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 remember that there are safe and efficient methods to gain access back to your vehicle.

It's best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith for help, as these professionals have the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without creating damage. Remaining calm and taking a few deep breathes will help you find the best solution.

1. Review the Situation

It's frustrating to be locked out of your car, but it is important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You will be able make wise choices to increase the chances of regaining your keys quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide effective strategies for resolving them.

A common cause of a car lockout is not remembering your keys or losing keys. Many people are locked out of their cars because their key fobs won't work or the doors won't unlock. Whatever the reason be, it's best to remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.

The first step is to reevaluate the situation to determine if it's safe to try an at-home solution. For example, if it's late at night or in a bustling area, it might not be the best idea to try to get inside your vehicle through the trunk or rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself in danger, and could also void your warranty.

If you can, contact your contacts to ask whether they are able to provide assistance in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your smartphone to call a towing or locksmith service. If you are unable to access one of these options, then you should seek out professional assistance. A towing service with the right skills will be able deal with your situation swiftly and safely.

2. Find a spare key

One of the best methods 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 is kept ask them to bring it to you in case of an emergency. In some instances you may even be able to use a smartphone app to gain entry into your vehicle without having the actual key. This is a great option for people with newer vehicles that can be controlled with a smartphone application!

If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and evaluate the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our cars usually because we have closed the door without keys inside. Be sure to check all of the windows and doors before you panic. You might discover there is an entry point that is open that you didn't notice.

Another method of getting access to your vehicle is using a tool like a Slim Jim, inflatable wedges, bobby pins, or a flathead screwdriver. However, these are dangerous tools that can break the parts of your vehicle or cause injury, and they should only be used as a last resort.

If nothing else works, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider to get help. Your service plan might provide an expert locksmith to unlock your vehicle. 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 has many vehicles with stellar safety features, so be sure to check out our new inventory!

3. Help is available

You're very likely to lock keys in car your keys inside your car at some moment. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as being distracted, keys falling out of your purse or pocket when you exit the car, and malfunctioning locks. It doesn't matter what the reason is it's essential to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.

The first step is to double-check each of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people don't examine the door prior to closing the door, particularly in a crowded parking lot or in a new setting. If you're unable to open my car one of the doors, call 911 immediately. A police officer will be dispatched to your location as fast as possible. They might be able to open your car, or will call a tow truck for you, depending on the circumstances.

It's a good idea prepare prior to the time you need it by storing a spare key in your home or office or entrusting it to a trusted friend or neighbor. It's also advisable to establish a routine to check your keys when closing the car door.

Professionals trained in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll discover that they're the most secure and cost-effective option. Check that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance before you make a call, since some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance, you can call a locksmith for help. Beware of the scammers and crooks that advertise on the Internet to unlock your car for a cost however. These individuals may use tools such as slim jims or other devices to gain access to your vehicle, and these methods often result in extensive and expensive damage to locking mechanisms.

4. Take a deep breath

Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take an inhale, look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back into your vehicle quickly and safely.

Check to see if you've actually locked your keys inside the car. Then, take a go around your car and check all of the doors and windows. If you own an SUV or hatchback, check the trunk as well. Make sure you check the surrounding area to see any potential dangers, like an unidentified person or activity which could put your safety in danger.

You might be able break out a window to escape your car, but make sure you check for pedestrians or vehicles before you decide to do this. Think about whether you have a spare key at home or if your insurance company offers roadside assistance. A lot of roadside assistance companies provide assistance for car lockouts in addition to other problems that are commonly encountered, like battery jump-starts and flat tires.

These preventative measures will prevent your car unlock services from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping the spare key with a family member or trusted friend so they can assist you if you ever get locked out. You can also consider a keyless entry system for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of fiddling around with a spare set of keys when you're on the move. You can also use a clever technique that professional mountaineers employ to get out of a tight location. For instance, you can thread a shoestring into a door and tie a slip knot to lift a post lock. You can also use a blood pressure cuff to make a gap through which to stick your arm or a tool.

5. Call for assistance

It's important to be calm and rational when you are locked out of your car. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as a wire coat hanger or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. Contacting a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. Numerous auto insurance firms and automakers offer these services, which usually cost. However, these professionals have the tools required to unlock a car without causing any damage to it.

A lot of newer cars have technology that can help drivers who are locked out of their vehicles. For example, some automakers have apps for smartphones that allow you to manage your car remotely, transforming your phone into an electronic key fob that can unlock the doors and also start the engine. If you own one of these cars, it's a good idea connect it to the app before you need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. These can help you avoid any future lockouts.

You can also avoid costly locksmith or roadside assistance call by leaving keys for your car with a friend or neighbor and making sure the door lock mechanism is operating properly. You can also lower the risk of an accidental lockout by making sure you check your car before you leave and keeping a spare in a safe place in the event that you forget. Contact us to find out more about our new vehicles, and which ones come with the safety and convenience features that you desire.