Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid them.
The first step to take is to remain calm. Assess the situation carefully. Stress can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to find an answer. Next, call for help if necessary. This is the most reliable and safest option.
Make sure you have your keys in order prior to leaving the Car.
Getting locked out of the car is one of the most frequent problems drivers face. It can happen at any time and can be an source of stress and stress. There are steps you can take to prevent this from repeating itself.
Check all your car doors for keys before you panic. Also, empty your pockets and bags in the event that your keys are accidentally dropped. Lastly, walk back through your day to determine whether you might have put the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something and put them out of the way.
Many people try DIY methods to gain access to their cars when they are locked out, such as using coat hangers or bobby pins to open the lock. These methods could be risky and can damage your car's lock or windows. Modern vehicles also come with advanced alarms for security and lock systems that will start if these devices are used to gain access into the vehicle.
In addition to using a professional locksmith or roadside assistance service it is important to have an extra key on hand. There are a range of different alternatives, like a universal car key, in shops like your local hardware store or discount department stores. A spare key will make sure you get into your car quickly and conveniently when you find yourself in an awkward situation.
If you are a new car owner or bought your vehicle as a certified pre-owned model, you could be eligible for free roadside assistance from the dealership's website or from the manufacturer's website. These services can include help with car lockouts, as well with a range of other issues. You can also download the HONK app to your phone and connect to a professional locksmith or towing business near you to assist you in a time of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or up-front charges and will let you know what your service will cost before they arrive.
Keep a Spare Key on your side
A spare key is the best option to prevent car lockouts. It provides you with a means to gain access to your vehicle in the event that your primary key gets lost, and it will save you the headache of calling emergency locksmith services for help.
It can be very frustrating to find yourself locked out of your vehicle however, you must remain calm and logical to find the best solution. Contacting roadside assistance is typically the best option as these professionals have the tools needed to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have a roadside service plan or plan to call an locksmith instead.
Another alternative is to keep an extra key at your workplace or in your home. This is a great option for those who share vehicles or live in homes shared by others as it makes it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure that all of your keys are in the right place when you need they are. You can also leave the spare key with a family member, so long as you trust them to return the key in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to make sure it functions properly. Ideally, you should also store the spare key in a hidden place that's difficult for a burglar to track. If you are unsure where to store your keys you could use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted people will be able to access. Also, you may prefer to give the spare key to a family member who lives nearby and can help you retrieve it if needed.
Finally, you should be aware that a spare key could eventually degrade the original key, so it's an ideal idea to swap out the spare every month or so. This will prevent your primary key from becoming worn down and can prevent future problems. It can be difficult, but it can save you money over the long term by avoiding the need to hire an emergency locksmith.
Use a Wedge and a Long-Reach Tool
Car lockouts can occur due to various reasons. Some lockouts in cars result from human error, while some are due to technical issues. You should do all you can to avoid these incidents from happening. Fortunately, there are a handful of tools you can keep in your bag to ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle.
Another option is to employ a wedge to create a gap between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. Then, you can move the rod, or straight wire clotheshanger through the gap, to trigger the door handle inside. But, this method isn't easy to maneuver through the tight spaces.
A better alternative is to invest in an extended-reach tool specifically designed for car lockouts. Many of these tools have a flexible cover that can be used to stop damage to the weather stripping, the paint, and the edge of the car door during a lockout. The sleeve also protects your hands and fingers while using the long-reach tool.
The majority of these tools are designed in standard configurations that allow immediate access to the majority of situations, without any further modifications. Some even come with a distinct color that makes them easy to find in dim light. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit provides maximum versatility. It comes with four of the most common long-reach tool plus a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges and a lockout tape that is protective.
Many people try to break in with an iron rod or hanger to get inside their car but it could be risky and costly. It could cause damage to the lock system of the vehicle and also the paint, door and window. Moreover, breaking in could even lead to a police investigation and lead to additional charges.
It is best to call roadside assistance unless you are in an urgent situation, such as the child or a vulnerable person locked in the car. A service such as HONK will send you an auto locksmith on demand who can unlock your car quickly and securely. The app displays upfront prices, so you don't have to worry about hidden fees or bargaining with the tow truck driver.
Need Help?
Getting locked out of your vehicle is not just frustrating, but it's also dangerous. If vehicle unlock service attempt to unlock your vehicle without the proper tools you could damage your vehicle that will make it difficult to access in the future. Professional lockout services have the necessary tools and know-how to unlock your car quickly and without damaging your vehicle. This will save you time and stress.
Stay calm and contact a professional in the event that you are stranded in your car with your keys locked inside. Do not attempt to unlock your vehicle using the DIY methods you've seen on the Internet. These hacks may work for some cars but they can cause serious damage to modern vehicles with advanced locking mechanisms.
Your local towing company can provide a lockout service at affordable prices. Some automakers also offer smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these brands and have an active warranty or roadside assistance program, be sure to look into their apps for more information on how you can use them.
You can also contact your local auto dealership to ask if they are able to unlock your vehicle. This service could be offered at no cost or at a cost of a small amount dependent on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. Some non-profit groups and community support organizations also provide assistance to those who are locked out of their vehicle. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to find more about the options available in your area.
Being locked out of your car is not fun, but it doesn't have to ruin your day. By remaining calm and calling for help and taking precautions to avoid this common occurrence in the future. Make sure to make sure you have a spare key, if you have one before leaving the vehicle and also make a habit of checking each door for keys prior to closing them. If you are unable to locate your keys, leave a spare key with a neighbor or trusted friend. Also, practice safe driving every time you enter the car.