How To Explain Locked Out Of Your Car To A 5-Year-Old
Six Ways to Get Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your vehicle is an unpleasant and stressful situation. There are a myriad of methods that are safe and efficient to gain entry into your car.
Contacting roadside assistance or an urgent locksmith is the best option for a locksmith, since they have the tools to open your vehicle without causing any damage. By taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm will help to find the right solution.
1. Review the Situation
It's frustrating to be locked out of your car however it's crucial to remain calm and evaluate the situation. You'll be able to make informed choices that increase your chances of successfully regaining your keys and getting back on the road in a short time. This comprehensive guide will highlight six of the most common car lockout scenarios and provide efficient strategies to resolve the issues.
Misplacing or forgetting your keys is a typical reason for car lockouts. Many people are locked out of their car because their key fobs don't work or the doors don't open. Whatever the reason it is, you must remain calm and follow these steps to get back to driving in a hurry.
First, you should reassess the situation to determine if it is appropriate to attempt a DIY solution. If it's late, or you're in a busy area or crowded, it's probably not an ideal idea to reach into the trunk of your car or through the rear window. This is not just a risk of damaging your vehicle and placing yourself at risk of injury, but it may also trigger the car's security system or void your warranty.
If possible, reach out to your contacts from home to see if they have an extra key or are able to help you out in some other way. Consider using a roadside assistance application on your phone to contact a towing or locksmith service. If you're unable contact one of these services then it's time to contact for professional help. A towing service with the proper skills will be able manage your situation swiftly and safely.
2. Reach out for an extra key
Keep a spare key in a secure location. This will allow you to avoid costly assistance from the roadside or locksmith calls. If you have a friend or family member that knows where the spare key is kept ask them to bring it to you in the event of an emergency. In some instances you may even be able to use a smart phone application to gain access to your vehicle without having the actual key. This is a great alternative for those with more modern vehicles, which can be controlled using an app on your smartphone!
If you do not have a spare key, remain calm and assess the problem. Most of the time, when we are locked out of our car, it's because we closed the door with keys still in the car. Make sure to inspect all windows and doors before you panic. You might discover there is an open entry point you didn't notice.
You can also gain access to your car using a tool like a Slim Jim or inflatable wedges. These tools can be dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. They should only be used as a last resort.
If nothing else works, you can always contact your automaker or a third-party roadside assistance service to get help. They can send a professional to unlock your car for you, and the cost could be covered by your service plan. You can also engage locksmiths who can respond quickly. In many urban areas, you can find a 24-hour locksmith that offers reasonable rates and 24 hour service. Longo Toyota offers many vehicles with outstanding safety features. Make sure you check our latest inventory.
3. Help is available
The likelihood that you'll lock your keys in your car at one point or another are incredibly high. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including being distracted, keys falling from your purse or pocket as you exit the car or even malfunctioning locks. Whatever the cause is, it's important to remain calm and consider all your options.
The first step is to double-check all of your doors. It may seem obvious but many people fail to examine the door prior to closing the door, particularly in a crowded parking lot or in a strange setting. Contact 911 if you are unable to open any of the door. A police officer will be sent to your location as fast as is possible. Based on the circumstances, they may be able open your vehicle or summon tow-trucks for you.
Prepare for this situation by keeping an extra key at the office or at home or giving it to a family member or a neighbor who you trust. It's also recommended to establish a routine of always checking for your keys prior to closing the car door.
Professionals with training in roadside assistance are able to unlock the majority of vehicles. They are the safest and most affordable alternative. Make sure that your insurance policy provides roadside assistance prior to making a call, as some don't. If you don't have roadside assistance you can contact a locksmith to get help. Beware of scammers that offer the ability to unlock your vehicle for a fee. They may employ tools like slim jims to gain access to your vehicle and, in the majority of cases, cause extensive and costly damage to locking mechanisms.
4. Take unlock car services
Being locked out of your car is not a fun situation, but being panicked can only make the situation worse. Take your breath, take a look at the situation and follow the steps below to get back into your car quickly and safely.
First, check to make sure you really have locked your keys in the car. Then take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check all the doors and windows. Examine the trunk of your hatchback or SUV. Examine the surrounding area to see if any potential hazards exist like an unidentified person or activity which could put your safety at risk.
It's possible to open a window to escape the car, but be sure to look around for pedestrians and other vehicles before you attempt this. You should also consider whether you have a spare key at home, or if have roadside assistance from your insurance company. Numerous roadside assistance providers provide assistance for car lockouts as well as other common issues like battery jump-starts and flat tires.
These preventative measures can prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Consider keeping an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend so they can assist you if you ever are locked out. You could also consider investing in an electronic key system for your vehicle to avoid the hassles of having to fumble around with a spare set of keys when you're out and out and about. You can also employ an innovative trick that professional mountaineers use to get out a tight area. For instance you can thread a shoestring through a door and tie an elastic knot to lift a post lock. Or, you can inflate a blood-pressure cuff to create a gap to stick your arm or attach a device.
5. Call for Help
It is essential to be calm and rational when you are locked out of your vehicle. Don't try improvised tricks like a shoelace or wire coat hanger, since they can cause damage and may not work. The most reliable and secure option is to seek assistance from a roadside assist service or a professional locksmith. Numerous auto insurance companies and automakers offer these services, which often come at a cost. However they do have the tools required to unlock a vehicle without causing damage to it.
A number of modern vehicles have technology that can help drivers who are locked out of their vehicles. Some automakers offer smartphones with apps that transform your phone into a remote control for your car, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. If you have one of these vehicles, it's a good idea to sync it with the app prior to when you'll need it. Longo Toyota offers a variety of newer models with impressive security features. These features can help you avoid future lockouts.
You can also avoid paying for a expensive roadside assistance or locksmith call by leaving a spare car key with a neighbor or friend and ensuring that your car's door locking mechanism is operating correctly. You can also minimize the risk of an accidental lockout by checking your car before you leave and keeping a spare in a secure location in the event that you forget. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of new vehicles and see which ones have the safety and convenience features you're looking for.