Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating experiences. There are, however, ways to avoid them from happening.
The first step is to stay calm and observe the situation with care. Stress can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to come to the solution. Next, call for assistance if needed. This is the most reliable and safest option.
Check your keys before leaving the car.
One of the most common issues drivers face is being locked out of their vehicle. Unfortunately, it can happen at the time you least expect it to, which can result in a lot of stress and frustration. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stop this from becoming a problem in the future.
Check all the car doors for keys before you panic. It's also a good idea to empty all your bags and pockets just in case you accidentally dropped your keys in someplace. Also, go back through your day to determine whether you may have accidentally set the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something and knocked them out of your way.
Many people try DIY ways to gain access to their vehicles after they are locked out, for instance, using coat hangers or bobby pins to open the lock. However these methods are usually dangerous and could cause damage to the locks or windows of your car. In addition, modern vehicles have modern locking systems and alarms that could be activated if you attempt to use these tools to gain access to your vehicle.
In addition to utilizing an experienced locksmith or a roadside assistance it is important to have an extra key on hand. You can find a variety of alternatives, like a universal car key, in stores like your local hardware store or discount department stores. Having a spare key will ensure you can get into your car quickly and effortlessly when you are stuck in an awkward situation.
If you're a new owner of a car, or purchased your car as a certified pre-owned model, you may get roadside assistance through the website of the manufacturer or dealer. These services can help with car lockouts and various other issues. You can also download the HONK application for your smartphone to connect to a local locksmith or towing service to help you in a crisis. Contrary to traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK does not charge membership fees or upfront charges. You'll also know the cost of your service before it arrives.
Keep an extra key in your bag
A spare key at hand is among the best ways to prevent car lockouts. It gives you a way to gain access to your vehicle if your primary key is lost, and can help you avoid the headache of calling emergency locksmith services to get help.
It can be very frustrating to get locked out of your car however, you must remain calm and rational to determine the best option. Roadside assistance can unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you do not have a roadside assistance service or plan to call an locksmith instead.
You can keep a spare at your home office or at work. This is a great idea for people who share cars or live in shared homes because it makes it easier to manage schedules and ensure that all your keys are available when you require they are. You can also leave keys with a family member, so you are confident that they will return the key to you in an emergency situation.
If you've got a spare key, be sure to test it and make sure that it functions correctly. You should also store your spare key in a location that is difficult to find by burglars. If you are unsure where to put your spare keys you could use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted persons will have access. In the end, you may want to give the spare key to a family member who lives nearby and can help you retrieve it if required.
You should also be aware that a spare key could wear down your original key, so it's an ideal idea to change your spare every couple of months. This will prevent your original key from becoming worn down and will help you avoid issues in the future. This could be a bit difficult, but it can save you money over the long term by preventing you from having to employ an emergency locksmith.
Make use of a wedge and a Long-Reach Tool
There are many reasons why cars lock themselves out. Certain car lockouts are caused by human error, while others are due to technical issues. You should do all you can to prevent such incidents from happening. There are some things you can do to prevent being locked out of your car.
You can use a wedge to create a space between the door frame of the vehicle and its body. You can then slide the rod, or straightened wire clotheshanger, through the gap, to trigger the door handle's inner. This technique can be difficult to utilize in a tiny space.
An alternative to this is to purchase a device with a long reach designed for car lockouts. A lot of these tools have a sleeve with a flexible design that can be used to protect the weather stripping, paint and edge of the door from being damaged during a lockout. The sleeve can also be useful to protect your hands and fingers when using the long-reach tool.
The majority of these tools are pre-bent in common configurations to provide immediate access to the majority of situations, without any further modifications. Some tools even have a contrasting colour to make them easier to locate in dim light. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit provides maximum flexibility. It comes with four of the most popular long-reach tools as well as a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges and protective lockout tape.
Some people try to break into their car using an iron rod or hanger to get inside their car however, it is dangerous and expensive. It can damage the lock system of the car and also the paint, door and window. Furthermore, breaking in could lead to an investigation by police and could result in additional charges.
Unless there is an emergency, such as small children or vulnerable individuals who are locked inside the vehicle, it's best to call for roadside assistance. A service like HONK will provide you with an auto locksmith on-demand who will open your vehicle quickly and safely. The app shows upfront prices and you don't have to worry about hidden fees or haggling with a tow truck driver.
Help is available
It's not just frustrating, but also risky to be locked out of your car. If you attempt to unlock your car without the right tools could cause damage that will make it harder to gain access to your car in the future. Professional locksmiths have the equipment and knowledge to unlock your car swiftly without damaging it, thus which saves you time and stress.
Be patient and call for help If you are stuck in your car with your keys locked inside. Do not try to unlock your car using the DIY methods you have seen on the Internet. These hacks may work for some cars however they could cause serious damage to modern vehicles with high-tech locking mechanisms.
Your local towing company may offer a lockout service at affordable costs. Certain automakers also provide smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a car from one of these automakers and have a roadside assistance or warranty plan that's active and you want to know more about the app's offerings to find out more about how to make use of these apps.
You can also contact your local dealership for autos to find out if they're able to unlock your vehicle. Based on the manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this may be free or at a low cost. Certain non-profit organizations and community support organizations also offer assistance to those who are locked out of their vehicle. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to find out more about the options available in your area.
Being locked out of your vehicle is not fun, but it doesn't have to ruin your day. By remaining calm and contacting for help and taking preventive measures, you can avoid this occurrence in the future. Make sure to verify your spare key If you have one, prior to exiting the vehicle, and make a habit of checking each door for keys prior to closing them. If service to unlock car are unable to locate your keys and you don't have a spare, leave it with a trusted friend. Also, practice safe driving every time you enter the car.