Preventing Car Lockouts
Car lockouts can be stressful and frustrating experiences. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid them.
The first step is to stay calm and observe the situation carefully. The stress of panic can cloud your judgment and make it harder to find the solution. Then, contact help if necessary. This is the most reliable and safest alternative.
Make sure you have your keys in order before leaving the car.
One of the most common problems that drivers face is getting locked out of their vehicle. It could happen at any time, and can be an source of stress and anxiety. There are steps you can do to prevent this from happening again.
Before you panic, make sure to look through all the doors in your car for keys. It is also recommended to empty your pockets and bags, just in case you accidentally dropped your keys in someplace. Lastly, walk back through your day to determine whether you may have accidentally set the keys down or reached into a bag to grab something and knocked them out of your way.
Many people are tempted to try DIY methods to gain access to their car when they are locked outside, for instance using coat hangers or bobby pins to open the locks. However these methods are typically dangerous and could cause damage to the windows or locks of your car. Furthermore, modern vehicles come with modern lock systems and security alarms that will likely be activated if you attempt to employ these methods to gain access to your vehicle.
It's important to have a spare car key addition to a professional locksmith and roadside assistance. In stores such as your local hardware store, you will find different options like a universal key. A spare key will enable you to access your vehicle quickly and easily in case you are in a difficult situation.
If you're a new owner of a vehicle or bought your vehicle as a certified pre-owned model, you may be eligible for free roadside assistance from the dealership's website or the manufacturer's site. These services could include assistance with car lockouts as well in a myriad of other problems. You can also download the HONK application to your smartphone to connect to an area locksmith or towing service to help you in times of need. Unlike traditional roadside assistance clubs, HONK has no membership fees or upfront charges. It also will let you know what your service will cost before they arrive.
Keep an extra key in your bag
Having a spare key on hand is among the best ways to prevent car lockouts. You'll still be able to gain access to your vehicle even when you lose your primary key. It also keeps you from needing to call an emergency locksmith service.
It can be frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle, but you should remain calm and logical to determine the best option. Roadside assistance can unlock your vehicle without causing damage. If you do not have a roadside assistance service or plan to call locksmiths instead.
You can keep a spare at your home office or at work. This is a great solution for those who live in shared homes or vehicles, since it is easier to coordinate schedules. You can also leave a spare key with someone close to you or a acquaintance, provided that you believe they will return it to you in case in the event of an emergency.
Test your spare key to ensure it's working properly. You should also keep your spare key in a place that is difficult to find by burglars. If you're not sure of where to put your keys that you don't want to lose then you can put them in a key lockbox. Only you and trusted persons will have access. You can also give the spare key away to an individual from your family or a friend who lives close by and could deliver it to you in the event of an emergency.
It is also important to be aware that a spare key can wear down your original, so it is a good idea for you to replace the spare every couple of months. This will stop your original key from wearing down and will help you avoid issues in the future. car opener service can be a little tedious, but it will save you money in the end by preventing you from having to call in an emergency locksmith.
Make use of a Wedge Tool as well as the Long Reach Tool
Car lockouts occur for a number of reasons. Some are due to human error or technical. It is important to do everything you can to avoid such incidents. There are few tools that you have on hand to ensure that you don't get locked out of your car.
You can use a wedge as a tool to create a gap between the door frame of the vehicle and its body. This lets you move a rod or straightened wire clothes hanger through the gap, which allows you to actuate the inner door handle or lock button. However, this method can be tricky to maneuver in the tight spaces.
A better alternative is to invest in an extended-reach tool specifically designed for car lockouts. Many of these tools have an elastic cover that can be used to stop damage to the weather stripping, the paint and the edges of the car door during an emergency lockout. The sleeve is also helpful to protect your hands and fingers while using the long-reach tool.
These tools are bent in common shapes so that they can be utilized immediately in all situations. Some tools even have in a different color to aid in their identification in dim light. The Ultimate Long Reach Tool Kit offers maximum versatility. It comes with four of the most popular long-reach tools as well as a Button Master, Mega Master snare two air wedges and protective lockout tape.
Many people try to break into their car using an iron rod or hanger to gain entry into their vehicle however, it is risky and costly. It could cause damage to the locking system of the car and the paint, door, and window. Furthermore, breaking in could even lead to an investigation by police and lead to additional charges.
If there is no emergency, such as tiny children or vulnerable people trapped in the vehicle, it's recommended to call for roadside assistance. A service such as HONK will send you an auto locksmith on-demand who can open your vehicle safely and quickly. The app shows upfront prices and allows you not to worry about hidden costs or bargaining with the tow truck driver.
Help is available
Being locked out of your car not just a hassle, it's also risky. In the event that you attempt to unlock your vehicle without the proper tools could result in damage that makes it more difficult to gain access to your vehicle in the future. Professional lockout services are equipped with the equipment and knowledge required to unlock your vehicle quickly and without damaging your vehicle. This will cut down on time and reduce stress.
If you're stranded with your keys locked in your vehicle, you must stay calm and call for assistance. Do not try to unlock your car using the DIY methods you've found on the internet. These hacks might work for certain cars but they can cause serious harm to modern vehicles equipped with high-tech locking mechanisms.
Towing companies in your area can provide lockout services at affordable prices. Some automakers also offer apps for smartphones to unlock vehicles remotely. If you own a car from one of these brands and have an active warranty or roadside assistance program, be sure to look into their apps for more details on how you can use these apps.
You can also contact the local auto dealer to inquire if they are capable of unlocking your vehicle. This service can be provided at no cost or at a low cost, depending on the manufacturer and the relationship you have with the dealership. Additionally, certain non-profit and community support groups also provide resources for people who find themselves in a car lockout situation. Contact your local community centers and social service organizations to learn more about these options in your area.
Getting locked out of your car is 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. Remember to make sure you have a spare key in the event that you have one, before exiting the vehicle and keep a routine of checking each door for keys prior to closing them. If you can't find your keys, leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Also, make sure you practice safe driving every time you get in the car.