What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
The majority of car owners have locked themselves out of their vehicles at some point. It can be frustrating and scary however, you can get it fixed.
Instead of panicking, remain calm and think through all options before making a decision based on emotion. You may be able receive assistance on the road with your credit card or insurance policy.
1. Lock the doors
If you've locked yourself out of your car, the first thing to do is to make sure that all doors are securely locked. A lot of people make mistakes when they're in a rush and the most important thing you don't want to do is spend all your time trying to open a door that isn't locked in the first instance!
Make sure all windows are closed. Many times, people who are locked out of their car fail to shut the windows behind them. This can create a major issue in the future!
Also, it's a good idea to let your friends and family know that you're locked out of the car. That way, they will be capable of keeping an eye out for you and assist you out in the event of a crisis. If you're buying a new vehicle It is an excellent idea to keep extra keys in a secure place. This will prevent you from locking yourself out of the future!
You can employ one of the methods listed above to get into your vehicle. For instance, you could employ a screwdriver and rod to open the lock. Another option is to straighten a coat hanger and slide it between the window and the weatherstripping to open up the locking mechanism. You can even buy inflatable wedge kits specifically made for this use.
Keep in mind that there are times that you can't wait for help to unlock the door. For example, if you have a pet or child in the car that is locked or in the car, you might not be in a position to let them get cold or hot inside as you wait for someone to come and free them!
2. Call for help
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a stressful and upsetting experience. If you are calm and reach out for help it won't make your day any worse.
When you realize you've locked yourself out of your car, first survey the situation and determine if it is an emergency. If your car is in an unsafe area like close to railroad tracks or in an area with a high rate of crime it can be difficult to determine if this is an emergency. If you are able to contact 911, inform them that there is an animal or child in the car.
If you can't contact someone immediately, solicit assistance from others. You might be able unlock your car's door with assistance of a family member, or they may have a spare set of keys they can leave with you. You could also attempt to break the window, but this is not recommended because it could be costly and risky, particularly when they're made of safety glasses.
Keep the number of a Gainesville Locksmith handy in case you need to lock your keys in your home. So, you'll have a professional there to help you in no time at all.
If you're a part of an assistance program for roadside emergencies, like AAA, it's a good idea to have their number on hand, too. Many of these organizations offer 24/7 services and will have a team of experts available to assist in lockout situations. They can usually help you get into your car without causing any damage to it. They're worth a call. It's also a good idea to keep a routine of checking for your keys before leaving your vehicle, and consider using keychain accessories that aid in making them more visible.
3. Find a spare key
The best method to avoid being locked out of your vehicle is to keep an extra key. This may appear to be a problem of the first order, but it is much cheaper than calling a locksmith or a tow company! You can keep the spare key in your purse or wallet or in a key holder with magnetic magnets that you can put on the bottom of your car. You can also buy an item kit that has inflatable wedges and long reach tools to help gain entry into a locked vehicle.
Another option is to request a family member or friend member to bring your spare key in case you're away from home. This only works when you're within a reasonable driving distance of them however, it can save you time and money in the event of an emergency lockout.
You can also swap keys with friends or roommates every month to avoid wearing down your primary key. This is especially helpful when you live in an area with a large amount of snow. The cold weather can cause wear on keys to increase.
It's never a good feeling to lose your keys, but it does happen to everyone. Stay calm and make plans if you are in a similar situation. Be aware that there are plenty of tools and techniques to help you get back into your vehicle, such as using a Slim Jim or other tool like inflatable wedges or a bobby pin or a wire coat hanger. It could take a few tries but don't give up! Eventually, you'll be able to unlock your door. Just be sure to check all the doors, especially if think you locked yourself out of your back window.
4. Call for roadside assistance
Cars that are locked up can be an extremely stressful situation, especially when you have pets or children inside. There are a variety of ways to gain access to your vehicle, including calling for roadside assistance or obtaining a spare key.
The first step is to remain in a calm state and be aware of all your choices. This will prevent you from making rash decisions and prevents you from taking drastic measures that could be risky for you or others. Be sure you don't hide an additional key in a hidden place outside your home because it could be a great way for thieves to track it down it. It's a better idea to keep an extra key with a neighbor or family member, as well as to make it a habit of checking your car prior to leaving.
It may be easier to access your vehicle if you've got keys-less entry systems on a car that is newer. However, if you own an older car you'll need to test other ways. There are many gas stations that can assist you with this as they usually have tools that will open your door without damage. One example involves using a long hook to pull the lock open. You could also utilize the shoelace.
Contact 911 immediately if you suspect your keys are not in your ignition, or you suspect that someone is trapped in your vehicle. A police officer or firefighter could be able to open your car's door depending on the situation. If you need help contact an emergency locksmith. Keep the contact number of the locksmith you have in your area since it could take time for them to get to you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
If you can't open your car using any other method then a locksmith is the best option. These professionals specialize in unlocking vehicles, so they can do it quickly and efficiently. They can also help you prevent future lockouts, by installing alarms and providing tips on security procedures for your vehicle.
Before calling for help, be sure to double-check all of the doors and make sure that your keys are actually locked in. It's easy to lose the car keys, particularly in the event of a rush to exit or you're not paying attention. A thorough check of each door could save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Assistance at the roadside like AAA are also helpful if you're stuck in your car. www.g28carkeys.co.uk have specially designed kits for these situations and can typically arrive in a matter of minutes. You can also call a local auto-locksmith for immediate assistance. Many of them offer 24 hour emergency assistance.
If you can't get into your car yourself, it may be better to locate an area that is safe to remain and wait for assistance. If you're able locate a spot where passers-by won't think you're a robber or a burglar.
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a huge hassle. If you have a spare key, follow proper securing procedures and don't hurry when you get into and out of your vehicle, it's unlikely that this will happen all the time. If it does, though do not panic - there are many solutions to help you fix the problem and get back on your way!