Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is a stressful and frustrating situation. There are a myriad of secure and efficient ways to gain access to your vehicle.

It is recommended to contact roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools required to open your car without creating damage. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to figure out the best solution.

1. Review the Situation

It's a hassle 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 highlight six of the most common lockout situations in cars and offer effective solutions for solving them.

Losing or misplacing keys is a frequent reason for car lockouts. However, many are locked myself out out of their cars due to malfunctioning keys or doors that won't open. Whatever the reason it's essential to remain calm and follow the following steps to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it's safe to try an DIY solution. If it's late or you're in a busy area and crowded, it's not a good idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. This could not only be risky for damaging your vehicle and putting you at risk of injury, but it may cause the car's security system or void your warranty.

If possible, call your contacts to inquire whether they are able to provide an extra or assist in any other way. If you have a phone equipped with an application that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're not able to reach any of these options then it's time to contact for help from a professional. A professional towing service can handle your situation quickly and safely.

2. Look for an extra key

Keep a spare key in a safe place. This will help you avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. Request an acquaintance or family member who knows where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you if you require it in an emergency. In some cases an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car, without having the key. This is an excellent option for those with cars that are more modern and allow the control of their vehicles from an app on your smartphone!

If you don't have a spare, remain calm and assess the problem. When we lock ourselves out of our car, it is often because we've closed the door without keys inside. Check all the windows and doors before you panic. There could be an unlocked entry point that you didn't notice.

You may also gain access to your car by using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools are dangerous and can cause damage to your car. They should only be used as a last resort.

If nothing else works, you can always contact your automaker or an independent roadside assistance provider to get help. They can send a professional to unlock your car for you, and the cost could be covered by your service plan. You can also hire locksmiths who can respond promptly. In most urban areas there is a 24-hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar security features, so be sure to browse our latest inventory!

3. Need Help?

The chances that you'll lock your keys in your car at some point or another are incredibly high. Inattention keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you leave the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to occur. Whatever the cause is it's essential to remain calm and take into consideration all options.

The first step is to double-check each of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people forget to verify before closing the door, especially in a parking lot that is crowded or in a new environment. If you're unable to open one doors, dial 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as is possible. Depending on the situation they might be able to unlock your vehicle or call a tow-truck for you.

It's a good idea to prepare for this scenario ahead of time by stashing a spare key in your home or office, or leaving it with a trusted friend or neighbor. It's also advisable to make it a practice to always check for your keys before closing the car door.

Professionals trained in roadside assistance are able to unlock most vehicles. You'll discover that they're the most secure and cost-effective option. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance prior making a call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can contact a locksmith for help. Beware of the scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. They may employ tools such as slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause extensive and expensive damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take a Deep Breath

Being locked out of your vehicle isn't a pleasant situation, but panicking will only make things worse. Relax, assess the situation and follow the steps listed below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.

Examine if you really locked your keys in your car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your car to inspect all windows and doors. Check the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Be sure to look around the area around you to determine any dangers that could be present, such as an unidentified person or activities that could put your safety in danger.

It's possible to break a window out to escape from the car, how To open a locked car but you should be sure to look around for pedestrians and traffic before you attempt this. Check if you have a spare key at home, or if your insurance provider provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like jump-starting batteries and flat tires.

These preventative measures will prevent you from getting locked out of your car in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set of keys with an amiable family member to open your car if you ever find yourself in a tight spot. Additionally, you can consider a keyless entry system for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare key whenever you're out and about. You can also use one of the tricks that many professional mountain climbers use to escape from a difficult spot, such as threading a shoestring with a slip knot through the door to open the post lock, or inflating a blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can insert your arm or implement through.

5. Call for help

When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think in a rational manner. Avoid using improvised tools like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, since they can cause damage and not work. The most secure and reliable alternative is to get assistance from a roadside assist service or a locksmith professional. Numerous auto insurance firms and automakers offer these services, which usually cost. They are equipped with the best tools to unlock a vehicle without causing damage.

Many newer cars have technology that can aid those who are locked out. Some automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into a remote control for your car, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. If you own one of these vehicles, it's a good idea to sync it with the app prior how to open a locked car using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive safety features. These features can help you avoid future lockouts.

You can also avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving a spare car key with a family member or friend and making sure the door lock mechanism is operating correctly. Also, you can lower the risk of accidental lockouts by making a habit of checking your car prior to leaving, and storing an extra key in a secure spot in case you forget where you put it. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles, and which are equipped with the security and convenience features that you want.