Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. There are a myriad of methods that are safe and efficient to gain entry into your car.

A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best choice for a locksmith, since they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing damage. By taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm will help to figure out the best solution.

1. Assess the Situation

It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle, but it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions to increase the chances of retrieving your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, as well as effective solutions.

Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors don't open. No matter what the cause be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving swiftly.

The first step is to evaluate your situation and determine if you're in an area that allows an at-home solution. If it's late or in a location that is crowded, it might not be a good idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, and also void your warranty.

If possible, contact your contacts to see whether they are able to provide a spare or help in any other way. If you own a mobile with a built-in app that offers roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable reach any of these options, it's time to seek out professional assistance. A towing company with the proper skills will be able deal with your situation swiftly and safely.

2. Reach out for an extra key

One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key somewhere secure. If you have a friend or family member who knows where the spare key is stored, ask them to drive it to you in the event in the event of an emergency. In some instances you may even be able to use a smart phone application to gain access to your car without having an actual key. This is an excellent option for people with newer cars that allow you to control them from a smartphone app!

If you do not have a spare, remain calm and evaluate the issue. When we lock ourselves out of our car most of the time, it's because we've shut the door but left keys inside. Make sure you check all doors and windows before you panic. You may find an entry point that is open that you didn't know about.

Another method of getting 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 can break the parts of your vehicle or cause injuries and should only be used as the last resort.

If nothing else works then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance service to get help. Your service plan might cover the cost of sending an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. You can also employ locksmiths to respond promptly. In most urban areas, you can locate a locksmith that provides 24 hour service and affordable rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding security features. Make sure to look through our new inventory.

3. Help is available

The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at one point or another are extremely high. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you leave the car or a malfunctioning lock. No matter what the cause is it's crucial 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 forget to check before they close the door, especially in a busy parking lot or unfamiliar environment. Contact 911 if you are in a position to not open the door. A police officer will be sent to your location as soon as possible. They may be able to unlock your car, or will summon a tow vehicle how to open the door without key assist you, based on the circumstances.

It's a good idea prepare for this scenario prior to the time you need it by storing keys in your office or at home, or leaving it with a trusted friend or neighbor. It is also recommended to make it a practice to always check for your keys when closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs have experts who are certified to unlock most cars. You'll discover that they're the most secure and cost-effective option. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before calling, as some do not. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can contact locksmith. Beware of fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet how to open the door without key unlock your vehicle for a fee, though. These individuals may employ tools such as slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause extensive and costly damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take an inhale

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

Verify that you have really locked your keys in your car. Then, take a take a walk around the car and look at all doors and windows. If you have a hatchback or SUV, check the trunk as well. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to see if there are any potential dangers, like a homeless person or any suspicious activity that could put your security in danger.

It may be possible to open a window to escape your car, but you should be sure to look around for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. It is also important to consider whether the spare key is at home, or if have roadside assistance from your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance providers provide assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like battery jump-starts and flat tires.

These preventative steps can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. You should also consider keeping a spare set of keys locked out of car with a trusted family member to unlock your car if you ever find yourself in a jam. You can also invest in a keyless system for your vehicle to avoid the hassles of needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and about. You can also employ a clever technique used by professional mountaineers to get out a tight spot. For example you can thread a shoestring into a door and tie an elastic knot to lift the post lock. You can also use a blood pressure cuff to create a gap to stick your arm or attach a device.

5. Call for Help

It's important to be calm and rational when you're locked out of your car. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and may not work. The most reliable and secure option is to call for assistance from a roadside assistance service or a locksmith professional. Numerous auto insurance firms and automakers provide these services, which usually are charged. However, these professionals have the right tools to unlock a car without damaging it.

Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can assist those who are locked out. Some automakers offer apps for smartphones that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, unlocking the doors and launching the engine. It's a great idea to sync your vehicle with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota offers a variety of models that are more modern and have impressive security features. These can help you avoid future lockouts.

You can also avoid costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving a spare car key with a neighbor or friend and ensuring that the door lock mechanism is working properly. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of lockouts by accident by routinely checking your car before leaving, and keeping a spare key in a secure location in case you forget where to put it. Contact us for more about our new vehicles, and which ones come with the safety and convenience features you want.