Some Wisdom On Locked Out Of Your Car From A Five-Year-Old
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car can be a stressful and frustrating situation. There are a myriad of safe and effective ways to gain access to your car.
A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best solution because they have the tools needed to open your vehicle without causing any damage. A few deep breaths and staying calm will help to determine the best solution.
1. Review the Situation
The dreaded locked out of your car scenario is always stressful however, it's essential to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make smart decisions to increase your chances of retrieving your keys quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will uncover six of the most frequent car lockout scenarios, and offer effective solutions for solving them.
Losing or misplacing keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. Many people are locked out of their car because their key fobs don't work or the doors won't open. Whatever the reason, you should remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving quickly.
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 an area that's busy or crowded, it's probably not a good idea to reach into your car's trunk or rear window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and putting yourself at risk of injury, but it could also trigger the security system of your vehicle or invalidate your warranty.
If you can, reach out to your contacts from home to see if they have keys that are spare or assist you in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance application that you can download on your phone to call a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable connect to any of these options, then it's time to seek professional help. A towing service with the appropriate skills will be able to deal with your situation quickly and safely.
2. Reach out for an extra key
One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key secure. Request an acquaintance or family member who knows the location where your spare key is stored to bring it to you in case you need it in an emergency. In some cases the use of a smartphone app can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is an excellent option for those with cars that are more modern and permit the control of their vehicles from a smartphone app!
If you don't have a spare, stay calm and evaluate the issue. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our car, it's because we closed the door while keys still inside. Make sure to inspect all the windows and doors before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't notice.
Another method of getting access to your vehicle is to use a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins or a flathead screwdriver. These tools can be dangerous and can cause damage to your car. They should only be used as a last resort.
If nothing else works then you can always call your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for assistance. 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 employ locksmiths who can respond promptly. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a locksmith that offers 24-hour service and competitive rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles that are equipped with top security features, so be 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 incredibly high. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your pocket or purse as you leave the car or even malfunctioning locks. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to remain at peace and think about your options for getting back in.
Double-checking the doors of your home is the first step. It may seem obvious, but many people forget to examine the door prior to closing the door, especially in a parking lot that is crowded or unfamiliar setting. If you can't open any doors, dial 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to assist you. Depending on the situation they may be able open your vehicle or summon a tow-truck for you.
Prepare for this eventuality by keeping a spare key in your the office or at home or giving it to a neighbor or friend you can trust. It's also advisable to be sure to always check for your keys before closing the car door.
Professionals trained in roadside assistance can unlock most vehicles. They're the most reliable, safest, and least costly alternative. Make sure your insurance includes roadside assistance before you call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call an expert locksmith for assistance. Beware of fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee, though. They might use tools like slim jims to break into your vehicle, and these methods often cause extensive and costly damage to locking mechanisms.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your vehicle is not an enjoyable situation, but rushing to panic will only make it worse. Take a deep breathe examine the situation and follow the steps below to swiftly and safely get back into your vehicle.
The first step is to make sure you really have locked your keys in the car. Then, go around your car and inspect all windows and doors. If you have a hatchback or SUV, examine the trunk too. 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 in danger.
You may be able to open a window to escape your car, but make sure you check for pedestrians or traffic prior to you make the move. Consider whether you have an extra key in your home, or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Numerous roadside assistance providers provide assistance for car lockouts, as well as other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.
These preventative measures will prevent you from getting 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 get locked out. Also, you can invest in a keyless entry system for your vehicle to eliminate the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare key when you're on the move. You can also employ a clever technique that professional mountaineers employ to escape a difficult location. For example you can thread a shoestring through the door and tie a slip knot to raise the post lock. Or, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to create a hole to place your arm or use a tool.
5. Call for Help
It is essential to be calm and rational in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as wire coat hangers or shoelace, as these could cause damage and won't work. The most reliable and safest option is to seek assistance from a roadside assist service or a locksmith professional. A lot of auto insurance companies and automakers provide these services, which often cost. These professionals are equipped with the right tools to unlock a car without causing damage to it.
Many newer cars have technology that can help those who are locked out. Certain automakers have smartphone apps that turn your phone into a remote control for your car, opening the doors and launching the engine. If you own one of these vehicles it's best to sync it with the app prior to when you'll need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive security features. These can help you to avoid any future lockouts.
Other options to avoid the expense of a roadside locksmith or assistance call include leaving keys with a neighbor or friend and also making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. Also, unlocking car door service can lower the risk of lockouts by accident by routinely checking your car prior to leaving and keeping an extra key in a secure spot in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us today to learn more about our new vehicles and see which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.