Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating. There are ways to prevent them.
The first step is to stay calm and evaluate the situation with a keen eye. The stress of panic can cloud your judgment and make it harder to find a solution. In the next step, seek assistance if needed. This is the safest and least damaging method.
Make sure you have your keys in order before leaving the car.
One of the most common problems drivers face is getting locked out of their car. It could happen at any time, and can be an issue that causes frustration and anxiety. There are steps you can do to avoid it happening again.
Before you panic, be sure to make sure you check the doors in your car for your keys. It's also a good idea to empty your bags and pockets in case you have accidentally dropped your keys somewhere. Also, go back through your day to see whether you may have accidentally set your 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 car when they are locked outside, for instance using coat hangers or bobby pins to open the locks. These methods are risky and damage your car's locks or windows. Furthermore, modern vehicles come with more advanced lock systems and security alarms that will likely start if you attempt to make use of these tools to gain access to your vehicle.
It's essential to have an extra car key in addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. In shops like your local hardware store, you'll discover a variety of options, including a universal key. A spare key will allow you to access your vehicle quickly and easily 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 assistance services may include assistance with car lockouts, as with a range of other issues. You can also download the HONK application to your smartphone to connect to a local locksmith or towing service to assist you in the event of a crisis. 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 before they arrive.
Keep a Spare Key on your side
A spare key is the best way to avoid car lockouts. It gives you a way to gain access to your vehicle even if your primary key is lost, and it can save you the hassle of calling emergency locksmith services to get help.
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a stressful experience, but it's important to stay calm and focus on your thoughts to find the most efficient solution. Roadside assistance can open your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have a roadside assistance plan, however, you could try asking a locksmith instead.
Another alternative is to keep one spare key in your office or home. This is a great solution for those who share vehicles or live in homes shared by others because it makes it easier to organize schedules and ensure that all of your keys are in the right place when you'll need them. You can also leave the spare key with a friend or family member, so you believe they will return the key to you in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to make sure it's working properly. You should also keep your spare key in a place that is difficult to find by burglars. If you're not sure where to put your spare keys you could use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted individuals will be able to access. In the end, you may want to give the spare key to a friend or family member who lives nearby and will bring it to you if you require it.
Finally, you should be aware that a spare key could eventually wear down the original key, which is why it's an ideal idea to swap out the spare every month or at least every month or. This will stop your original key from deteriorating and help to avoid future issues. It can be somewhat difficult to do, but it can prevent you from having to spend money on locksmith emergency services in the future.
Make use of a wedge and a Long-Reach Tool
There are a myriad of reasons vehicles lock themselves out. Some lockouts in cars are due to human error, while others are due to technical issues. Whatever the reason, you have to take all steps to stop these incidents from happening in the first place. Fortunately, there are a few tools you can keep in your bag to ensure that you don't get locked out of your car.
Another alternative is to use wedges to create a gap between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. You can then move rods, or a straight wire clotheshanger, through the gap, to trigger the door handle's inner. This method can be difficult to use in a small space.
A better alternative is to invest in an instrument that has a long reach 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 damage during a lockout. The sleeve is also helpful to protect your fingers and hands when using the long-reach tool.
The majority of these tools are designed in standard configurations that allow immediate access to the majority of situations without further modification. Some have a distinctive color, making them easy to find in dim light. For maximum versatility, you can try the Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit comprising four of the most well-known long-reach tools. It also includes a Button Master and Mega Master snare tool and two air wedges, a protective lockout tape, a slim jim, windshield-mounted flashlights for nighttime openings, and more.
Many people try to break in with an iron rod or hanger to get inside their car, but it can be risky 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. The breaking in can cause an investigation by the police and additional charges.
It is best to call roadside assistance unless you are in urgent need, such as the child or a vulnerable person who is locked in the car. A service like HONK will provide you with an auto locksmith on-demand who will open your vehicle quickly and safely. The app will show upfront prices, so you don't have to worry about hidden charges or bargaining with the driver of a tow truck.
Help is available
Being locked out of your car not only frustrating, it's also dangerous. If you attempt to unlock your car without the proper tools could cause damage that will make it even more difficult to gain access to your vehicle in the future. Professional lockout services have the tools and expertise needed to unlock your vehicle quickly and without creating damage. This will help you save time and reduce stress.
If you're stuck with your keys locked inside the vehicle, you must remain calm and seek assistance. Don't try to unlock the vehicle using DIY techniques you've seen on the internet; these hacks might work in certain situations but can be very damaging to modern cars with high-tech locking systems.
Towing companies in your region can offer lockout services for an affordable cost. Some automakers also offer smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these automakers and you have an assistance plan for roadside repairs or a warranty plan in place then you should check out the app offerings to learn more about how to use them.
You can also call your local auto dealership to ask if they are capable of unlocking your car. Based on the manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this could be cost-free or at a lower cost. Finally, some non-profit and community support groups also provide resources for those who find themselves locked out of their car. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to learn more about these options in your region.
Locked out of car keys locked in car is not a pleasant experience, but it doesn't have to ruin your day. By remaining calm, calling for help, and taking precautions to avoid this occurrence in the future. Check your spare key, if you have one, before you exit your vehicle. Also, be sure to check every door before closing the door. If you're unable to locate your keys you can leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Also, make sure you practice safe driving every time you enter the car.