Preventing Car Lockouts
Lockouts in cars can be frustrating and stressful. There are ways to avoid them.
The first step is to remain calm and observe the situation carefully. Panic can cloud your judgement and make it difficult to come to a resolution. Contact help if you need it. This is the most reliable and safest alternative.
Make sure you have your keys in order prior to leaving the Car
One of the most common issues drivers face is being locked out of their car. Unfortunately, it happens when you least expect it, which can cause a lot frustration and stress. There are steps you can take to help prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Make sure to check all the doors in your car for your keys before you panic. You should also empty your pockets and bags in the event that your keys were dropped accidentally. Lastly, walk back through your day to determine if you could have
accidentally locked keys in car put the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something, and knocked them out of your way.
Many people try DIY methods to gain access to their
car door lockout when they are locked outside, such as using coat hangers or bobby pins to open the locks. These methods are risky and cause damage to your car's locks or windows. Modern vehicles also have advanced security alarms and lock systems that will start if these devices are used to gain entry into the
vehicle unlock service.
It's essential to have an extra car key in addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. You can find a wide range of different options, such as a universal car key, at your local hardware store or discount department stores. The possession of a spare key can make sure you get into your car quickly and conveniently when you're stuck in an emergency situation.
If you're the first owner of a car, or bought your vehicle as a pre-owned certified model, you may be eligible for free roadside assistance from the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These services could include assistance with car lockouts as well as a variety of other problems. You can also download the HONK app on your phone and connect to an experienced locksmith or towing company in your area to assist you in a time of need. Unlike traditional roadside help clubs, HONK does not charge membership fees or upfront charges. You will also be aware of the price of your service prior to it is delivered.
Keep a Spare Key on Hand
Having a spare key on hand is among the best ways to prevent car lockouts. It allows you to gain access to your vehicle even when your primary key is lost, and can save you the headache of calling emergency locksmith services for help.
It can be a hassle to get locked out of your vehicle, but you should remain calm and logical to figure out the best solution. Contacting roadside assistance is typically the best option as they have the tools necessary to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have a roadside service plan, you can call an locksmith instead.
Another alternative is to keep an extra key in your home or office. This is a great idea for people who share cars or live in shared homes because it makes it easier to manage schedules and ensure that all of your keys are available when you'll need them. You can also leave an extra key with someone close to you or a friend, if you believe they will return it to you in case in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to ensure it's working correctly. It is also recommended to store your spare key in a safe place that is not easily accessed by burglars. If you're not sure where to store your spare keys you could use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted individuals will be able to access. Finally, you might decide to give the spare key to a family member who lives nearby and is able to help you retrieve it if needed.
Also, be aware that a spare key may eventually cause damage to the original key, which is why it's recommended to swap out the spare every month or more. This will prevent your original key from deteriorating and help to avoid any future issues. This can be a little tedious, but it will save you money over the long term by avoiding the need to call in an emergency locksmith.
Use a Wedge and Long-Reach Tool
Car lockouts occur for many reasons. Some car lockouts result from human error, while some are caused by technical issues. Regardless of the reason, you have to do everything possible to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. There are few tools you can keep on hand to ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle.
You can use a wedge to create a space between the door frame of the vehicle and its body. This lets you move rods or straightened wire clothes hanger through the gap, enabling you to actuate the door handle inside or lock button. But, this method isn't easy to maneuver through an area that is tight.
A better alternative is to invest in an instrument that has a long reach designed for car lockouts. Many of these tools include a sleeve that is flexible that can be used to protect the weather stripping, paint and edge of the door from being damaged during an emergency lockout. The sleeve also serves to protect your hands and fingers when using the long-reach tool.
Most of these tools are designed in standard configurations that allow instant access to most situations, without any further modifications. Some even have a contrasting color, making them easy to locate in dim lighting. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit offers maximum flexibility. It includes four of the most common long-reach tools as well as a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges, and a lockout tape that is protective.
Some people try to gain entry into their cars with a hanger or rod to gain access back inside, but this can be dangerous and expensive. Not only can it harm the locking system of the car and the lock mechanism, but it can cause physical damage to the window, door and paint. Moreover, breaking in could even lead to an investigation by the police and could result in additional charges.
It is best to call roadside assistance unless you are in an urgent situation like the child or a vulnerable driver locked in the vehicle. A service such as HONK will send you an auto locksmith on-demand who can unlock your car quickly and securely. The app shows you the cost upfront, so you don't have to worry about hidden charges or haggling with tow truck drivers.
Need Help?
Getting locked out of your car not only frustrating, it's also dangerous. In the event that you attempt to unlock your vehicle without the right tools can cause damage that will make it even more difficult to gain access to your vehicle in the future. Professional lockout services are equipped with the equipment and knowledge required to unlock your vehicle quickly and without damaging your vehicle. This will save you time and reduce stress.
If you're stuck and your keys locked in the car, stay calm and call for help. Don't try to unlock the vehicle with DIY methods you've seen on the internet. these hacks may work in certain situations but can be very damaging to modern cars that have high-tech locking systems.
Towing companies in your area can offer lockout services for a reasonable price. Additionally, certain automakers have apps for smartphones that allow users to unlock their car remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these companies and have an active warranty or roadside assistance program, be sure to check out their app offerings for more information on
How to open car keys locked inside to utilize them.
Another option is to call your auto dealership to see whether they can help unlock your car. This service may be provided for free or at a low cost dependent on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. Finally, some non-profit organizations and community-based support groups also offer assistance for those who are locked out of their car. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to find more about the options available in your area.
It's not a pleasant experience to be locked out of your car, but it does not need to ruin your day. By staying calm, calling for help, and taking precautions to avoid this common occurrence in the future. Make sure you have a spare key if you have it before you exit your vehicle. Also, be sure you check every door before closing the door. If you're unable to find your keys, you might want to leave a spare with a trusted friend or neighbor, and practice safe driving habits every time you get behind the vehicle.
