Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked keys in car service out of your car is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and efficient methods to gain access back to your vehicle.

Calling roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best option, as they have the tools needed to open your vehicle without causing damage. Remaining calm and taking several deep breaths will help you find the most efficient solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

The dreaded locked out of your car situation is always frustrating It's crucial to stay calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions that will increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and getting back on the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, and provide effective solutions.

A common cause of a car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing them. But, many are locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning keys or doors that simply don't open. Regardless of the cause it's essential to remain calm and take the steps below to get back on the road in a hurry.

The first step is to review your situation and determine if you're in an area that allows a DIY solution. For instance, if it's late at night, or you're in a bustling area, it may not be a good idea to try to get inside your vehicle through the trunk or back window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and putting yourself at risk of injuries, but it could also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.

Instead, if possible contact your contacts from home to see if they have keys that are spare or assist you in any other way. Consider using a roadside assistance application on your smartphone to call locksmith or towing services. If you are unable to access any of these options it's time to seek help from a professional. A professional towing service will be able to address your issue quickly and safely.

2. Reach out to a spare Key

One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key safe. If you have a friend or family member that knows where the spare is stored ask them to bring it to you in the event of an emergency. In certain situations, you can even use a smartphone app to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is an excellent option for those with cars that are more modern and permit the control of their vehicles from an app on your smartphone!

If you don't have a spare key, attempt to remain calm and evaluate the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our car, it is often because we've closed the door but left keys inside. Make sure you check all of the windows and doors before you panic. You may find an unlocked entry point that you hadn't noticed.

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

If all else fails you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. They can send a professional to unlock your vehicle for you, and the cost may be covered by your service plan. You can also hire locksmiths who can respond quickly. 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 excellent security features, so be sure to look through our new inventory!

3. Need Help?

The chances that you'll lock your keys in your car at some point or another are extremely high. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys locked in car in ignition falling from your purse or pocket as you exit the vehicle or a malfunctioning lock. No matter what the cause is it's essential to be calm and think about all options.

Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. Although it may appear obvious, many people forget to double-check their doors prior to closing them especially in a crowded area or in a new environment. If you're unable to open one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. They may be able to unlock your car, or will call a tow truck for you, Keys Locked In Car In Ignition based on the circumstances.

Prepare for this situation by keeping an extra key at the office or at home or giving it to a friend or neighbor you are able to trust. You should also make it a practice to check your keys before closing the car door.

Professionals who have been trained in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. They're the most secure, reliable, and least costly option. Be sure to check that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some policies do not. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call a locksmith to get help. Beware of the scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. These individuals may employ tools like slim jims in order to gain access to your vehicle. This could cause significant and costly damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take an inhale

Being locked out of your vehicle isn't a pleasant situation, but panicking will only make things worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and follow the steps below to get back in your car quickly and in a safe manner.

Verify that you have really locked your keys in your car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle to examine all the doors and windows. Inspect the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Check the area around you to see whether there are any dangers that could be present for example, an unidentified person or activity which could put your safety at risk.

It's possible to break a window to escape from the vehicle, but make certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Check if you have a spare key at home or if your insurance company provides roadside assistance. A lot of roadside assistance companies offer assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like jump-starting batteries and flat tires.

These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted friend or family member to allow them to open your car if you ever find yourself in a tight spot. You can also consider the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of fumbling around with a spare key when you're out and about. You can also employ a clever trick that professional mountaineers use to get out a tight location. For example, 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 put your arm or use a tool.

5. Help is available

If you are locked out of your car, it's essential to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Avoid using improvised tools such as a wire coat hanger or shoelace, as these could cause damage and won't work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. Many auto insurance companies and even automakers offer these services, which usually cost. These professionals are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without causing damage.

Many newer cars have technology that can assist drivers who get locked out. For example, some automakers have smartphone apps that let you manage your car remotely, transforming your phone into an electronic key fob which can open the doors and also start the engine. It's a good idea to sync your vehicle with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with impressive safety features that can assist you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.

You can also avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving the spare car key with a friend or neighbor and making sure your car's door locking mechanism is functioning correctly. You can also minimize the chance of an accidental lockout car service by checking your car before you leave and storing a spare key in a secure location in the event that you forget. Contact us to learn more about our range of new vehicles and to determine which ones feature the security and convenience features you want.