Preventing Car Lockouts
Lockouts in cars can be stressful and frustrating. There are ways to avoid them.
The first step is to remain calm. Assess the situation carefully. Being anxious can make you lose your focus and make it more difficult to come up with the solution. Next, call for assistance if needed. This is the most reliable and safest option.
Make sure you have your keys in order prior to leaving the Car
Getting locked out of the car is one of the most frequent issues drivers face. It occurs at the time you least expect it to, which can cause a lot stress and frustration. There are steps you can do to avoid this occurring again.
Before you panic, make sure to look through all the doors to your car for your keys. It's also recommended to empty all your pockets and bags, just in case you accidentally dropped your keys in a place. The last thing to do is go back and review your day to determine whether you accidentally dropped your keys or reached inside your bag to grab something to take them out of the path.
Many people try DIY methods to gain access to their vehicle when they are locked outside, such as using bobby pins or coat hangers to pick the locks. However these methods are usually dangerous and could cause damage to the windows or locks of your car. In addition, modern vehicles have more advanced locks and security alarms that are likely to start if you attempt to use these tools to gain access to your vehicle.
It's important to have a spare car key addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. You can find a variety of options, such as an universal car key at your local hardware store or discount department stores. Having a spare key will ensure you can access your vehicle quickly and effortlessly when you're stuck in a tight spot.
If you're a brand new owner of a vehicle or purchased it as a certified pre-owned model, you may be entitled to free roadside assistance through the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These assistance services may include assistance with car lockouts as well as a variety of other issues. You can also download the HONK application to your smartphone to connect to an area locksmith or towing company to assist you in times of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance groups, HONK has no membership costs or charges for up-front services and lets you know how much the service will cost prior to when they arrive.
Keep an extra key handy
A spare key is the best method to avoid 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 to get help.
It can be a hassle to get locked out of your car However, you must remain calm and logical to find the best solution. Contacting roadside assistance is typically the best option as these professionals have the tools necessary to unlock your car without causing any damage. If you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan however, you may consider calling a locksmith instead.
You can also keep a spare in your home or office. This is a great option for people who share cars or have shared homes, as it can make it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure that all your keys are always where you'll need they are. You can also leave the spare key with a family member, as you can are confident that they will return the key to you in an emergency situation.
Once you have a spare key, be sure to test it and make sure that it works correctly. It is also recommended to store your spare key in a location that is hard to locate by burglars. If you're not sure where to hide your keys that you don't want to lose then you can put them in the key lockbox. Only you and trusted persons will be able to access. You can also give the spare key away to an individual from your family or a friend who lives nearby and will be able to bring it to you in the event of an emergency.
It is also important to be aware that a spare key can wear down your original, so it is a good idea for you to change the spare every couple of months. This will prevent your primary key from getting worn out and will help avoid any future issues. This could be a bit complicated, but it will save you money in the long run by preventing you from having to employ an emergency locksmith.
Use a Wedge and a Long-Reach Tool
There are a myriad of reasons vehicles lock themselves out. Some are caused by human error and others are technical. Regardless of the reason, you have to take all steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. There are a few steps you can do to avoid being locked out of your car.
One alternative is to make use of wedges to create a gap between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. Then, you can slide rods, or a straight wire clotheshanger, through the gap to activate the inner door handle. This method can be difficult to implement in a tight space.
An alternative to this is to buy a tool that has a long reach, specifically designed for car lockouts. Many of these tools have a flexible cover that can be used to prevent damage to the weather stripping, the paint, and the edge of the car door during an emergency lockout. The sleeve also protects your fingers and hand when using tools with a long reach.
These tools are bent into regular configurations to be utilized quickly in most situations. Some have a distinctive color to make them easy to locate in dim lighting. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit gives you the most versatility. It includes four of the most popular long-reach tools as well as a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges, and protective lockout tape.
Some people try to break into their vehicles using a rod or hanger to get back inside, however this could be dangerous and expensive. It could damage the lock system of the vehicle and the paint, door, and window. Furthermore, breaking in could trigger a police investigation and lead to additional charges.
If there is no emergency, such as tiny children or vulnerable people trapped in the vehicle, it's 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 securely. The app displays the price upfront, so there's no need to worry about hidden costs or negotiating with tow truck drivers.
Need Help?
Being locked out of your vehicle is not just a hassle, it's also risky. If you try to unlock your car without the right tools, you could cause damage to your vehicle, making it more difficult to access in the future. Professional lockout services are equipped with the necessary tools and know-how to unlock your car quickly and without causing damage. This will cut down on time and ease the stress.
If you're stuck with your keys locked in the car, it's important to remain calm and call for help. Do not try to unlock your vehicle using the DIY methods you've seen on the Internet. These methods might work for certain cars, but they can cause serious harm to modern vehicles equipped with high-tech locking mechanisms.
Your local towing company can offer a lockout service at affordable costs. Certain automakers also provide smartphones that allow you to unlock your car remotely. If you own a car from one of these brands and you have an active warranty or roadside assistance plan, be sure to look into their apps for more details on how to utilize them.
Another option is to contact your local auto dealer to see whether they can help unlock your vehicle. This service can be provided for free or at a low cost, depending on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. Some non-profit groups and community support organizations also offer assistance to those who are locked out of their vehicle. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to find out more about these options in your region.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle however it doesn't have to ruin your day. You can avoid this scenario in the future by remaining calm, calling help, and taking preventive steps. Check your spare key if you have it before you exit your vehicle. Also, make sure you check every door before closing the door. If you're not able to locate your keys, think about leaving a spare with a trusted friend or neighbor and follow safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel.