Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. There are many secure and efficient ways to gain access to your vehicle.

It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for assistance for assistance, as they've got the tools needed to open your car without causing damage. Remaining calm and taking a few deep breathes will help you determine the most effective solution.

1. Assess the Situation

It's a hassle to be locked out of your car, but it is important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions to increase your chances of getting your keys back quickly and successfully. This comprehensive guide will reveal the top six lockout situations in cars and offer efficient strategies to resolve these issues.

Losing or hier misplacing keys is a common reason for car lockouts. Many people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs don't work or the doors don't open. Regardless of the cause it's crucial to remain calm and take the steps listed below to get back on the road in a hurry.

First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it is safe how to open a car door without keys try a DIY solution. For instance, if you're late at night or in a crowded area, it might not be the best idea to attempt to reach inside your car through the trunk or back window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injury, but it may also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.

If possible, contact your contacts to see if they can provide assistance in any other way. If you own a smartphone equipped with an application that provides roadside assistance, consider utilizing it to connect with a locksmith or towing service. If you're unable to contact one of these services, it's time to call for help from a professional. A skilled towing company can handle your issue quickly and safely.

2. Reach out for a spare key

One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key safe. You can ask someone in your family or a friend who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you should you need it in an emergency. In some instances, you can even use a smart phone app to gain entry into your vehicle without having the actual key. This is a great option for people with newer vehicles, which can be controlled with a smartphone application!

If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and assess the situation. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our car the reason is that we closed the door while keys still inside. Be sure to check all the windows and doors before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't notice.

Another way to gain access to your vehicle is using 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 car. They should only be used as a last resort.

If nothing else works, contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. They can send a professional to unlock your car for you, and the cost could be covered by your service plan. Alternatively, you can also hire a local locksmith for rapid response. In most urban areas, you can locate a locksmith that provides 24/7 service and reasonable rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar security features, so make sure to look through our latest inventory!

3. Help is available

The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at one time or another are very high. Inattention, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you leave the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to happen. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to stay in a calm state and think of your options for getting back inside.

Double-checking each of your doors is the first step. Although it may seem simple, many people fail to double-check the door before closing it especially in a busy area or in a new environment. Contact 911 if you are unable to open any of the doors. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as soon as it is possible. They may be able unlock your car, or they will summon a tow truck for you, depending on the situation.

It's a good idea prepare for this scenario ahead of time by stashing an extra key in your office or at home or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. You should also establish a routine to check your keys when closing the car door.

Roadside assistance programs are run by experts who are trained to unlock the majority of cars. They're the most reliable, safest and least expensive alternative. Make sure that your auto insurance policy covers roadside assistance before making a call, as some policies don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can make contact with a locksmith. Beware of scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a fee however. These people may use tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This can cause extensive and costly damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take a Deep Breath

Being locked out of your car is not an enjoyable situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Relax examine the situation and follow the steps listed below to swiftly and safely return to your vehicle.

The first step is to confirm that you've locked your keys inside your car. Then go around the outside of your vehicle to examine all the windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Check the surrounding area to see any potential dangers, such as an unidentified person or activities that could put your safety in danger.

You may be able to open a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure you look for pedestrians or traffic prior to you do so. Check if you have a spare key at home or if your insurance company provides roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers provide assistance with lockouts of cars, as well as 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. You should also consider keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted family member to open your car if you are ever stuck in a tight spot. You can also purchase a keyless system for your car to avoid the hassles of needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and out and about. You can also use a clever trick that professional mountaineers use to get out of a tight area. For example, you can thread a shoestring into an opening and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. Or, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to make a gap through which to place your arm or attach a device.

5. Call for help

It's important to be calm and rational when you are locked keys in car how to open out of your vehicle. Do not try improvised techniques such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger since they can cause damage and might not work. The most secure and reliable option is to seek help from a roadside assistance service or a locksmith professional. A lot of auto insurance firms and automakers offer these services, which usually are charged. These professionals are equipped with the best tools to unlock cars without causing damage.

Many modern cars are equipped with technology that can aid drivers who are locked out. Some automakers offer smartphone apps that turn your phone into a remote control for your car, opening the doors and starting the engine. If you have one of these vehicles, it's best to connect it to the app prior to when you'll need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models that have impressive safety features. These features can help you avoid any future lockouts.

Other alternatives to avoid an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave an extra key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure your car door locking mechanism works properly. You can also reduce the risk of lockouts by accident by regularly checking your car before 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 latest vehicles, and which come with the safety and convenience features you're looking for.