Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be a stressful and frustrating. There are, however, ways to prevent them.
The first step is to stay calm and evaluate the situation with care. Being anxious could cloud your judgment and make it more difficult to find an answer. Contact help if you need it. This is the safest and most secure method.
Check Your Keys Before Exiting the Car
One of the most common problems that drivers face is getting locked out of their vehicle. Unfortunately, it can happen when you least expect it to, which can result in a lot of frustration and stress. There are steps you can take to prevent this from repeating itself.
Before you panic, be sure to look through all the doors in your vehicle for keys. You should also empty your bags and pockets in the event that your keys were accidentally dropped. Also, go back through your day to determine whether you might have set the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something, and knocked them out of the way.
Many people are tempted to try DIY methods to gain access to their vehicle when they are locked outside, such as using coat hangers or bobby pins to pick the locks. These methods are risky and damage your car's locks or windows. Modern vehicles also come with advanced security alarms and lock systems that set off if these tools are used to gain access to the vehicle.
In addition to having an experienced locksmith or roadside assistance service it is important to have an extra key in your pocket. In stores such as your local hardware store, you can find different options like a universal key. The possession of a spare key can ensure you can access your vehicle quickly and effortlessly when you find yourself in an emergency situation.
If you're a brand new owner of a car or bought your vehicle as a certified pre-owned model, you may get roadside assistance from the manufacturer's site or dealership. These services could include assistance with car lockouts, as well in a myriad of other issues. Additionally, you can also download the HONK app on your phone and connect to a professional locksmith or towing business near you to assist you in times of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance groups, HONK has no membership fees or upfront charges. It also will let you know what your service will cost prior to they arrive.
Keep a spare key in the go
A spare key is the best method to avoid car lockouts. It provides you with a means to gain access to your vehicle in the event that your primary key gets lost, and it will help you avoid the headache of calling emergency locksmith services for assistance.
Being locked out of your car could be a stressful experience, but it's important to remain calm and focus on your thoughts to come up with the most effective solution. Contacting roadside assistance is typically the best option, as these professionals have the tools necessary to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you do not have a roadside assistance service then you can contact a locksmith instead.
Another option is to keep a spare key in your office or home. This is a great idea for those who share vehicles or live in homes shared by others as it makes it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure that all of your keys are always where you require they are. You could also leave an extra key with someone close to you or a friend, provided you believe they will return it to you in the event in an emergency.
If you've got a spare key, be sure to test it and make sure that it works correctly. Ideally, you should also store the spare key in a hidden location that is difficult for a burglar to find. If you're not sure of the best place to put your spare key, you could consider using a lockbox for keys that only you and trusted people have access to. Also, you may prefer to give the spare key to a friend or family member who lives nearby and is able to bring it to you if needed.
It is also important to be aware that a spare key could be worn down by the original, so it is recommended to change your spare every couple of months. This will stop your original key from getting worn out and can prevent future problems. It can be tedious, but it will save you money in the long run by preventing you from needing to call in an emergency locksmith.
Use service to unlock car and Long-Reach Tool
Car lockouts happen for various reasons. Some are human errors or technical. You must do everything you can to avoid these incidents. Fortunately, there are a handful of tools you have on hand to ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle.
One alternative is to make use of wedges to create an opening between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. This lets you move a rod or straightened wire clothes hanger through the gap, enabling you to actuate the inner door handle or lock button. But, this method isn't easy to maneuver through a tight space.
An alternative is to purchase a long-reach tool designed for car lockouts. Many such tools have a sleeve with a flexible design that can be used to protect the weather stripping, paint and edges of the door from being damaged during a lockout. The sleeve can also be useful for protecting your fingers and hands when using the long-reach tool.
The majority of these devices are pre-bent in common configurations to provide immediate access to all situations, without any further modifications. Some tools are even in a different color to make them easier to locate in dim light. For maximum versatility, you can try the Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit comprising four of the most sought-after long-reach tools, as well as a Button Master and Mega Master snare tool with two air wedges, protective lockout tape, a slim jim, windshield-mounted flashlights for nighttime openings and more.
Many people try to break into their car using an iron rod or hanger to get inside their car, but it can be risky and costly. It is not only possible to cause damage to the lock system of the vehicle however, it could also cause physical damage to the door, window and paint. Furthermore, breaking in could lead to an investigation by the police and could result in additional charges.
If there is no emergency, such as small children or vulnerable people who are locked inside the vehicle, it is recommended to contact roadside assistance. A service such as HONK will provide you with an on-demand auto locksmith who will open your vehicle quickly and safely. The app will show you the price upfront, so there's no need to worry about hidden fees or bargaining with tow truck drivers.
Help is available
Getting locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating, it's also dangerous. In the event that you attempt to unlock your vehicle without the proper tools could cause damage that will make it more difficult to gain access to your vehicle in the future. Professional locksmiths have the equipment and knowledge to unlock your car swiftly without damaging it, thus saving you time and stress.
Be calm and contact a professional in the event that you are stranded in your car with keys locked inside. Do not try to unlock your vehicle with the DIY methods you've found on the internet. These hacks may work for certain vehicles however they could cause serious damage to modern vehicles with modern locking mechanisms.
Towing companies in your area can offer lockout services for affordable prices. Certain automakers also provide smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these automakers and have a roadside assistance or warranty plan in place and you want to know more about the app's offerings to find out more about how to use the apps.
You can also call your local dealership for autos to find out if they're capable of unlocking your vehicle. Depending on the car's manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this may be free or at a low cost. Additionally, certain non-profit organizations and community-based support groups can also provide assistance for those who find themselves locked out of their car. To learn more about the options available in your area visit your local community centers or social service organizations.
It's not pleasant to be locked out of your vehicle However, it doesn't have to ruin your entire day. You can avoid this situation in the future by remaining calm, calling for help, and taking preventive measures. Make sure to verify your spare key in the event that you have one, prior to exiting the vehicle, and make a habit of checking each door for your keys before closing them. If you're unable to find your keys, consider leaving one with a trusted neighbor or friend and practice safe driving habits every time you get behind the driving.