Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating. There are ways to prevent them.
The first step is to stay calm and observe the situation with a keen eye. Stress can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to find a resolution. Call for help if needed. This is the most secure and least damaging method.
Check Your Keys Before Exiting the Car
Being locked out of your car is among the most common problems that drivers face. It occurs when you least expect it to, which can result in a lot of frustration and stress. There are steps you can take to avoid this happening again.
Check all the car doors for keys before you panic. Also, empty your pockets and bags in case your keys are accidentally dropped. Finally, take a walk through your day to check whether you may have accidentally put the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something and took them out of your way.
Many people attempt 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. These methods can be dangerous and can damage your car's lock or windows. Modern vehicles also come with advanced security alarms and lock systems that will start if these devices are used to gain access to the vehicle.
It's essential to have a spare car key in addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. In the stores like your local hardware store, you will discover a variety of options, including a universal key. A spare key can allow you to enter your vehicle quickly and easily if you find yourself in a stressful situation.
If you're the first owner of a vehicle or bought your vehicle as a pre-owned certified model, you could be entitled to free roadside assistance via the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These services could include assistance with car lockouts, as with a range of other problems. You can also download the HONK app on your smartphone and connect with a reputable locksmith or towing service near you to assist you in times of need. Unlike traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or upfront charges. It also informs you of the amount your service will cost before they arrive.
Keep an extra key in your bag
A spare key on hand is one of the best ways to avoid car lockouts. It gives you a way to gain access to your vehicle in the event that your primary key gets lost, and can help you avoid the hassle of calling emergency locksmith services to get help.
It can be very frustrating to find yourself locked out of your car however, you must remain calm and rational to determine the best option. Roadside assistance can unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you don't have a roadside service plan, you can call an locksmith instead.
Another option is to keep an extra key in your home or office. This is a great option for people who share cars or live in homes shared by others as it makes it easier to manage schedules and ensure that all of your keys are in the right place when you need they are. You can also leave the spare key with a friend or family member, as you can are confident that they will return the key in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to make sure it functions correctly. It is also recommended to store your spare key in a place that is difficult to find by burglars. If you're not sure where to put your keys, you can use a key lockbox. Only you and trusted people will have access. You can also offer the spare key away to someone in your family or a friend who lives close by and can bring it to you in case of emergency.
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It is also important to be aware that a spare can reduce the lifespan of your original key, so it's recommended to change the spare every couple of months. This will keep your original key from wearing down and will help you avoid issues in the future. It can be difficult, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing you from needing to employ an emergency locksmith.
Make use of a wedge and a Long-Reach Tool
Car lockouts can occur due to many reasons. Some are due to human error, while others are technical. Whatever the reason, it is important to take every step to stop such events from happening in the first place. Fortunately, there are a handful of tools you have on hand to prevent getting locked out of your car.
A wedge can be used as a tool to create a gap between the door frame of the vehicle and the body. This lets you slide a rod or straightened wire clothes hanger through the gap, which allows you to trigger the inner door handle or lock button. But, this method isn't easy to maneuver in the tight spaces.
An alternative is to purchase an instrument that has a long reach designed for car lockouts. Most of these tools come with a sleeve that can be used to stop damage to the weather stripping, paint, and the edge of the car door during an emergency lockout. The sleeve can also be useful for protecting your fingers and hands when using the long-reach tool.
These tools are bent into regular configurations to be utilized quickly in most situations. Some tools are even colored differently to make them easier to find in dim light. To maximize versatility, consider the Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit comprising four of the most sought-after long-reach tools, plus a Button Master and Mega Master snare tool, two air wedges, protective lockout tape, a slim jim, windshield mounted flashlight to illuminate night-time openings and more.
Some people try to break into their cars using a rod or hanger to gain access back inside, however this could be risky and expensive. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-opening-unlock-your-vehicle/ could cause damage to the locking system of the vehicle and also the paint, door and window. The breaking in can lead to an investigation by the police and further charges.
If there is no emergency, like small children or vulnerable people trapped in the vehicle, it's recommended to contact roadside assistance. A service such as HONK will send you an auto locksmith on-demand who will open your vehicle quickly and securely. The app displays the price upfront, so you don't have to fret about hidden charges or haggling with tow truck drivers.
Call for Help
It's not only frustrating but also risky to be locked out of your car. If you try to unlock your vehicle without the proper tools you could damage your vehicle, making it harder to access in the future. Professional locksmiths are equipped with the equipment and knowledge required to unlock your car quickly and without causing damage. This will save you time and stress.
If you're stranded with your keys locked in the car, remain calm and seek assistance. Don't attempt to unlock the vehicle with DIY methods you've seen on the internet; these hacks may work in certain situations but they can be extremely damaging to modern vehicles equipped that have high-tech locking systems.
Towing companies in your region can offer lockout services for affordable prices. Some automakers also offer smartphones that allow you to unlock your car remotely. If you own a vehicle from one of these automakers and have an emergency roadside assistance or warranty plan that's active, check out the app offerings to learn more about how to use the apps.
Another option is to call your auto dealership to see whether they can assist you to unlock your car. Depending on the manufacturer and your relationship with the dealership, this may be free or at a low cost. Certain non-profit organizations and community support organizations offer assistance to those who are locked out of their vehicle. To learn more about the options available in your area visit your local community centers or social service organizations.
Locked out of your car not a pleasant experience, but it doesn't have to ruin your day. You can avoid this scenario in the future by remaining calm, calling for help, and taking preventive measures. Be sure to verify your spare key If you have one, before exiting the vehicle and also make a habit of checking every door for your keys before closing them. If you are unable to locate your keys you can leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Also, practice safe driving every time you get in the car.
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