The 10 Scariest Things About Locked Out Car
What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car
It's painful to be locked out of your vehicle. But don't panic. There are a variety of options, including calling a roadside assistance provider (such as GM's OnStar) or leaving a spare car key with family or friends.
You can also avoid lockouts by establishing routines, for example, checking your pockets before leaving your vehicle and locating the right place to store your keys.
Review the Situation
The first thing you should do when you're locked out of your car is to take a look at the situation. Examine the weather, the time of day, and your surroundings to make sure that your safety is not in danger and that there are there are no other issues that could be in the vicinity.
You might have a few options depending on the situation. Request someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide you with a spare key if you have one. Additionally some modern key finders permit you to track your keys with an app for mobile devices which makes it easier to retrieve them in the event of a lockout.
You may need professional help if you don't have a spare car key or in the event that you're unable to request assistance. The most important consideration is your safety and the safety of any pets or children that are also locked in the car. Do not force or break the door to unlock your car.
Instead, you should look for an alternative entrance point into the trunk or vehicle. Stringing a shoestring through the lock or using an inflatable wedge could create an opening between the door and the frame that you can reach your arm or tool through. You might also be able to open locked car door the trunk of your vehicle using a screwdriver, based on the vehicle you have.
You may also inquire with your roadside assistance provider to see whether they have services for locking keys inside the car. Although these services may be expensive but they are usually more efficient than attempting to make your own tools or force your way into. These services are less likely to harm your vehicle.
It's also important to note that DIY car unlocking can cause physical damage to the vehicle or its security system. It is also illegal to modify the locks on your car in the absence of the proper credentials. In some cases, this can even void your guarantee. These risks must be evaluated against the cost of professional assistance.
Call for Help
It's easy to forget your keys in the car and then discover it upon returning. This situation can be caused by a lack of attention or putting your keys in your purse or pocket as you leave the car or even defective locks. But instead of panicking, you should take a moment to assess your options and choose the best course of action.
The first thing you need to do is to check every door in your vehicle. If the doors are unlocked they can still be opened one of them by using a shoelace or wire hanger (though it may take a long time and a lot of effort to get these tools that are made to be used as a substitute).
The next step is to call for help. Roadside assistance services like AAA can be a lifesaver in getting out of a locked car, Moody says. They are accessible 24/7 and will send a professional as soon as they can. Be aware that it may take up to 30 minutes or more for a different person to arrive.
In addition to roadside assistance, you can also seek out an auto locksmith in your area to help you unlock a locked out car. A professional with experience can unlock your car without damaging it and can provide you with an additional key in the event of need. Certain automakers have smartphone apps that allow you to unlock your car when you've lost your keys inside. You can contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether such an app is available for the model you have.
It is also worth contacting local towing companies about their lockout services. While they usually specialize in recovery and towing, some have the tools and know-how to unlock vehicles as well.
You may also be able reach out to a family or friend member who has access to the vehicle. Make sure you ask them to bring an extra key. Certain communities have non-profit organizations or community support services that can assist in situations such as an auto lockout. These services can be reached at no cost or at a minimal cost.
Keep Calm
If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Stress can cause you to lose your sense of direction, and anger can cloud your judgment. Take deep breaths to keep your mind on track and come up with a solution.
Once you have regained your calm, it is vital to assess the situation and try to determine whether there is a simple way into your vehicle. Many people think they've locked themselves out of their vehicle only to discover that they had left a window or the trunk open when they were preparing to leave. Running a quick loop around the vehicle is an effective way to look for any of these issues.
It is the right time to call for assistance after having assessed the situation. This is the most secure and responsible option, since it ensures that an expert with the appropriate tools will arrive quickly. Many roadside assistance services offer apps or websites which connect you with nearby locksmiths who are equipped to handle lockout situations in cars safely and effectively.
If you opt to take the DIY approach, be careful not to use methods that can harm your vehicle. You can find many hacks and tricks online but they aren't secure or efficient for modern cars. A lot of these tricks can cause permanent or even devastating damage to your vehicle's security system, which is why it is recommended to leave this type of work to professionals.
After your car lockout issue has been resolved, you should think about taking preventive measures. Keeping a spare key with a trusted friend or family member or using technology, such as key finders, could be helpful in avoiding an eventual lockout. Regularly checking the maintenance and condition of your vehicle can also reduce the chance that you'll be in a lockout scenario. Follow these steps to avoid the annoyance of a vehicle locking itself out, and leave knowing you handled it responsibly.
Take Preventive Action
The chances of locking your keys in your car are very high however, you can do a few things to reduce this risk. A spare key on your desk, following a regular routine and making use of technology can assist in preventing car lockouts.
If you have a spare, store it in a secure location that is easy to find. You'll be able to access your vehicle if the need arises.
You should also check all of the doors and trunks to ensure that your keys are not locked in the trunk prior to calling for assistance. Additionally, it's an excellent idea to inform a trusted family member about the situation so that they can monitor you while you wait for assistance. This is a good safety measure that can help you stay calm while waiting for assistance.
In many cases, people get locked out of their vehicles because they forget or misplace their keys. One solution to this problem is to develop routine. Each time you are about to leave your car and you are about to leave, repeat a few words or chant that contains everything you need to take with you. You'll be less likely forget your keys if you do this, particularly if you are in rush or distracted.
Another cause of car locks is trying to force entry without appropriate tools. The coat hanger trick and the shoelace method are both common methods that can damage your vehicle. If you find yourself in an emergency situation for instance, when a child or pet is trapped inside, breaking a window may be necessary to ensure their safety.
In most cases, getting locked out of your car isn't a major emergency that can be solved with a few simple steps. By taking a look around, staying calm, and reaching out to professionals like Lithonia Towing, you can avoid the stress and frustration that can result from this situation. Preventive measures, a spare car key, and the latest technology can help you deal with the possibility of a lockout.