What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
Many car owners have locked their cars out at some time or another. This can be scary and frustrating however there are steps you can take to fix it.
Instead of panicking, stay calm and consider all your options prior to making an impulsive decision. You may be able receive assistance on the road with your credit card or insurance policy.
1. Lock the doors
If you've locked yourself out of your vehicle, the first step is to make sure that all the doors are locked. A lot of people forget things when they're in a hurry The most important thing you don't want to do is spend all your time trying to unlock a door that's not locked in the first place!
After that, make sure all the windows are closed. A lot of people who are locked outside their car do not shut the windows behind them. This can cause a major problem in the future!
It's also a good idea to let your friends and family know that you are locked out of your vehicle. They will be able monitor you and help you in an emergency. If you're considering buying a new car it's an excellent idea to buy additional keys and store them in a safe location. This will stop you from locking yourself out of the future!
You can employ some of the solutions mentioned above to gain entry into your vehicle. For example, you can employ a screwdriver in order to pry the lock open and then insert a rod into it (or something similar). Another alternative is to straighten the hanger of a coat and slide it between the window and the weatherstripping to open up the locking mechanism. You can also purchase inflatable wedge kits specifically designed for this purpose.
You should be aware that in certain situations, it isn't possible to wait for someone else to unlock the door. For example, if you have a pet or a child in the car that is locked or in the car, you might not be in a position to let them get hot or cold as you wait for someone to arrive and unlock the door!
2. Contact us for assistance
Being locked out of your vehicle can be an extremely stressful experience. However, if you stay calm and call for assistance, it shouldn't be a reason to ruin your day.
If you discover that you've locked yourself out of your vehicle take a look at the situation and determine if it's an emergency. If your vehicle is in an area that is prone to danger like near railroad tracks or an area with a high rate of crime, it can be difficult to determine whether this is an emergency. If how do you unlock a car without a key are able to call 911 and inform them that there's children or pets in the car.
Ask for help if you cannot reach someone right away. A friend or family member might be able to open your car door for you, or they may have a spare key that they can leave with you in case of an emergency. Alternatively, you could attempt to break the window, but this isn't recommended as it could be risky and costly, particularly when the windows are made of safety glass.
Keep the number of a Gainesville Locksmith on hand in the event that you lose your keys inside your home. That way, you can have a professional there to assist you in a short time at all.
It's also a good idea if you're a part of a program that provides assistance for roadside emergencies like AAA. Many of these companies provide 24/7 assistance, and have professionals who can assist in lockout situations. They can often help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage and are well worth a call. It's recommended to keep a routine of checking for your keys prior to leaving your car, and also consider the use of keychains that help to make them more visible.
3. Get a spare key
The best way to prevent being locked out of your vehicle is by keeping a spare key. It might seem like an inconvenience, but it's much cheaper than calling locksmith or tow truck! You can keep a spare key in a purse or wallet, or in a key holder with magnetic features which you can fix to the side of your vehicle. You can also purchase a kit that includes inflatable wedges and tools that can be extended to open a locked vehicle.
Another option is to ask a friend or family member to bring your spare key in case you're away from home. This works only when they're within driving distance, but it could save you time and money during an emergency lockout.
It's also a good idea to swap keys with roommates or your friends every month, so that you don't wear down the primary key as fast. This method is especially beneficial when you reside in an area that has a lot of snow because the cold winter weather can accelerate wear and wear and tear.
It's not pleasant to lose your car keys however, it happens to all of us. Be calm and create a plan if you encounter a similar situation. Keep in mind that there are a lot of tricks and tools to assist you in getting back in your car, including using a Slim Jim or other tool, inflatable wedges or a bobby pin or a wire coat hanger. It could require a few attempts but don't quit! You'll eventually be able to unlock your door. Just be sure to examine all doors, especially if believe you've locked yourself out of the back window.
4. For assistance at the roadside, call
A locked car is a frustrating situation, especially when there are children or pets inside. Luckily, there are many ways to get back into your vehicle, like asking for assistance at the roadside or getting a spare key.
The first step is to remain calm and weigh all your options. This will allow you to avoid making decisions that are too quick and keep you from taking rash actions that could pose danger for you or others. Be sure you don't keep the additional key in a hidden location outside your home, as this can be a good way for thieves to find it. It's a better idea to keep an extra key with a friend or a family member, as well as to make it a habit of checking your car before leaving.
It could be easier to enter your car if you have keys-less entry systems on a newer car. If you're driving an older car you'll need to test other ways. There are many gas stations that have tools that can unlock your car's door without causing any damage. For example, one method involves using a long hook to open the lock. You could also make use of shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if you suspect your keys are still in your ignition or you suspect someone is trapped inside your vehicle. A police officer or a firefighter could be able to unlock the door of your car based on the situation. If not, you should contact a locksmith for assistance. Keep the contact number of your locksmith in the area as it may take some time for them to reach you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
A locksmith is your best option if you're locked in your car and cannot access it using any other means. Locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars, which means they're able to do it quickly and efficiently. They can also assist you to prevent future lockouts, by installing alarms and providing guidance on the best security measures for your vehicle.
Make sure that all doors are locked and your keys have been locked before calling for assistance. It's easy to lose the car key, especially in the event of a rush to exit or you're a bit numb. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by making sure you check each door.
Roadside assistance services such as AAA can also be helpful if you're stuck in your car. They have kits specifically designed to help in these situations and will typically arrive within a matter of minutes. You can also contact an auto locksmith in your area to get assistance quickly, and many of them offer 24 hour emergency service.
If you aren't able to get into your car yourself, it may be best to try to find a safe spot to remain and wait for help. If you can, locate an area where passers-by will not think you are the robber or burglar.
It can be a major inconvenience to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. If you have an extra key, make sure you follow proper securing procedures and be patient when you get into and out of your vehicle, it's unlikely this happens to you all the time. Don't panic, but in the event that it happens, there are many workarounds to help you resolve the issue and get back on track.