Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Locked Out Of Your Car
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
It can be a bit frustrating and stressful to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are safe and efficient ways to get back into your vehicle.
A roadside assistance call or an urgent locksmith is the best option, as they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. A few deep breaths and remaining calm will help to figure out the best solution.
1. Evaluate the Situation
Being faced with the dreaded locked-out of your car situation is always a nightmare however, it's essential to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make wise choices to increase the chances of getting your keys back quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, as well as efficient solutions.
Forgetting or misplacing your keys is a common cause of car lockouts. A lot of people are locked out of their vehicle because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't unlock. No matter what the cause, you should remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.
The first step is to evaluate your situation and determine if you're in an area where it's safe to try a DIY solution. For instance, if it's late at night or you're in a crowded zone, it might not be the best idea to try to get inside your vehicle through the trunk or rear window. This could not only be risky for damaging your vehicle and putting you at risk of injury, but it may also trigger your security system of your vehicle or invalidate your warranty.
If possible, contact your contacts to see whether they are able to provide an extra or assist in any other way. Consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact locksmith or towing services. If you're unable to connect to any of these options then it's time to seek professional help. A skilled towing company will be able to resolve your problem quickly and safely.
2. Look for an extra key
One of the best ways to avoid a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key safe. If you have a family member that knows where the spare key is kept and is willing to take it to you in case in an emergency. In some cases you could even make use of a smartphone application to gain access to your vehicle without having the actual key. This is an excellent alternative for those with more modern automobiles that can be controlled with an app on your smartphone!
If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and assess the situation. Oftentimes, when car door opening service get locked out of our vehicle it's because we shut the door while the keys still inside. Check all the doors and windows before you panic. There could be an entry point you didn't realize.
You may also gain access to your car using a tool like a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. But, these are risky tools that can break the parts of your vehicle or cause injuries and should only be used as an emergency.
If nothing else works Contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance service. 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 engage a local locksmith for a fast response. In the majority of urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that has competitive rates and 24-hour service. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with stellar safety features, so be sure to browse our latest inventory!
3. Help is available
You're very likely to lock your keys in your vehicle at some time. Inattention, keys falling out of your purse or pocket as you exit your vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all lead to this to occur. No matter what the reason is it's crucial to remain calm and take into consideration all options.
The first step is to double-check every one of your doors. While it may seem obvious, a lot of people fail to double-check the door before closing it, particularly in a busy parking lot or in an unfamiliar setting. If you can't open any doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a policeman out to help you. They may be able open your car, or will summon a tow vehicle for you, depending on the circumstances.
It's a good idea prepare in advance by storing a spare key in your office or home or leaving it with an amiable neighbor or friend. It's also recommended to establish a routine to always check for your keys before shutting the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. They're your best bet for the most reliable, secure, and least costly alternative. Make sure that your insurance policy provides roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can contact a locksmith to get help. Beware of scammers offering the ability to unlock your vehicle for a small fee. They might use tools such as slim jims or other devices to break into your car and often result in costly and extensive damage to the locking mechanisms.
4. Take a deep breath
Being locked out of your car is not a fun situation, but panicking can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and follow the steps below to get back into your car quickly and safely.
First, ensure that you have locked your keys inside your car. Then, take a take a walk around the car and look at all windows and doors. If you own a hatchback or SUV, examine the trunk too. Be sure to look around the surrounding area to determine if there are any potential dangers, like a homeless person or suspicious activity which could put your safety in danger.
It may be possible to break a window out to escape the car, but you should be sure to look around for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. You should also consider whether your spare key is at home or if you have roadside assistance from your insurance company. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance for car lockouts, in addition to other typical issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. It is also worth keeping a spare set keys with a trusted family member to open your car if you ever find yourself in a tight spot. You can also invest in a keyless system for your vehicle to avoid needing to fumble around with an extra set of keys when out and out and about. You can also make use of an innovative trick that professional mountaineers use to get out a tight location. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into a door and tie an elastic knot to lift a post lock. Also, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to create a hole to stick your arm or a tool.
5. Call for Help
It is essential to be calm and rational when you are locked 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 reliable and safest option is to call for assistance from a roadside assistance service or a professional locksmith. Many auto insurance firms and automakers offer these services, and they usually cost. They are equipped with the right tools to unlock a car without causing damage.
A number of modern vehicles have technology that can aid drivers if they get locked out of their vehicles. Some automakers offer smartphones with apps that transform your phone into an remote control for your car, allowing you to unlock the doors and starting the engine. It's a great idea to connect your car with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota has a wide range of newer models that come with amazing safety features that could assist you in avoiding lockouts in the future.
Other options for avoiding an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call include leaving keys with a neighbor or friend, as well as making sure your car door locks are working properly. Also, you can lower the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by regularly checking your car before leaving, and storing a spare key in a secure location in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles, and which ones have the security and convenience features that you're looking for.