What to do When Locked Out of Your Car

Locking yourself out of your vehicle can be stressful and frustrating. Knowing how to deal with the situation, whether you’ve lost your keys, left them inside, or they have broken in the lock can save you frustration and time. Tony’s Auto Locksmith is known for its professional and swift service. They recommend several steps to solve the problem efficiently and safely.

Keep Calm and Assess the Situation

Stay calm. Panic can affect your judgment and make things worse. Assess the situation and your surroundings by taking a deep breath. Are you in a secure location? If you are in a potentially dangerous area at night (such as the side or a busy street) then it is important to prioritise your safety first.

Check for Spare Keys

Check if you’ve got a spare. Many people have a spare at home, or with a family member or trusted friend. Consider having someone bring you a spare key if you are close to your home or other location.

Find Alternative Entry Points

It’s sometimes possible to enter your car via an alternate entry point. If you can, check if the windows or doors are unlocked. Be careful when trying to force the window or door to open. This can damage your vehicle, and lead to expensive repairs.

Use Your Phone

You can use your mobile phone to unlock a door if you are locked out. Modern technology provides several options.

1. Contact Roadside Assistance

Contact them for assistance if you have an emergency roadside service plan with your auto insurance, motoring club or credit card. Many of them offer lockout assistance and can send you a professional.

2. Contact a Professional Auto Locksmith

Professional auto locksmiths can unlock your vehicle quickly and without damage. The auto locksmiths have the knowledge and tools to work with different locking mechanisms. They can also provide you with new keys if needed. They offer a prompt, reliable service that will get you back on your way.

3. Use an App from the Car Manufacturer

Some car manufacturers provide smartphone apps that let you unlock your vehicle remotely. This is a simple and quick solution if you already have the app.

Use Lockout Tools With Caution

You might use lockout tools if you are in a remote location without access to immediate professional help. This should only be used as a last option and only if they are confident that you can use them safely.

1. Slim Jim

Slim Jims are tools designed to unlock doors in cars by manipulating the locking mechanisms inside the doors. This method requires knowledge and skill of your vehicle’s locking system.

2. Wire Hanger

By pulling the door lock, a wire hanger is sometimes used to unlock an older car. The hanger should be straightened and the hook formed at one end. Insert the hanger between the window and the weather stripping and try to hook the lock.

3. Wedge and Rod

It is possible to unlock the door by using a rod and a wedge. This method should be used with extreme caution to prevent damaging the window or door.

Preventive Measures

It is better to prevent a lockout than deal with it. Here are some tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.

1. Always Keep an Extra Key

Keep a spare car key in a safe place. This will prevent you from being locked out. Use a magnetic car key holder to attach it to the underside.

2. Use Keyless Entry

Always carry your key fob if you have a keyless system in your car. You can unlock your car using a smartphone application. This adds an extra layer of convenience and security.

3. Routine Checks

It is a good habit to always check your keys before you close the door. By creating a routine, you can avoid accidentally locking the keys in your car.

4. Duplicate keys

Make duplicates of your keys to keep in multiple locations. You can keep one key at home, another at work and a third with a family member or trusted friend.

When to Call for Professional Help

Calling a professional can be the best and safest solution. Here are some situations when you should call for professional help.

1. High-Security Locks

Modern cars have locks with high-security levels that are hard to operate without the right tools and expertise. Professional locksmiths can open these locks without damaging the car.

2. Electronic Locks

You could do more damage to your vehicle if you try to unlock the electronic lock yourself. Electronic lockouts can only be handled by professionals who have the tools and know-how to handle them.

3. Keys Lost or Broken

A locksmith can make a replacement key if you have lost yours or if the piece has broken in the lock. This is done without damaging the locking mechanism.

Conclusion

It can be a stressful and inconvenient experience to lock yourself out of your vehicle. However, knowing the right steps to follow will help you manage this situation. You can save time, money and frustration by staying calm, assessing the options and knowing when to contact a professional who can assist you. Preventative measures can reduce future lockouts. You can always call on professional assistance to unlock your vehicle safely.