What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
The majority of car owners have locked themselves out of their cars at some point. It can be stressful and scary however, you can fix it.
Instead of panicking, remain calm and think through all your options prior to making a rash decision. You may be eligible for roadside assistance through a credit card or insurance policy that could help you out.
1. Lock the doors
The first thing you need to do when you've locked yourself out of your car is to make sure all the doors are locked. In a rush people can forget things. The most important thing you don't want to do is to waste your time trying open the door that isn't locked!
After that, make sure all the windows are closed. Many people who have their windows locked outside their car forget to close the windows behind them. This can cause a major issue in the future!
Also, it's an excellent idea to inform your friends and family be aware that you're locked out of your car. They'll be able to keep an eye on you and assist you in the event of an emergency. If you're buying a new car, it is an excellent idea to keep extra keys in a secure place. This will stop you from locking yourself out in the future!
You can try one of the solutions listed above to regain access to your vehicle. For instance, you could employ a screwdriver in order to pry the lock open and stick a rod through it (or something similar). Another alternative is to straighten a coat hanger and slip it between the window and the weatherstripping to pull up the locking mechanism. There are inflatable wedge kits specifically made specifically for this.
Keep in mind that there are situations where you are unable to wait for assistance to open the door. If you have a pet or a child locked in your car you may not want wait for help to help you get them out.
2. Call for help
It can be a stressful situation to lock yourself out of your car. But if you remain calm and call for help, it doesn't have to ruin your day.
When you realize you've locked yourself out of your vehicle take a look at the situation and determine whether it's an emergency. If your car is in an area that is prone to danger, such as close to railroad tracks or in an area with a high crime rate it may be difficult to determine if this is an emergency. If you're able to contact 911, let them know there is an animal or child in the car.
If you are unable to get in touch with someone immediately, ask for help from other people. You may be able to unlock your car 's doors with the assistance of a friend or family member, or they may have an extra set of keys that they could leave with you. You can also try to break the window, but this isn't recommended as it could be costly and dangerous, especially when they're made of safety glasses.
It's also a good idea to keep the number of a Gainesville locksmith in your pocket, in case you lock your keys in your home one day. This way, you'll find a professional to assist you in a short time at all.
If you're part of an assistance program for roadside emergencies, like AAA It's a great idea to keep their number on hand, too. A lot of these companies offer 24/7 support, and have professionals on hand to assist in lockout situations. They'll usually get you back into your car without damaging it and therefore are worth a call. It's recommended to be a habit of checking for your keys before leaving your vehicle, and consider the use of keychains that aid in making them more visible.
3. Get an extra key
The best way to prevent getting locked out of your car is to have an extra key. This may seem like a first-world problem however it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or tow company! Keep an extra key in your purse or wallet, or in a magnetic key holder which you can fix to the side of your vehicle. You can also buy a kit that includes inflatable wedges and long reach tools to help get into a locked car.
Another option is to request a family member or friend member to carry your spare key when you're away from home. This is only a good idea if you're within driving distance of them obviously, but it could save you money and time in the event of an emergency lockout.
You can also switch keys with roommates or friends each month to prevent wearing down your primary key. This is particularly useful when you live in an area with a lot 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 all of us. Be calm and create an action plan in case you find yourself in the same situation. Remember that there are plenty of tools and techniques to assist you in getting back in your vehicle, such as using a Slim Jim or other tool, inflatable wedges as well as a bobby pin or a wire coat hanger. Don't give up. It could take a few attempts, but keep at it! You'll eventually be able to unlock your door. Make sure you check all the doors, especially if believe you've locked yourself out of the back window.
4. For assistance at the roadside, call
Cars that are locked can be a stressful and terrifying situation, especially if you have pets or children in the. Luckily, there are many ways to get back into your vehicle, such as asking for assistance at the roadside or obtaining an extra key.
The first step is to be calm and weigh all your alternatives. This will help you to avoid making poor decisions and prevent you from taking rash actions that could pose danger for you or others. It is also advisable to not leave an extra key in your house in a hidden place. This could be a way for thieves to find the key. It is better to leave a spare key with a neighbour or family member and to check your car before leaving.
It may be easier to get into your car if you have keys-less entry systems on a car that is newer. However, if you own an older vehicle, you'll need to try different methods. Many gas stations have tools to open the door of your car without damaging it. One option is to use a hook that is long and pull the lock. You could also utilize the shoelace.
Call 911 immediately if your keys are not in your ignition or you suspect someone is trapped inside your vehicle. Depending on the situation a police officer or firefighter might be able to unlock the door of your car. If not, you should contact a locksmith for assistance. Be sure to have the number of a local business in your pocket, as it may take a while for them to reach you.
5. Call a locksmith
A locksmith is the best option if you're stuck out of your car and can't access it using any other means. Locksmiths are skilled at unlocking cars and can do it fast. They also can assist you to avoid lockouts in the future by installing alarm systems and providing advice on vehicle securing procedures.
Double-check that all doors are locked and that your keys have been locked before calling for assistance. It's easy to forget a key in your car, particularly in the event that you're distracted or hurrying as you exit. You can save yourself lots of hassle by checking each door.
If you are stranded outside your vehicle roadside assistance services such as AAA can be extremely useful. They have specially designed kits to help in these situations and will typically be there within a few minutes. You can also call a local auto-locksmith for immediate assistance. A lot of them provide 24-hour emergency service.
If you're unable to gain entry into your vehicle, it is best to wait for help in a safe area. If you're able, try to find a spot where passers-by will not think you're a robber or burglar.
It's an enormous discomfort to be locked out of your vehicle. If you have a spare, follow the proper locking procedures, and don't rush to get into and out of your car, you're unlikely to have this issue often. If it does happen, however do not panic - there are plenty of workarounds that can help you resolve the problem and get back to your normal routine!