Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and efficient ways to get back into your vehicle.

It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help for assistance, as they've got the tools needed to open your vehicle without damaging your vehicle. Taking a few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to figure out the best solution.

1. Review the Situation

The dreaded locked out of your car situation is always stressful however, it's essential to stay calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make smart decisions that will increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and returning to the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will explain six of the most frequent lockout scenarios and offer effective solutions.

Losing or misplacing keys is a common cause of car lockouts. However, many get locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning keys or doors that don't open. Whatever the reason, you should remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving quickly.

The first step is to reassess your situation and determine whether you're in a location where it's safe to try an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night or in a busy area, it might not be the best idea to try to get inside your vehicle through the trunk or back window. You could damage your car and put yourself at risk, and also void your warranty.

If possible, contact your contacts to inquire whether they have an extra or assist in any other way. If you have a phone with a built-in app that provides roadside assistance, you can use it to connect to a locksmith or a towing service. If you're unable contact one of these services and you're in need of help, call for help from a professional. A reputable towing company can handle your issue quickly and safely.

2. Reach out to a spare Key

One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key somewhere secure. You can ask someone in your family or a friend who knows where your spare key is stored to bring it to you if you need it in an emergency. In some instances the use of a smartphone app can be used to gain access to your car without a key. This is a great option for those who have newer cars that allow you to control them using an app on your smartphone!

If you do not have a spare, stay calm and assess the problem. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our car, it's because we closed the door with the keys still in the car. Check all the windows and doors before you panic. You might discover there is an open entry point you didn't know about.

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

If nothing else works Contact your automaker for assistance or a third party roadside assistance provider. They can provide a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle for you and the cost might be covered by your service plan. You can also hire a locksmith to respond promptly. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding security features. Make sure you check our new inventory.

3. Need Help?

You're likely to lock your keys in your vehicle at some time. Inattention, keys disappearing from your purse or pocket as you exit the Vehicle Lockout Service, and malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to occur. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to remain at peace and think about your options for getting back in.

The first step is to double-check each of your doors. Although it might seem obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check before closing the door especially in a crowded lot or unfamiliar environment. If you're unable to open one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be sent to your location as fast as it is possible. They may be able open your car, or they will summon a tow vehicle for you, depending on the situation.

It's a good idea to prepare for this scenario in advance by storing an extra key in your home or office or entrusting it to an amiable neighbor or friend. It's also an excellent idea to establish a routine of checking your keys before shutting the car door.

Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. They're the most reliable, secure and least expensive option. Make sure that your insurance policy covers roadside help before you call, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can call locksmith. Beware of scammers who offer to unlock your car for a cost. These individuals may use tools such as slim jims to break into your car and, in the majority of cases, cause extensive and costly damage to locking mechanisms.

4. Take an inhale

Panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Take your breath, take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to get back into your vehicle quickly and safely.

The first step is to make sure you really have locked your keys inside the car. Then, take a walk around the car and inspect all doors and windows. If you have an SUV or hatchback be sure to also check the trunk. Check the surrounding area to see whether there are any dangers that could be present like an unidentified person or activities that could put your security at risk.

You may be able to break out a window to escape your vehicle, but make sure you check for pedestrians or traffic before you make the move. Consider whether you have an extra key at home or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. A lot of roadside assistance companies 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 prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted family member to allow them to unlock your car in the event that you find yourself in a bind. You can also invest in an electronic key system for your car to avoid needing to fumble around with a spare when you're out and out and about. You can also make use of one of the clever techniques that professional mountain climbers employ 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 the blood pressure cuff in order to create a gap you can stick your arm or tool through.

5. Call for Help

It is important to remain calm and rational when you are locked out of your vehicle. Don't attempt improvised solutions such as a shoelace or wire coat hanger, as they can cause damage and might not work. The most reliable and secure option is to seek assistance from a roadside assist service or a professional locksmith opening car door. Numerous auto insurance companies and even automakers provide these services, and they usually come at a cost. However, these professionals have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without causing any damage to it.

Many newer cars have technology that can help drivers who get locked out. For instance, some automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to manage your car remotely, transforming your phone into a key fob that allows you to unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a great idea to connect your car with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide selection of models that are modern and have impressive safety features that can help you avoid accidental lockouts in the future.

You can also avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving keys for your car with a neighbor or friend and making sure the door lock mechanism is working properly. You can also minimize the risk of a mishap resulting in a lockout by examining your vehicle before you leave and keeping a spare in a secure location in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our new cars and find out which ones come with the security and convenience features you're looking for.