Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. There are a myriad of safe and effective ways to gain entry into your vehicle.

It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith to get help, as these professionals have the tools required to open your car without creating damage. A few deep breaths and staying calm will make it easier to find the right solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

It's frustrating to be locked out of your car, but it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed choices that increase your chances of successfully regaining your keys locked in vehicle and returning to the road in a short time. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide effective strategies for resolving the issues.

Forgetting or misplacing your keys is a common reason for car lockouts. But, many find themselves locked out of their vehicles because of malfunctioning keys or doors that don't open. Regardless of the cause it's essential to remain calm and take the steps 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 an area where it's safe to attempt an DIY solution. For instance, if it's late at night or in a bustling zone, it might not be a good idea to try and reach inside your vehicle through the rear or trunk window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself at risk, and could also void your warranty.

If you can, contact your contacts to see whether they are able to provide an extra or assist in any other way. You might want to consider using a roadside assistance app on your phone to contact the towing or locksmith services. If you're unable to contact one of these services and you're in need of help, call for help from a professional. A towing company with the appropriate skills will be able to handle your situation swiftly and safely.

2. Look for a spare key

One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key in a place that is safe. You can ask an acquaintance or family member who knows the location where your spare key kept to deliver it to you if you require it in an emergency. In some instances 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 via a smartphone application!

If you don't have an extra key, try to remain calm and analyze the situation. When we lock ourselves out of our vehicle most of the time, it's because we've shut the door but left keys inside. Check all the windows and doors before you panic. You might discover there is an open entry point you hadn't noticed.

You can also gain access to your car by using a tool such as a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. But, these are risky tools that can cause damage to parts of your car door lockout or cause injuries, and they should only be used as the last resort.

If all else fails If all else fails, you can always reach your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance provider for help. 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 quick response. In most urban areas, you will locate a locksmith that provides 24-hour service and competitive rates. Longo Toyota has many vehicles with excellent security features, so be sure to browse our new inventory!

3. Call for Help

The odds of locking your keys in your car at some point or another are extremely high. Inattention keys disappearing from your pocket or purse as you exit your vehicle, or malfunctioning locks can all cause this to occur. Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to stay in a calm state and think of your alternatives for getting back.

The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It might seem obvious, but many people don't check before they close the door, particularly in a busy parking lot or in a strange setting. If you can't open any doors, you should call 911 immediately. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to help you. They may be able unlock your car, or they will summon a tow truck for you, depending on the situation.

It's a good idea prepare for this scenario prior to the time you need it by storing an extra key in your home or office, or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. You should also establish a routine to always check for your keys when closing the car door.

Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock most vehicles. They're your best bet for the most secure, reliable and cheapest option. Check that your insurance policy covers roadside help before you call, as some don't. If you do not have roadside assistance you can make contact with a locksmith. Beware of fraudsters and scammers who advertise on the Internet to unlock your vehicle for a fee however. These people may use tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle. This could cause significant and expensive damage to the locking mechanism.

4. Take a Deep Breath

Doing nothing will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath take a look at the situation, and follow the steps below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.

The first step is to make sure you really have locked your keys in the car. Next, walk around your vehicle and check all of the doors and windows. If you have a hatchback or SUV be sure to examine the trunk too. Be sure to check the surrounding area to determine any potential hazards such as a homeless person or suspicious activities that could put your security in danger.

It is possible to open a window to escape your car, but be certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. It is also important to consider whether your spare key is at home or if you have roadside assistance from your insurance provider. Many roadside assistance companies offer assistance for car lockouts as well as other common problems such as battery jump-starts or flat tires.

These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future. Consider keeping the spare key with a family member or trusted friend to assist you if you ever get locked out. Additionally, you can consider an entry system that is keyless for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of having to fiddle with a spare key when you're on the move. You can also use one of the clever techniques that many professional mountain climbers use to escape from a difficult spot, such as stringing a shoestring through an untied slip knot through the door to open the post lock, or inflating the blood pressure cuff to create a gap that you can stick your arm or implement through.

5. Call for Help

If you are locked out of your car, it's important to keep your cool and think in a rational manner. Avoid using tools that are improvised, such as a wire coat hanger or shoelace, since they could cause damage and won't work. Calling a roadside service or a professional locksmith is the most reliable and secure option. These services are usually provided by auto insurance companies or automakers, but they can be costly. However they have the right tools to unlock a car without causing damage how to open the door without key to get keys out of locked car (blog) it.

A number of modern vehicles have technology that can assist drivers who are locked out of their vehicles. Some automakers offer apps for smartphones that turn your phone into the remote control of your car, opening the doors and launching the engine. If you have one of these vehicles, it's a good idea sync it with the app prior to using it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. These features can help you avoid future lockouts.

Other alternatives to avoid an expensive locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave a spare key with a family member or friend, as well as making sure your car door lock is working correctly. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of accidental lockouts by making a habit of checking your car before leaving, and keeping an extra key in a secure spot in the event that you forget where you put it. Contact us to learn more about our range of new vehicles and see which ones come with the security and convenience features you want.