Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are many methods that are safe and efficient to gain entry into your vehicle.

It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools needed to open your car without causing damage. Staying calm and taking a few deep breathes will help you figure out the most efficient solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

It's a hassle to be locked out of your car, but it is important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able make intelligent decisions that will increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and getting back on the road quickly. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, as well as effective solutions.

Forgetting or misplacing your keys is a common reason for car lockouts. However, many get locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning keys or doors that won't open. No matter what the cause, you should remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving swiftly.

First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it is feasible to make an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night or you're in a bustling area, it may not be a good idea to attempt to reach inside your car 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 may also trigger your security system of your vehicle or invalidate your warranty.

If possible, contact your contacts to see if they can provide assistance in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact locksmith or towing services. If you're unable to connect to any of these options then you should seek out professional assistance. A towing company with the right skills will be able manage your situation swiftly and safely.

2. Look for a spare key

One of the best methods to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key safe. If you have a family member that knows where the spare key is stored ask them to bring it to you in the event in the event of 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 an excellent alternative for those with more modern cars that can be controlled using 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 car it's because we shut the door while keys still inside. Examine all doors and windows before you panic. There could be an entry point that you didn't realize.

Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins or a flathead screwdriver. These tools are extremely dangerous and could cause damage to your vehicle. They should be used only as a last option.

If nothing else works If all else fails, you can always reach your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance service for help. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your car for you, and the cost may be covered by your service plan. You can also engage locksmiths who can respond promptly. In many urban areas, there is a 24-hour locksmith who offers competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent security features, so make sure to look through our new inventory!

3. Help is available

You're very likely to lock your keys in your vehicle at some time. Inattention keys disappearing from your purse or pocket when you exit the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to occur. It doesn't matter what the reason, it's important to remain calm and consider all your options.

Double-checking the doors of your home is the first step. It might seem obvious, but many people fail to examine the door prior to closing the door, particularly in a crowded parking lot or in a strange surroundings. If you're unable to open one doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. Depending on the situation they might be able to open your vehicle or call the tow truck for you.

Prepare for this eventuality by keeping a spare key at home or at work or giving it to a family member or a neighbor you are able to trust. You should also establish a routine to always check for your keys before closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs are run by experts who are certified to unlock vehicles in a variety of ways. You'll discover that they're the most secure and affordable alternative. Make sure your insurance covers roadside help before you call, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact a locksmith for help. Beware of the scammers and crooks 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 break into your vehicle and often result in costly and extensive damage to the locking mechanisms.

4. Take a deep breath

The stress of panicking will only make the situation worse. Take an inhale, look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back into your car quickly and safely.

Verify that you've actually locked your keys inside the car. Then, go around your car and check all of the windows and doors. Check the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Inspect the surrounding area to determine if any potential hazards exist like an unidentified person or actions that could put your security at risk.

You might be able take a window off to escape your car, but make sure you look for pedestrians or traffic prior to you make the move. Think about whether you have an extra key in your home or if your insurance provider offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers provide assistance for car lockouts in addition to other issues that are common, such as battery jump-starts and flat tires.

These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set keys with an amiable family member so that they can unlock your car in the event that you ever find yourself in a jam. You can also invest in an entry system that is keyless for your vehicle how to get a key out of a locked car avoid the hassle of fiddling around with a spare key when you're on the go. You can also employ one of the clever techniques that professional mountain climbers use to escape from a difficult place, like stringing a shoestring through an untied slip knot through the door to pull up the post lock or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your arm or implement through.

5. Call for Help

It's important to be calm and rational when you're locked out of your vehicle. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger since they can cause damage and may not work. A roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are often offered by auto insurance companies or automakers, but they can be costly. However, these professionals have the tools required to unlock a car without causing any damage to it.

Many newer cars have technology that can aid drivers who are locked out. For instance, certain automakers have apps for smartphones which allow you to manage your car remotely and transform your phone into an ignition key which can open the doors and start the engine. It's a great idea sync your vehicle unlock service with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. They can assist you avoid future lockouts.

Other alternatives to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor and also making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. Additionally, you can reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by routinely checking your car prior to leaving and keeping an extra key in a safe place in case you forget where to put it. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and to determine which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.