What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car

Most car lock out owners have locked themselves out of their vehicles at some time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and scary however, you can fix it.

Instead of panicking, remain at peace and contemplate all your options before making a decision based on emotion. You may be able to receive roadside assistance through 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 doors are securely locked. A lot of people make mistakes when they're in a rush and the first thing you'd like to do is spend all day trying to open a door that isn't locked in the first instance!

Make sure all windows are closed. Often, people who are locked out of their vehicles do not close the windows behind them. This can lead to problems in the future!

Also, it's an excellent idea to inform your family and friends know that you're locked out of your car. That way, they will be in a position to watch out for you and help you out in the event of a crisis. If you're considering buying new cars, it's always recommended to purchase extra keys and keep them in a safe place. This will prevent you from locking yourself out of your car in the future.

You can employ one of the methods mentioned above to gain entry into 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 option is to straighten the hanger of a coat and slide it between the window and the weatherstripping to open up the locking mechanism. You can buy inflatable wedge kits that are specifically designed to be used in this.

Remember, however, that there are situations in which you cannot wait for help to open the door. If you have a pet or child trapped in your car, you may not want to wait for help to free them.

2. Call for help

Being locked out of your vehicle can be an extremely stressful experience. If you stay calm and reach out for help you won't have to ruin your day.

When you realize you've locked yourself out of your car and you are locked out, first look over the situation to determine if it is an emergency. This can be difficult to accomplish if your car is in a dangerous area, like on railroad tracks or in a gang-swathed area. If you can, call 911 to let them know that there is a child or pet in the car and that you need their assistance.

Ask for help if you cannot reach someone immediately. A friend or family member might be able to open your car door for you, or they might have a spare key that they can leave with you in the event in the event of an emergency. You can also try to break the window, but it isn't advised as it can be costly and potentially dangerous, particularly in the case of safety glasses.

Keep the number of a Gainesville Locksmith on hand in case you need to lock your keys in your home. You can call an expert to assist you in a matter of minutes.

If you're part of an assistance program for roadside emergencies, like AAA It's a great idea to have their contact number available, too. Many of these organizations offer 24/7 services, and have professionals who can assist in lockout situations. They can often get you back into your car without damaging it, so they're worth the call. It's also a good idea to keep a routine of checking for your keys before you leave your vehicle, and consider using keychain accessories that help to make them more noticeable.

3. Get a spare key

Keep a spare car key to avoid being locked out. It might appear to be a hassle but it's a lot less expensive than calling locksmith or tow truck! Keep an extra key in your purse or wallet, or in a key holder with magnetic features that you can put on the underneath of your car. You could also invest in an inflatable wedge kit and tools that can extend to open a locked vehicle.

Another alternative is to ask a friend or family member to bring your spare key when you're away from home. This is only a good idea when you're within a reasonable driving distance of them, of course, but could save you time and money in the case of an emergency lockout.

It's recommended to alternate keys between roommates or your friends every month, so that you don't wear out the primary key as fast. This is especially helpful if you live near a large amount of snow. The cold winter weather can cause wear on keys to increase.

It's not fun to lose your keys but it does happen to all of us. If you are in this kind of situation, try to stay calm and make an alternative plan. There are many tools and tricks that can help you get into your vehicle, such as a Slim Jim, an inflatable wedge, a bobbypin or a wire hanger. Don't give up. It may take several attempts, but keep at it! You'll eventually be able to unlock your door. Make sure you look through all doors, particularly if you believe you've locked yourself from your back window.

4. For assistance at the roadside, call

Cars that are locked up can be an extremely stressful situation, especially when you have children or pets inside. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get back into your vehicle, such as calling for roadside assistance or obtaining an extra key.

The first step is to remain calm and consider all of your alternatives. This will help you avoid making rash decisions and prevents you from taking drastic measures that could be dangerous for yourself or others. Be sure you don't put the extra key in a secret location outside your home, as 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 a family member, and to make it a habit of checking your car before leaving.

It could be easier to access your car if you have an entry system that is keyless on a newer car. However, if you own an older car, you'll need to try different methods. There are many gas stations that can assist you with this, since they usually have tools that will open your door without damage. For example, one method involves using a long hook to pull the lock open. Another alternative is to use the shoelace.

If your keys are still in the ignition or if you suspect that someone is trapped inside your car, call 911 immediately. Depending on the situation, a police officer or firefighter may be able to open your car's door. Otherwise, it's best to contact a locksmith. Keep the number of your local locksmith handy as it may take some time for them to reach you.

5. Call a locksmith

If you can't open your car using any other method using a locksmith, a locksmith is your best option. Locksmiths are skilled at unlocking cars and can do it fast. They also can help you avoid future lockouts by installing alarm systems and offering advice on procedures for securing your vehicle.

Double-check that all doors are locked and your keys have been locked before calling for assistance. It's easy to lose the car key, especially in the event of a rush to exit or you're not paying attention. You can save yourself lots of hassle by securing each door.

If you're stuck in your car, roadside assistance services like AAA can be extremely helpful. They have kits specifically designed for such situations and can typically arrive in a matter of minutes. You can also contact an auto locksmith near you to get assistance quickly, and many of them provide 24/7 emergency service.

If you are unable to break into your car it is recommended to wait for help in a safe area. If you can, try to find a spot where passers-by won't think you're a robber or a burglar.

Being locked out of your car can be a major inconvenience. If you have a spare, make sure you follow the correct locking procedures and don't rush to go to and from your vehicle, you're not likely to have this issue often. Don't be worried, but if it occurs, there are plenty of ways to fix the problem and get back on track.