7 Things About Car Lockouts You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Preventing Car Lockouts

Car lockouts can be frustrating and stressful. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them.

The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation with a keen eye. Panicking can make you lose your focus and make it harder to come up with a solution. Call for help if needed. This is the most secure and least damaging option.

Make sure you have your keys in order before leaving the car

One of the most common problems drivers face is getting locked out of their car. It can happen at any time and is an issue that causes frustration and anxiety. There are ways you can make sure this issue doesn't happen again happening in the future.

Before you panic, be sure to look through all the doors of your vehicle for keys. It's also recommended to empty your bags and pockets just in case you accidentally dropped your keys somewhere. Last but not least, go back and review your day to determine if you accidentally dropped the keys or reached inside your bag to grab something to push them out of the way.

Many people are tempted to try DIY methods to gain access to their vehicle when they are locked outside, such as using coat hangers or bobby pins to pick the locks. However these methods are typically risky and could damage the windows or locks of your car. Modern vehicles also have advanced alarms and lock systems that will set off if these tools are used to gain entry into the vehicle.

In addition to having an experienced locksmith or a roadside assistance service, it's important to keep an extra key in your pocket. In shops like your local hardware store, you'll discover a variety of options, including a universal key. A spare key will allow you to get into your vehicle quickly and easily if you are in a difficult situation.

If you're a brand new owner of a car, or purchased your car as a certified pre-owned model, you may be entitled to free roadside assistance via the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These services include assistance with car lockouts as well as various other problems. You can also download the HONK app to your phone and connect to a professional locksmith or towing service near you to assist you in a time of need. In contrast to traditional roadside assistance groups, HONK has no membership fees or up-front charges and lets you know how to open a car door without a key much your service will cost prior to they arrive.

Keep a Spare Key on the go

A spare key at hand is among the best ways to prevent car lockouts. You'll still have access to your vehicle even in the event that you lose your primary key. It also saves you from having to call an emergency locksmith service.

Being locked out of your car can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remain calm and focus on your thoughts to find the most efficient solution. Roadside assistance can unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan however, you could try calling a locksmith instead.

Another option is to keep an extra key in your office or home. This is a great option for people who share cars or have shared homes because it makes it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure that all your keys are available when you'll need they are. You can also leave the spare key with a family member, so you can are confident that they will return the key in an emergency situation.

Test your spare key to make sure it's working correctly. Ideally, you should keep the spare key in an inconspicuous location that is difficult for a burglar to track. If you are unsure where to hide your keys that you don't want to lose you could use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted individuals will be able to access. You could also give the spare key to someone in your family or a friend who lives nearby and could give it to you in the event in an emergency.

It is also important to be aware that a spare can wear down your original key, which is why it's an ideal idea to replace the spare every couple of months. This will keep your original key from becoming worn down and help you avoid problems in the future. It can be difficult, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing you from having to hire an emergency locksmith.

Make use of a wedge and a Long-Reach Tool

There are a variety of reasons why vehicles lock themselves out. Some lockouts in cars result from human error, while some are due to technical issues. You should do all you can to avoid such incidents. Fortunately, there are a few tools that you can keep on hand to ensure that you don't get locked out of your car.

Another alternative is to employ a wedge to create a gap between the door frame and the body of the vehicle. Then, you can slide the rod, or straight wire clotheshanger through the gap to activate the door handle's inner. This technique can be difficult to implement in a tight space.

Another option is to buy a tool with a long reach designed for car lockouts. Many such tools come with a flexible sleeve that can be used to protect the paint, weather stripping and the edge of the door from damage during an emergency lockout. The sleeve is also helpful for protecting your hands and fingers when using the long-reach tool.

These tools are bent into common shapes to be utilized immediately in all situations. Some even have a contrasting color that makes them easy to find in dim lighting. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit offers maximum flexibility. It comes with four of the most commonly used long-reach tools as well as a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges, and protective lockout car service tape.

Some people try to gain entry into their cars by using a rod or hanger to gain access back inside, however this could be dangerous and costly. It is not only possible to damage the vehicle's lock system, but it may cause physical damage to the door, window and paint. Breaking in could also lead to an investigation by the police and additional charges.

If there is no emergency, such as tiny children or vulnerable persons trapped in the vehicle, it is best to call for roadside assistance. A service such as HONK will send you an on-demand auto locksmith who will open your vehicle quickly and securely. The app displays the cost upfront, so there's no need to worry about hidden costs or negotiating with tow truck drivers.

Need Help?

Getting locked out of your car not only frustrating, it's also dangerous. Trying to unlock your vehicle without the right tools can cause damage that will make it harder to gain access to your car in the future. Professional locksmiths have the tools and expertise to unlock your car Opening unlock your vehicle quickly without creating any damage, thereby making it easier for you to get your car unlocked and save time and stress.

Be calm and contact a professional If you are stuck in your car, with your keys locked inside. Do not attempt to unlock your vehicle using DIY techniques you've seen on the internet. these hacks might work in certain situations but they can be extremely damaging to modern vehicles equipped with modern locking systems.

Towing companies in your area can provide lockout services at an affordable cost. Some automakers have smartphone apps that allow drivers to unlock their car remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these manufacturers and have an active warranty or roadside assistance plan, make sure to look into their apps for more information on how you can use them.

You can also contact your local auto dealership to ask if they are capable of unlocking your car. Depending on the manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this could be free or at a minimal cost. Additionally, certain non-profit organizations and community-based support groups also offer assistance for people who find themselves in a car lockout situation. To find out more about the options available in your area you can contact your local community centers or social service organizations.

Getting locked out of your car is not fun but it doesn't have to ruin your day. You can avoid this scenario in the future by staying calm, calling help, and taking preventive steps. Make sure to make sure you have a spare key in the event that you have one, prior to exiting the vehicle and also make a habit of checking each door for keys prior to closing them. If you are unable to locate your keys and you don't have a spare, leave it with a trusted friend. Also, practice safe driving every time you get in the car.