Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car can be an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are a myriad of secure and efficient ways to gain access to your car.

It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance, as these professionals have the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. Staying calm and taking some deep breaths will help you find the most effective solution.

1. Review the Situation

Being faced with the dreaded locked-out of your car scenario is always frustrating, but it's important to remain calm and evaluate 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 uncover the top six car lockout scenarios and provide effective strategies for resolving the issues.

A common cause of car lockout is forgetting your keys or misplacing the keys. However, many people also are locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning key fobs or doors that don't open. No matter what the cause, you should remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving in a hurry.

The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's feasible to make a DIY solution. If it's late, or you're in an area that's busy 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 also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.

Instead, if possible, reach out to your contacts from home to see if they have keys that are spare or help you out in some other way. If you own a smartphone with a built-in application that provides roadside assistance, think about using it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're unable to contact any of these options and you're in need of help, call for professional help. A towing company with right skills will be able manage your situation quickly and safely.

2. Reach out for an extra key

Keep your spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid costly roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a family member that knows where the spare key is kept, ask them to drive it to you in case in an emergency. In some cases an app on your smart phone can be used to gain access to your car without the key. This is an excellent option for people with newer cars that can be controlled via a smartphone application!

If you do not have a spare key, remain calm and look into the issue. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our vehicle it's because we shut the door while keys still inside. Make sure to inspect all doors and windows before you panic. You might discover there is an entry point that is open that you didn't know about.

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

If nothing else works you can contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance service. Your service plan could provide a professional to unlock car service your vehicle. Alternately, you can hire a local locksmith for rapid response. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top security features. Be sure to check our new inventory.

3. Need Help?

The chances that you'll lock your keys in your car opening at some time or another are very high. This could be due to a number of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you leave the car or even malfunctioning locks. It doesn't matter what the reason it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all options.

Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. It may seem obvious but many people don't examine the door prior to closing the door, especially in a crowded parking lot or in a strange environment. If you are unable to open any doors, you should call 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as fast as is possible. Based on the circumstances, they might be able to unlock your vehicle or summon a tow-truck for you.

It's a good idea prepare in advance by storing a spare key in your office or at home or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. It's also a good idea to make it a habit of always checking for your keys prior to closing the car door.

Professionals with training in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll discover that they're the safest and most affordable option. Make sure that your insurance policy provides roadside assistance prior to making a make a call, since some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance you can contact a locksmith to get help. Beware of scammers and crooks who advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. These individuals may employ tools such as slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause severe and costly damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take a Deep Breath

Being Locked out Of car service out of your vehicle isn't a pleasant situation, but being panicked will only make it worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and follow the steps listed below to quickly and securely get back into your vehicle.

Examine if you've actually locked my keys in my van your keys in the car. Next, take a walk around the car and look at all doors and windows. If you own a hatchback or SUV make sure you examine the trunk too. Inspect the surrounding area to determine if any potential hazards exist for example, an individual who is homeless or a suspicious actions that could put your safety at risk.

It is possible to open a window to escape from the car, but be certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. Think about whether you have an extra key at home, or if your insurance company provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance services offer assistance with car lockouts, in addition to other issues that are common, such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.

These preventative measures will help to keep you from getting locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend to assist you should you get locked out. You can also invest in a keyless system for your vehicle to avoid having to search for an extra set of keys when out and about. You can also use a clever trick that professional mountaineers use to escape a difficult location. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into a door and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. You can also inflate a blood pressure cuff and create a gap to stick your arm or attach a device.

5. Call for help

When it comes to getting locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think about the situation rationally. Avoid using improvised tools like wire coat hangers or shoelace, as they could cause damage and won't work. The most reliable and secure option is to call for assistance from a roadside assist service or a locksmith professional. A lot of auto insurance companies and even automakers provide these services, which often cost. However they do have the tools required to unlock a car without damaging it.

Many newer cars have technology that can aid drivers who get locked out. For example, some automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to manage your car remotely, transforming your phone into an electronic key fob that allows you to unlock car keys the doors and also start the engine. If you own one of these vehicles, it's best to sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of models that are more modern and have impressive safety features. These can help you avoid any future lockouts.

You can also avoid a costly roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving keys for your car with a family member or friend and making sure the door lock mechanism is working correctly. You can also lower the risk of an accidental lockout by checking your car before you leave and keeping a spare in a safe location in case you forget. Contact us to find out more about our latest vehicles, and which ones come with the safety and convenience features that you're looking for.