Preventing Car Lockouts

Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating. There are ways to avoid them.

The first step to take is to remain calm. Examine the situation with care. Panicking could cloud your judgment and make it more difficult to come up with the solution. Call for help if needed. This is the most secure and least damaging method.

Check your keys before leaving the car

One of the most common issues drivers face is being locked out of their vehicle. It happens when you least expect it to, which can cause a lot of stress and frustration. Thankfully, there are ways you can help prevent this problem from happening in the future.

Before you panic, be sure to make sure you check the doors to your car for your keys. It's also recommended to empty your pockets and bags, in case you have accidentally dropped your keys in someplace. Also, go back through your day to check whether you might have put the keys down or reached into your bag to grab something, and knocked them out of the way.

Many people try DIY methods to gain access to their car when they are locked outside, such as using bobby pins or coat hangers to open the locks. However, these methods are often dangerous and may damage the locks or windows of your vehicle. Additionally, modern vehicles have more advanced locking systems and alarms that are likely to be activated if you attempt to employ these methods to gain access to the vehicle.

In addition to using an experienced locksmith or a roadside assistance, it's important to keep a spare key on hand. In the stores like your local hardware store, you'll discover a variety of options, including a universal key. A spare key can allow you to get into your vehicle quickly and easily in case you are in a stressful situation.

If you're a brand new owner of a car or purchased your car as a certified pre-owned model, you could get roadside assistance from the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These services can include help with car lockouts as well with a range of other problems. You can also download the HONK application for your smartphone to connect with a local locksmith or towing company to assist you in a crisis. Unlike traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or up-front charges and lets you know how to get keys out of locked car much the service will cost prior to when they arrive.

Keep an extra key in your bag

A spare key at hand is one of the best ways to prevent car lockouts. You'll still have access to your vehicle even when you lose your primary key. It also keeps you from needing to call an emergency locksmith service.

Locked out of your car can be a stressful experience, but it's important to stay calm and think rationally to determine the most efficient solution. In most cases, calling roadside assistance is the best option, since they have the tools necessary to unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you do not have a roadside assistance plan, you can call a locksmith instead.

You can also keep a spare key in your home office or at work. This is a great solution for those who share cars or have shared homes because it makes it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure that all your keys are available when you need them. You can also leave an extra key with someone close to you or a friend, if you believe they will return it in the event of an emergency.

Test your spare key to make sure it functions properly. You should also keep your spare key in a place that is hard to locate by burglars. If you're not sure of where to store your spare keys you could use the key lockbox. Only you and trusted people will be able to access. You could also give the spare key to an individual from your family or a friend who lives nearby and can bring it to you in the event of an emergency.

You should also be aware that a spare key can be worn down by the original key, which is why it's an ideal idea to change your spare every few months. This will prevent your original key from becoming worn down and can prevent future issues. It can be tedious, but it will save you money in the end by avoiding the need to hire an emergency locksmith.

Make use of a wedge and a Long-Reach Tool

There are a variety of reasons why vehicles lock themselves out. Some car lockouts result from human error, while others are due to technical issues. It is important to do everything you can to avoid such incidents from happening. There are few tools that you can keep in your bag 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 the body. This allows you to move a straightened wire or rod clothes hanger through the gap, which allows you to activate the door handle inside or lock button. But, this method isn't easy to maneuver in the tight spaces.

An alternative is to invest in an extended-reach tool specifically designed for car lockouts. Most of these tools have a sleeve that can be used to prevent damage to the weather stripping, the paint and the edges of the car door during a lockout. The sleeve is also helpful for protecting your fingers and hands when using the long-reach tool.

These tools are bent in regular configurations to be utilized quickly in most situations. Some tools even have colored differently to aid in their identification in dim light. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit gives you the most versatility. It comes with four of the most commonly used long-reach tool plus a Button Master, Mega Master snare, two air wedges and protective lockout tape.

Some people try to gain entry using a rod or hanger to gain entry into their vehicle, but it can be risky and expensive. It is not only possible to damage the vehicle's lock system and the lock mechanism, but it can also cause physical damage to the door, window and paint. In addition, a break-in could cause an investigation by the police, and possibly additional charges.

Unless there is an emergency, like small children or vulnerable individuals who are locked inside the vehicle, it's recommended to contact roadside assistance. A service such as HONK can send you an auto locksmith on-demand who will open your vehicle quickly and securely. The app will show you the cost upfront, meaning there's no need to worry about hidden fees or bargaining with tow truck drivers.

Call for Help

It's not just frustrating, but also risky to be locked out of your car. In the event that you attempt to unlock your vehicle without the right tools could lead to damage that makes it even more difficult to gain access to your vehicle in the future. Professional locksmiths have the equipment and knowledge to unlock your car swiftly without damaging it, thus making it easier for you to get your car unlocked and save time and stress.

Be 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 DIY methods you've seen on the internet. these hacks might work in certain situations but could be a major hazard to modern vehicles that have high-tech locking systems.

Towing companies in your local area can offer lockout services for a reasonable price. Some automakers also offer smartphone apps to unlock cars remotely. If you own a car from one of these manufacturers and you have an active warranty or roadside assistance plan, make sure to review their apps for more information on how to get a key out of a locked car to use them.

You can also contact your local auto dealership to ask if they are able to unlock your vehicle. This service can be provided at no cost or at a cost of a small amount dependent on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. In addition, some non-profit and community support groups can also provide assistance for people who find themselves in a car lockout situation. To learn more about the options available in your local area, contact your local community centers or social service organizations.

It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle, but it does not need to ruin your day. You can avoid this scenario in the future by remaining calm, calling for help and taking preventive steps. Make sure you have a spare key if you have it before leaving your vehicle. Also, be sure to check each door before closing it. If you can't find your keys you can leave a spare key with a neighbor or trusted friend. Also, practice safe driving every time you enter the car unlock services.