app on your smartphone!

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 closed the door and left the keys still in the car. Make sure to inspect all of the doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an entry point that is open that you hadn't noticed.

You could also gain access to your vehicle using a device such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. However, these are potentially dangerous tools that could break parts of your unlocking car door service or cause injury, and they should only be used as an emergency.

If all else fails, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for help. They can send a professional to unlock your vehicle for you, and the cost might be covered by your service plan. Alternatively, you can also employ a local locksmith to provide quick response. In the majority of urban areas, you will find a locksmith who offers 24 hour service and affordable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar safety features, so be sure to browse our new inventory!

3. Call for Help

The chances that you'll lock your keys in your car at one point or another are extremely high. Absentmindedness keys disappearing from your purse or pocket when you exit your vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to happen. Whatever the reason, the most important aspect is to be calm and consider your options for getting back inside.

Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. Although it might appear obvious, many people forget to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded lot or unfamiliar environment. If you are unable to open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will dispatch a police officer to help you. They may be able open your car, or they will call a tow truck to assist you, based on the situation.

It's a good idea prepare in advance by storing an extra key in your office or at home or leaving it with an amiable neighbor or friend. It's also an excellent idea to make it a habit of always checking for your keys before closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs employ professionals who are trained to unlock the majority of cars. They're the most secure, reliable and least expensive alternative. Check that your insurance policy covers roadside help before you call, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call locksmith. Beware of scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. They may employ tools like 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

Being locked out of your vehicle is not an enjoyable situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Take an inhale, look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and safely.

Check to see if you've actually locked your keys in the car. Next, take a walk around the car and look at all windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Examine the surrounding area to see any potential dangers like an individual who is homeless or a suspicious activities that could put your safety at risk.

It may be possible to open a window to escape from the car, but be sure to check your surroundings for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Check if you have an extra key in your home, or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other typical issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.

These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Keep a spare key with a family member or trusted friend so they can assist you should you get locked out. You can also purchase an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid having 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 spot. For example you can string a shoestring through a door and tie a slip knot to raise the post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to put your arm or a tool.

5. Call for Help

When you're locked out of your car, it's essential to maintain a calm mind 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. The most reliable and safest alternative is to get help from a roadside assistance service or professional locksmith. These services are often offered by automakers or auto insurance firms however, they can be costly. They are equipped with the best tools to unlock a vehicle without causing damage.

Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can assist drivers who are locked out. For example, some automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to control your car remotely and transform your phone into an electronic key fob that allows you to unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a great idea to sync your vehicle with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. These features can help you avoid future lockouts.

You can also avoid costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving a spare car key with a friend or neighbor, and making sure that the door lock mechanism is functioning properly. You can also lower the risk of an accidental lockout by examining your vehicle before you leave and keeping a spare in a secure location in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our selection of new cars and find out which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.