Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car Key Lock Out

It can be extremely frustrating and stressful to be locked out of your vehicle. There are many secure and efficient ways to get into your vehicle.

It is best to call roadside assistance or an emergency locksmith to get help for assistance, as they've got the tools needed to open your car without causing damage. Staying calm and taking a few deep breathes will help you determine the most effective solution.

1. Evaluate the Situation

It's a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle, but it is important to remain calm and assess the situation. You'll be able to make informed decisions that will increase the chances of successfully regaining your keys and returning to the road swiftly. This comprehensive guide will reveal six of the most frequent lockout situations in cars and offer effective solutions for solving these issues.

A common cause of car lockout is forgetting your keys or losing keys. However, many get locked out of their cars due to malfunctioning key fobs or doors that simply don't open. Whatever the reason it is, you must remain calm and follow these steps to return to driving quickly.

First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it is feasible to make a DIY solution. For example, if it's late at night or in a crowded zone, it might not be the best idea to try to get inside your vehicle through the trunk or rear window. You could damage your vehicle and put yourself at risk, and could also void your warranty.

If possible, call your contacts to see whether they are able to provide an extra or assist in any other way. Consider using a roadside assistance application on your smartphone to call a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable access any of these options then you should seek out professional assistance. A reputable towing company will be able to address your situation quickly and safely.

2. Reach out for an extra key

One of the best ways to avoid having to pay for a locksmith or roadside assistance call is to keep a spare key somewhere secure. You can ask someone in your family or a friend who knows where your spare key is kept to deliver it to you in case you require it in an emergency. In some cases, a smart phone application can be used to gain access to your car, without having the key. This is a great alternative for those with more modern automobiles that can be controlled via a smartphone application!

If you don't have a spare key, try to remain calm and analyze the situation. Oftentimes, when we get locked out of our vehicle the reason is that we closed the door with the keys still in the car. Make sure to inspect all doors and windows before you panic. There could be an unlocked entry point that you didn't know about.

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

If all else fails, you can always contact your automaker or an independent roadside assistance provider to get help. They can send a professional to unlock your vehicle for you and the cost might be covered by your service plan. You can also hire locksmiths who can respond promptly. In many urban areas, you can locate a locksmith that provides 24-hour service and competitive rates. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with top safety features. Be sure to check our new inventory.

3. Help is available

It is very likely that you will put your keys in the lock of your car at some time. Lack of concentration, keys disappearing from your purse or pocket as you leave the vehicle, or malfunctioning locks are all reasons that can cause this to occur. It doesn't matter what the reason it's essential to remain calm and take into consideration all your options.

The first step is to double-check every one of your doors. It may seem obvious, but many people fail to examine the door prior to closing the door, especially in a crowded parking lot or in a new environment. If you're in a position to not open car the door. A quick dispatch will send a police officer out to assist you. Depending on the situation, they might be able to unlock your vehicle or call tow-trucks for you.

It's a good idea prepare for this scenario ahead of time by stashing a spare key in your home or office or leaving it with your trusted neighbor or a friend. It's also an excellent idea to establish a routine to always check for your keys prior to closing the car door.

Professionals who have been trained in roadside assistance can unlock the majority of vehicles. You'll find that they are the most secure and affordable alternative. Make sure your insurance includes roadside assistance before you call, as some policies don't. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call a locksmith. Beware of scammers offering the ability to unlock your vehicle for a small fee. They might use tools such as slim jims to break into your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, result in costly and extensive damage to the locking mechanisms.

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 listed below to quickly and safely return to your vehicle.

Verify that you really locked your keys inside the car door open. Then, walk around the outside of your car to inspect all the windows and doors. Examine the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. Make sure you check the area around you to determine any dangers that could be present, such as an unidentified person or activity that could put your safety in danger.

It's possible to break a window out to escape the vehicle, but make certain to check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. Consider whether you have an extra key in your home or if your insurance provider offers roadside assistance. Many roadside assistance services offer assistance with car lockouts in addition to other issues that are common, such as jump-starting batteries and flat tires.

These preventative measures will prevent your car from being locked out of your car in the future. You should also think about keeping a spare set keys with a trusted friend or family member to open your car if you find yourself in a jam. Also, you can consider the use of a keyless entry system for your vehicle to avoid the hassle of fiddling around with a spare key whenever you're out and about. You can also make use of one of the clever tricks that professional mountain climbers use to get out of a tricky spot, such as threading a shoestring with an untied slip knot through the door to open a post lock or inflating a blood pressure cuff to create a gap you can stick your hand or a tool through.

5. Call for help

It is important to remain calm and rational in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle. Avoid using improvised tools such as wire coat hangers or shoelace, as these could cause damage and won't work. The most reliable and secure alternative is to get help from a roadside assistance service or a professional locksmith. These services are typically provided by automakers or auto insurance firms, but they can be expensive. However, these professionals have the right tools to unlock a vehicle without damaging it.

Many newer cars have technology that can help those who are locked out. For example, some automakers offer smartphone apps which allow you to manage your car remotely and transform your phone into an electronic key fob that can unlock the doors and also start the engine. It's a good idea to sync your vehicle with the app ahead of time. Longo Toyota has a wide selection of models that are modern and have amazing safety features that could assist you in avoiding lockouts in the near future.

Other options for avoiding a costly locksmith or roadside assistance call is to leave an extra key with a family member or friend and also making sure that the car's lock is working correctly. You can also reduce the risk of an accidental lockout by making sure you check your car before leaving and keeping a spare in a safe location in case you forget. Contact us to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and to determine which ones have the safety and convenience features you want.