What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
A majority of car owners have locked themselves out of their cars at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and scary however, you can solve it.
Instead of panicking, remain at peace and contemplate all options before making a decision based on emotion. You may be able to get roadside assistance from your credit card or insurance policy.
1. Lock the doors
If you locked yourself out of your car, the first thing to do is to make sure that all the doors are actually locked. Many people forget things when they're in a rush and the first thing you'd like to do is spend all day trying to open a door that isn't locked in the first instance!
After that, make sure all the windows are closed. A lot of people who are locked in their car do not shut the windows behind them. This can create a major issue in the future!
It's also a good idea for you to inform your family and your friends that you're locked out of your vehicle. So, they'll be able to keep an eye out for you and assist you in times of need. If you're buying a new car it is an excellent idea to keep extra keys in a secure place. This will help you avoid locking yourself out of your car in the future.
Try some of the workarounds that were mentioned above to gain access back to your car. For instance, you could employ a screwdriver and rod to open the lock. Another option is to straighten a coat hanger and slip it between the window and the weatherstripping in order to pull up the locking mechanism. You can buy inflatable wedge kits that are specifically made to be used in this.
Be aware, however, that there are instances in which you cannot wait for help to open the door. If you have a pet or a child locked in your car, you may not want wait for someone to rescue them.
2. Call for help
Being locked out of your car can be a very stressful experience. If you remain at peace and call for help you won't have to ruin your day.
If you discover that you're locked out of your car and you are unable to get into it, you must first look at the situation to determine if it's an urgent issue. If your car is located in an area that is prone to danger such as close to railroad tracks or in an area with a high rate of crime it may be difficult to determine whether this is an emergency. If you are able to call 911 and inform them that there's a pet or child in the car.
If you are unable to contact someone right away, seek assistance from others. You may be able to open your car's doors with the assistance of a friend or family member, or they might have keys that they can leave with you. Alternatively, you could try to break a window - though this isn't advised as it could be risky and expensive, especially if the windows are made of safety glass.
It's also a good idea to keep the contact number of a Gainesville locksmith in your pocket, in the event that you lose your keys in your home one day. You can hire an expert to assist you in a matter of minutes.
If you're a part of an assistance program for roadside emergencies, such as AAA It's a good idea to keep their number in your pocket, too. Many of these organizations offer 24/7 support and have a team of experts available to assist in lockout situations. They can often help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage, so they're worth the call. Consider using keychains to help you see your keys.
3. Get an extra key
Keep an extra car key in case you need to avoid being locked out. It might be a hassle, but it's much cheaper than calling for locksmith or tow truck! Keep keys in a purse or wallet, or in a magnetic key holder which you can fix to the underside of your car. You can also invest in an inflatable kit that comes with wedges and long reach tools that can help gain entry into a locked vehicle.
Ask your family member or a friend to carry your spare keys when you are away from home. This only works if you're within driving distance of them obviously, but it can save you money and time in the event of an emergency lockout.
It's also a good idea to swap keys with friends or roommates each month, so that you don't degrade your primary key as quickly. This is particularly useful in areas with significant amount of snow. The cold weather can increase wear on keys.
It's not a pleasant experience to lose your car keys however, it occurs to us all. Keep calm and come up with an action plan in case you encounter the same situation. Be aware that there are plenty of tricks and tools to assist you in getting back into your vehicle, such as using a Slim Jim or other tool, inflatable wedges, a bobby pin, or a wire coat hanger. It could take a few attempts, but don't give up! Eventually you'll be able unlock your door. Make sure you check all doors. Especially if you believe you've locked yourself out of the back window.
4. Contact us for roadside assistance
A locked car can be a frustrating and frightening situation, particularly when you have pets or children in the. There are a variety of ways to gain access to your vehicle, like calling for roadside assistance or obtaining a spare key.
The first step is to remain in a calm state and be aware of all your choices. This will help you to avoid making decisions that are too quick and keep you from taking drastic actions that could pose danger for you or others. It is also important to avoid putting an extra key outside your house in a hidden location. This could be a way for thieves to find the key. It is advisable to keep an extra key with a neighbor or a family member, as well as to establish a routine of checking your car prior to leaving.
It may be easier to enter your vehicle if you have keys-less entry systems on a car that is newer. However, if you have an older vehicle you'll have to look at other methods. Many gas stations can help you with this, as they typically have tools that will open your door without damage. One example involves using a hook to open the lock. Another alternative is to use the shoelace.
If your keys are not in the ignition or you suspect that someone is trapped in your vehicle, call 911 immediately. Depending on the situation firefighters or a police officer might be able to unlock your car door. If you require assistance get in touch with an emergency locksmith. Keep the contact number of your local locksmith handy as it may take some time for them to reach you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
Locksmiths are the best option if you're stuck out of your car and are unable to gain entry using any other method. These professionals are experts at unlocking vehicles and can do it quickly. They can also assist you to avoid lockouts in the future by installing alarm systems and advising on procedures for securing your vehicle.
Before calling for help, be sure to double-check all of the doors and make sure that your keys are actually secured. locked out of my car to lose the car key, especially if your exit is hurried or you are absent-minded. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by checking each door.
If you're stranded in the middle of nowhere, roadside assistance services like AAA can be very helpful. They're usually there within minutes and have kits specifically created for this type of situation. You can also contact an auto-locksmith in your area for immediate assistance. Many of them offer 24/7 emergency assistance.
If you are unable to get into your car you should wait for assistance in a secure area. If you're able to seek out an area where people who pass by aren't likely to think you're a burglar or burglar.
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a major inconvenience. If you have a spare, use proper locking procedures, and don't hurry when you get into and out of your vehicle, you're not likely to encounter this issue too often. If it does happen, however, don't panic - there are plenty of solutions that can help you resolve the problem and get back on your way!