Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. It's important to keep in mind that there are safe and effective methods to gain access back to your vehicle.

It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help for assistance, as they've got the tools required to open your vehicle 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 car, but it is important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able make intelligent choices that increase your chances of successfully retrieving your keys and returning to the road in a short time. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most frequent lockout scenarios, and provide effective solutions.

Losing or misplacing keys is a typical reason for car lockouts. However, many people also find themselves locked out of their cars because of malfunctioning key fobs or doors that don't open. Whatever the reason, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps listed below to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

The first step is to reassess your situation and determine whether you're in a location where it's safe to attempt an at-home solution. For instance, if it's late at night or you're in a busy zone, it might not be a good idea to try and reach inside your car through the trunk or back window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, as well as voiding your warranty.

If possible, reach out to your contacts from home to see if they've got a spare key or can help you out in some other way. Consider using a roadside assistance application on your smartphone to call a towing or locksmith service. If you're not able to reach one of these services then it's time to contact for assistance from a professional. A reputable towing company will be able to resolve your situation quickly and safely.

2. Find a spare key

Keep your spare key in a safe location. This will allow you to avoid expensive roadside assistance or locksmith calls. If you have a family member that knows where the spare is kept, ask them to drive it to you in the event of an emergency. In some cases you could even use a smartphone app to gain access to your car without having the actual key. This is an excellent option for people with newer vehicles that can be controlled using a smartphone application!

If you don't have a spare, remain calm and evaluate the issue. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our car it's because we shut the door while keys still in the car. Make sure you check all 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 vehicle using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools can be dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should only be used as a last option.

If nothing else works, contact your automaker for assistance or a third-party roadside assistance provider. Your service plan may provide an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. You can also engage locksmiths to respond quickly. In most urban areas, you will find a locksmith who offers 24 hour service and affordable rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top safety features. Make sure to look through our new inventory.

3. Call for Help

You're likely to i lock my keys in my car your keys in your car at some moment. Lack of concentration keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you leave the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all cause this to occur. Whatever the reason, the most important aspect is to be in a calm state and think of your alternatives for getting back.

Double-checking the doors of your home is the first step. It may seem obvious but many people don't check before they close the door, particularly in a busy parking lot or in a new surroundings. If you can't open any of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as quickly as it is possible. They may be able to open your car, or will call a tow truck for you, based on the situation.

Prepare yourself for this scenario by keeping a spare key in your home or at work or giving it to a friend or neighbor you trust. It's also an excellent idea to make it a habit to always check for your keys before shutting the car door.

Professionals trained in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll find that they are the most secure and cost-effective option. Make sure your insurance provides roadside assistance prior to making a make a call, since some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call locksmiths. Beware of scammers who offer to unlock your car for a fee. They may employ tools such as slim jims to break into your vehicle unlocking and, in the majority of cases, result in extensive and expensive damage to locking mechanisms.

4. Take a deep breath

Panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and follow the steps below to quickly and securely return to your vehicle.

Verify that you really locked your keys inside the car. Then, walk around the outside of your vehicle to check all the doors and windows. Examine the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Make sure you check the surrounding area to determine any dangers that could be present, such as an unidentified person or activity that could put your security in danger.

It's possible to open a window to escape the vehicle, but make sure to look around for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. Check if you have an extra key at home, or if your insurance provider offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance providers offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other issues that are common, such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.

Taking these preventative measures will prevent your car from being locked out of your car in the future. You should also think about keeping a spare set left keys in car with a trusted friend or family member to open your car if you ever find yourself in a tight spot. You can also purchase the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle, which will eliminate the hassle of fumbling around with a spare set of keys when you're out and about. You can also use one of the clever tricks that professional mountain climbers do to escape from a difficult spot, such as threading a shoestring with an untied slip knot through the door to open the post lock or inflating a blood pressure cuff to create a gap you can insert your arm or tool through.

5. Help is available

When you're locked out of your car, it's important to keep a cool head and think about the situation rationally. Avoid using improvised tools like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelace, since they can cause damage and not work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most secure and secure option. These services are usually provided by auto insurance companies or automakers, but they can be expensive. However, these professionals have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without damaging it.

Many newer vehicles offer technology that can assist drivers who are locked out of their cars. For instance, certain automakers have apps for smartphones that let you manage your car remotely by turning your phone into an ignition key which can open the doors and also start the engine. It's a good idea to connect your car with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota has a wide variety of newer models with amazing safety features that could assist you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.

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 out of car mechanism is operating properly. You can also reduce the chance of lockouts that happen accidentally by making a habit of 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 for more about our latest vehicles, and which ones are equipped with the security and convenience features you're looking for.