The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Locked Out Car

What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is a pain. But don't panic. There are a variety of options available, including calling an automaker app (like GM's OnStar) or signing up to a roadside assistance provider or leaving an extra key with your family or friends.

You can also prevent lockouts by creating routines, like checking your pockets prior to leaving your vehicle and finding an appropriate place to keep your keys.

Review the Situation

The first step to take when you are locked out of your car is take a look at the situation. Make sure to check the weather and the time of day to ensure your safety and that there are no other issues.

There are a variety of options based on the situation. You can ask someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide you with the spare key, If you have one. Many modern key finders also allow you to track your keys using an app on your mobile, making it easier to locate them when you're locked out.

You may require assistance from a professional if you don't have a spare car key or in the event that you're unable to request assistance. The most important thing to consider is your safety and the safety of any pets or children that are also locked in the vehicle. Do not force or break the door to open the car.

Instead, look for an alternative entry point into the trunk or car. Threading a shoestring through the lock or using an inflatable wedge can create a gap between the door and the frame that you can reach your arm or tool through. Depending on the vehicle lockout service you have you may also be in a position to open the trunk with the help of a screwdriver.

You may also inquire with your roadside assistance provider to find out whether they offer services for locking keys in the car. While these services can be costly but they are usually more efficient than attempting to make your own tools or forcing your way into. These services are less likely to harm your vehicle.

It's also important to note that DIY car unlocking could cause physical damage to the vehicle or its security system. It can also be illegal to alter a car lock without the appropriate credentials, and in certain cases, it can even cause the loss of your warranty. These risks should be weighed against the cost of professional assistance.

Call for Help

It's all too easy to get back to your car only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. Absentmindedness, forgetting the keys in your pocket or purse when you leave the vehicle or even faulty locks can all contribute to this frustrating situation. Instead of panicking, take a few moments to assess your options and decide on the best plan of action.

The first thing you need to do is check each door locked out car in your car. If the doors are unlocked you can still open one by using wire hanger or a shoelace (though it could take a long time and a lot of effort to get these tools to the right place).

Next, contact for assistance. Assistance services for roadside emergencies like AAA can be lifesaver when getting out of a car that is locked, Moody says. They are always available and will dispatch an expert as soon as they are able. Be aware that it may take half an hour or more for someone to arrive.

In addition to roadside assistance, you can also seek out an auto locksmith in your area to help you unlock a locked out car. A skilled professional can unlock your vehicle without causing damage and will even make you an additional key in the event of need. Certain automakers have smartphone apps that you can use to unlock your car if you forget the keys. Check with your car's manufacturer to find out if there's such an app available for your particular model.

Finally, it's worthwhile to contact local towing companies about their lockout services. While they usually specialize in recovery and towing but some also have the tools and know-how to unlock vehicles too.

You could also contact a family member or friend member who has access to the vehicle. Be sure to ask them to bring a spare key. Some communities also have non-profit organizations or community support services that offer assistance in cases such as the lockout of your car. These resources can be contacted at no cost or at a cost.

Stay calm

Be calm when you're locked out of your car. The stress of being frustrated can affect your judgement and make the situation worse. Taking deep breaths and trying to maintain a calm mind will allow you to think clearly, and come up with a solution that will work for your particular situation.

After you have regained composure, it is important to look over the situation and try to determine whether there is an easy way to get into your vehicle. Many people think they have locked themselves out of their vehicle only to discover that they had left an open window or the trunk open as they prepared to leave. A quick jog around the car is the best way to check for any issues.

It is the right time to call for assistance after assessing the situation. This is the safest and most responsible option because it ensures that someone with the appropriate tools will be on the scene soon. Many roadside assistance providers have apps or websites that connect you to locksmiths in your area who are able to handle car lockout situations efficiently and securely.

If you opt to go the DIY route, be very careful not to use methods that will damage your vehicle. There are a myriad of hacks and tricks you can find on the internet, but most of them aren't safe or effective for modern cars. Some of these hacks could cause permanent or even irreparable damage to your car's security system, which is why it is best to leave this kind of work to experts.

After your car lockout issue is solved, you need to think about taking preventive measures. The idea of keeping a spare key with a trusted friend or family member or using technology, such as key finders, could be helpful in avoiding a future lockout. Regular maintenance and regular vehicle checks can reduce the likelihood that you'll find yourself in a car lockout situation. By following these guidelines you can avoid the stress and frustration of a lockout in your car and drive away happy knowing that you handled it responsibly.

Take Preventive Action

You can minimize the chance of locking your keys inside your car by following a few simple steps. A spare key, a routine and technology can help you avoid car lockouts.

If you have a spare, keep it in a safe place that is easy to find. This means you'll be able to access your vehicle quickly whenever the need arises.

You should also check the doors and trunk to ensure that your keys are not locked in the trunk prior to calling for assistance. Also, it's an excellent idea to inform a trusted friend or family member of the situation so that they can monitor you while you wait for help. This is a precautionary measure and could aid you in staying calm when waiting for assistance.

In a lot of cases people are locked out of their vehicles because they misplace or forget their keys. To solve this problem you can establish an established routine. Repeat a short phrase, or chant, that lists all the items you must bring every time you're about to leave your vehicle. By doing this, you'll be less likely to forget your keys, particularly when you're in a hurry or distracted.

Another reason that causes car lockouts is to gain entry into the vehicle without the proper tools. The coat hanger trick and the shoelace method are two common methods that can damage your car. If you find yourself in a situation that is urgent for instance, when a child or pet is trapped in a room the vehicle, removing a window could be essential to ensure their safety.

In the majority of instances, locking yourself out of your car is not a major issue. It can be resolved by following a few simple steps. You can avoid the frustration and stress that can result from this scenario by taking a look at your surroundings and remaining calm. Taking preventive measures and having a spare key on the go, and using technology to your advantage can help you to deal with the issue quickly and effectively.