What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
Many car owners have locked their cars out at some point. This can be a bit scary and difficult, but there are ways to fix it.
Instead of panicking, stay calm and consider all your options prior to making a decision based on emotion. You might be able to get roadside assistance from your credit card or insurance policy.
1. Lock the doors
If you locked yourself out of your car, the first step is to make sure that all the doors are locked. A lot of people forget things when they're in a hurry, so the first thing you'd like to do is spend your time trying to open a door that isn't locked in the first place!
Make sure all windows are shut. Many people who are locked outside their car fail to shut the windows behind them. This can result in an issue in the future!
Also, it's an excellent idea to inform your family and friends know that you're locked out of your vehicle. That way, they will be in a position to watch out for you and assist you out in a pinch. If you are purchasing an automobile It is an excellent idea to keep spare keys in a secure place. This will prevent you from locking yourself out of the future!
You can try using one of the solutions mentioned above to regain access to your vehicle. For example, you can employ a screwdriver in order to open the lock and insert a rod through it (or something similar). Another option is to straighten the hanger of a coat and slide it between the window and the weatherstripping in order to pull up the locking mechanism. You can also purchase inflatable wedge kits specifically made for this purpose.
Keep in mind that there are instances that you can't wait for assistance to unlock the door. For instance, if have a pet or a child locked in the car and you aren't at risk of them becoming cold or hot inside as you wait for someone to arrive and unlock the door!
2. Help is available
Being locked out of your vehicle can be an extremely stressful experience. If you are at peace and call for help you won't have to make your day any worse.
If you discover that you're locked out of your car, you should first assess the situation to determine if it is an urgent matter. If your vehicle is in an area that is prone to danger like near railroad tracks or an area with a high crime rate it may be difficult to determine if this is an emergency. If you're able to call 911 and inform them that there's children or pets in the car.
Get help if you are unable to contact someone right away. A friend or family member might be able to open your car door for you, or they may have a spare key they could leave with you in case in an emergency. Alternately, you can try breaking windows, though this isn't recommended as it could be dangerous and costly, especially in the case of windows made of safety glass.
Keep the number of a Gainesville Locksmith on hand in the event that you lose your keys inside your home. So, you'll be assured that a professional will be there to assist you in no time at all.
If you're a part of a roadside assistance program, such as AAA It's a great idea to have their contact number in your pocket, too. Many of these companies offer 24/7 services and will have professionals on-call to handle lockout situations. They'll usually return you to your car without damaging it and therefore are worth a call. G28 's recommended to be a habit of checking for your keys prior to leaving your vehicle, and consider the use of keychains that help to make them more noticeable.
3. Find a spare key
The best way to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle is to keep an extra key. It might seem like an inconvenience but it's a lot less expensive than calling a tow truck or locksmith! You can keep an extra key in your purse or wallet, or even in a magnetic key holder that you can attach to the side 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 alternative is to request a family member or friend member to bring your spare key when you're away from home. This only works when they're within driving distance, but it can save you time and money in an emergency lockout.
You can also alternate keys with friends or roommates every month to prevent wearing down your main key. This is particularly useful in areas with significant amount of snow. The cold weather can accelerate key wear.
It's never a good feeling to lose your keys, however, it happens to everyone. Keep calm and come up with plans if you find yourself in the same situation. Keep in mind that there are a lot of tools and tricks to help you get back into your car, including using a Slim Jim or other tool, inflatable wedges, a bobby pin, or a coat hanger made of wire. Don't give up. It could take a few attempts, but don't give up! You'll eventually unlock your door. Be sure to look through all doors, particularly if you think you locked yourself from your back window.
4. For assistance at the roadside, call
A locked car can be a frustrating and frightening situation, particularly when you have pets or children in the. Luckily, there are many ways to get back into your vehicle, such as calling for roadside assistance or obtaining an extra key.
The first step is to be calm and weigh all your options. This will prevent you from making rash decisions and stop you from taking drastic measures that could be dangerous for yourself or others. Be sure you don't keep an extra key in a secluded place outside your home because it could be a great way for thieves to find it. It's better to leave a spare key with a neighbor or a family member, and to look over your car before you leave.
If you own a modern vehicle with keyless entry, it may be easier to get back in your vehicle. If you're driving an older car you'll need to test different methods. There are many gas stations that have tools to open your car door without causing any damage. One method, for instance, involves using a hook to open the lock. Another alternative is to make use of a shoelace.
If you have keys that are in the ignition, or if you suspect someone is stuck in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. A police officer or firefighter might be able unlock the door of your car based on the situation. If not, you should call a locksmith for assistance. Keep the contact number of your local locksmith handy because it could take time for them to reach you.
5. Contact a locksmith
A locksmith is your best option if you're locked in your car and are unable to access it using any other method. These professionals specialize in unlocking vehicles, so they're able to do it quickly and efficiently. They can also assist you to avoid lockouts in the future by installing alarms, and offering advice on vehicle security procedures.
Before calling for help, be sure to check all of the doors and make sure that your keys are actually secured. It's easy to lose a car key, especially when you are hurrying to leave or you're not paying attention. You can avoid lots of hassle by making sure you check each door.
If you are stranded in your car, roadside assistance services like AAA can be extremely helpful. They're usually in a matter of minutes and carry kits specially created for this type of situation. You can also call an auto locksmith in your area for immediate assistance. Many of them offer 24 hour emergency assistance.
If you're unable to break into your vehicle yourself it's better to locate a safe spot to remain and wait for help. If you are able, find an area where passers-by won't think you're a burglar or a robber.
Being locked out of your car can be a huge hassle. If you have a spare, follow the proper locking procedures and don't rush when you get into and out of your vehicle, you're not likely to have this issue often. If it does happen, however don't panic as there are many solutions that can help you solve the issue and get on track!