What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
A majority of car owners have locked themselves out of their vehicles at some point. This can be scary and difficult however there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Rather than panicking, try to stay at peace and think about your options before making a decision. You may be eligible for assistance with roadside emergencies through an insurance or credit card policy that could help you out.
1. Lock the doors
If you locked yourself out of your car, the first thing to do is make sure that all doors are locked. In the rush, people tend to forget things. The worst thing you could do is to waste time trying open the door that isn't locked!
Make sure all windows are closed. Many times, people who are locked out of their vehicles fail to close the windows behind them. This can lead to an issue later on!
It's also recommended to let your friends and family know that you are locked out of the car. They will be able keep an eye on you and assist you in an emergency. If you're considering buying new cars, it's always recommended to purchase additional keys and store them somewhere safe. This will help you avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
Try some of the options that were mentioned above to gain access back to your car. For instance, you could make use of a screwdriver to pry the lock open and insert a rod through it (or something similar). Another option is to make use of a coathanger that has been straightened and slipped between the window and the weatherstripping to help lift the locking mechanism. There are inflatable wedge kits specifically designed for this.
It is important to be aware that in certain situations, you cannot just sit and wait for someone to unlock the door. For instance, if you have a pet or child locked in the car, you may not be in a position to let them get hot or cold inside while waiting for someone else to arrive and unlock the door!
2. Help is available
Being locked out of your vehicle can be an extremely stressful experience. But if you remain calm and reach out for assistance, it won't need to ruin your day.
If you are locked out of your vehicle it is important to first evaluate the situation to determine if this is an urgent matter. This is difficult to accomplish when your vehicle is located in a hazardous situation, such as along railroad tracks or in a gang-swathed area. If you are able, call 911 to let them know that there is a child or pet in the vehicle and that you require their help.
Ask for car opening service if you cannot reach someone immediately. A friend or family member may be able to unlock your car door for you or they might have a spare key that you can take with them in case in an emergency. You could also attempt to break the window, but this isn't recommended since it could be risky and expensive, especially in the case of windows made of safety glass.
It's also a good idea to keep the number of a Gainesville locksmith on hand, in the event that you lose your keys inside your house one day. This way, you'll have a professional there to help you in no time at all.
It's an excellent idea to make sure you're a part of a program that provides assistance for roadside emergencies like AAA. Many of these organizations offer 24/7 assistance and have professionals on-call to handle lockout situations. They'll often be able to help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage and therefore are worth a call. Think about using keychains to will make your keys more visible.
3. Get an extra key
Keep a spare car key to ensure you are not locked out. This might seem like a simple problem, but it is much cheaper than calling a locksmith or a tow company! You can store the spare key in your purse or wallet or in a key holder with magnetic magnets you can attach to the bottom of your car. You could also invest in a kit that includes inflatable wedges and tools that can extend to open a locked car.
Ask a family member or acquaintance to bring your spare keys if you're away from your home. This works only in cases where they're within driving distance, but it could save you time and money in an emergency lockout.
You can also alternate keys with roommates or friends once a month to prevent wearing down your main key. This is especially helpful in areas with significant amount of snow. The cold winter weather can accelerate key wear.
It's not fun to lose your car keys However, it is something that happens to everyone. If you are in this kind of situation Try to remain calm and make a plan. Remember that there are plenty of tricks and tools to help you get back into your vehicle, such as using a Slim Jim or other tool such as inflatable wedges or a bobby pin or a wire coat hanger. Don't give up. It could take a few attempts, but keep trying! eventually, you'll be able to unlock your door. Make sure you check all the doors, especially if you think you've locked yourself from your back window.
4. For assistance at the roadside, call
Cars that are locked up can be a frustrating situation, especially when there are children or pets inside. There are a variety of ways to get into your vehicle, including calling roadside assistance and obtaining a spare.
The first step is to stay at peace and think through all of your alternatives. This will help you avoid making rash decisions and prevents you from taking extreme measures that could be dangerous for yourself or others. It is also important to avoid putting an extra key outside your home in a secret location. This could be an opportunity for thieves to locate the key. It is safer to leave a spare key with a neighbour or a family member, and to check your car before you leave.
If you have a newer vehicle with keyless entry, it could be simpler to get back into your vehicle. If you're driving an older car you'll have to look at other methods. Many gas stations can help you with this, since they usually have tools that will open your door without harm. One method is to use a long hook and pull the lock. You could also use the shoelace.
If your keys are still in the ignition, or if you think someone is trapped inside your car, call 911 immediately. A police officer or a firefighter could be able to open your car's door depending on the situation. In the event that you are not able to, contact a locksmith for assistance. Be sure to keep the contact number of a local company handy, as it can take some time for them to reach you.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
If you are unable to unlock your car using any other method, a locksmith is the best option. These professionals are experts at unlocking cars and are able to do it quickly. They can also help prevent future lockouts, by installing alarms and providing tips on security procedures for your vehicle.
Double-check that all doors are locked and that your keys are locked prior to calling for help. It's easy to leave a key inside your car, especially if you're absent-minded or rushed as you exit. You can save yourself lots of hassle by checking each door.
Roadside assistance services such as AAA can also be useful if you're locked out of your vehicle. They have kits specifically designed to help in these situations and will typically be there within a few minutes. You can also call an auto locksmith in your area for assistance in a short time, and many of them offer 24/7 emergency services.
If you aren't able to break into your vehicle yourself, it may be best to try to find a safe place to remain and wait for assistance. If you can, locate an area where people won't think you're a burglar or a robber.
Being locked out of your car can be a huge inconvenience. If you have a spare, follow the proper locking procedures, and don't hurry when you go to and from your vehicle, you're likely to have this issue often. Don't panic, but if it happens, there are a variety of workarounds to help you solve the issue and get back on the road.