Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating experiences. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from happening.
The first step to take is to remain calm. Assess the situation carefully. Panicking can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to find a solution. Contact help if you need it. This is the most secure and least damaging option.
Make sure you have your keys in order before leaving the car
Getting locked out of the car is among the most common problems that drivers face. It can happen at any moment, and can be an issue that causes frustration and stress. There are steps you can do to avoid this repeating itself.
Make sure to check all the doors in your car for your keys before you panic. It is also a good idea to empty your bags and pockets, in case you accidentally dropped your keys somewhere. The last thing to do is look back over your day to determine whether you accidentally dropped your keys or reached into your bag for something to take them out of the way.
Many people attempt DIY ways to gain access to their vehicles when they are locked out, such as using coat hangers or bobby pins to pick the lock. However, these methods are often dangerous and may damage the locks or windows of your vehicle. Modern cars also have advanced alarms and lock systems that will set off if these tools are used to gain entry to the car.
In addition to using an experienced locksmith or a roadside assistance service it is important to have an extra key in your pocket. In the stores like your local hardware store, you can get a variety of options such as a universal key. A spare key can allow you to enter your vehicle quickly and easily in case you find yourself in a challenging situation.
If you're a new car owner or bought your vehicle as a certified used model, then you may be eligible for free roadside assistance from the website of the manufacturer or dealer. These assistance services may include assistance with car lockouts, as well with a range of other issues. You can also download the HONK application for your smartphone to connect with a local locksmith or towing company to assist you in the event of a crisis. Unlike traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or up-front charges and lets you know how much your service will cost before they arrive.
Keep an extra key handy
A spare key is the most effective way to avoid car lockouts. You'll still be able to gain access to your vehicle even if you lose your primary key. It also keeps you from having to contact an emergency locksmith service.
It can be frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle, but you should remain calm and logical to find the best solution. Roadside assistance is a great way to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have a roadside assistance plan, however, you may consider calling a locksmith instead.
You can also keep a 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 coordinate schedules and ensure that all of your keys are in the right place when you require them. You could also leave an extra key with someone close to you or a friend, provided you trust them to return it to you in the event in an emergency.
If you've got an extra key, make sure to test it to make sure that it functions correctly. You should also store your spare key in a safe place that is difficult to find by a burglar. If you're not sure where to hide your spare key, you could consider using a key lockbox that only you and other trusted individuals have access to. Finally, you might want to give the spare key to a family member who lives nearby and will help you retrieve it if required.
It is also important to be aware that a spare key could wear down your original, so it is recommended to change the spare every few months. This will prevent your original key from deteriorating and can prevent future issues. This could be a bit tedious, but it will save you money over the long term by preventing you from needing to call in an emergency locksmith.
Use a Wedge Tool, as well as a Long Reach Tool
Car lockouts occur for various reasons. Some are caused by human error and others are technical. It is important to do everything you can to avoid these instances. Fortunately, there are a handful of tools you can keep on hand to help you avoid getting locked out of your vehicle.
A wedge can be used as a tool to create a gap between the door frame of the vehicle and its body. This allows you to move a straightened wire or rod clothes hanger through the gap, allowing you to actuate the door handle's inner or lock button. However, this technique is difficult to maneuver in a tight space.
A better alternative is to purchase a long-reach tool designed for car lockouts. A lot of these tools come with an elastic cover that can be used to prevent damage to the weather stripping, the paint, and the edge of the car door during a lockout. The sleeve can also protect your hands and fingers when using a long-reach tool.
These tools are bent into common shapes so that they can be utilized quickly in most situations. Some even come with a distinct color that makes them easy to find in dim lighting. To maximize versatility, consider the Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit, which includes four of the most well-known long-reach tools, plus a Button Master and Mega Master snare tool with two air wedges, a protective lockout tape and a slim jim windshield-mounted flashlights for nighttime openings and more.
Some people try to break into their vehicles with a hanger or rod to get back inside, but this could be risky and expensive. Not only does it potentially cause damage to the lock system of the vehicle however, it could cause physical damage to the door, window and paint. In addition, a break-in could lead to an investigation by the police and additional charges.
Unless there is an emergency, such as small children or vulnerable persons trapped in the vehicle, it's recommended to call for roadside assistance. A service such as HONK can provide you with an auto locksmith on demand who can open your vehicle quickly and safely. The app will show you the cost upfront, meaning you don't have to worry about hidden costs or negotiating with tow truck drivers.
Call for Help
Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle, it's also dangerous. If you try to unlock your vehicle without the proper tools, you could damage your vehicle that will make it more difficult to access in the future. Professional lockout services have the tools and expertise to unlock your car quickly without causing any damage, making it easier for you to get your car unlocked and save time and stress.
G28 Car Keys and call for help If you are stuck in your car with keys locked inside. Don't try to unlock your vehicle with the DIY methods you have found on the internet. These tricks may work for certain vehicles, but they can cause serious harm to modern vehicles equipped with high-tech locking mechanisms.
Towing companies in your area can provide lockout services at a reasonable price. Some automakers also offer smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these automakers and you have an emergency roadside assistance or warranty plan that is active and you want to know more about the apps to find out more about how you can make use of the apps.
Another option is to contact your car dealer to inquire whether they can help unlock your car. This service can be provided for free or at a cost of a small amount, depending on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. In addition, some non-profit organizations and community-based support groups can also provide assistance for people who find themselves locked out of their car. To learn more about the options available in your area visit your local community centers or social service organizations.
It's not pleasant to be locked out of your vehicle, but it does not need to ruin your day. By remaining calm, calling for help, and taking precautions to avoid this occurrence in the future. Be sure to make sure you have a spare key, if you have one, before exiting the vehicle and also make a habit of checking every door for keys prior to closing them. If you can't find your keys and you don't have a spare, leave it with a trusted friend. Also, make sure you practice safe driving every time you get in the car.