Imagine returning to your vehicle after a long day of work only to realize that you don’t have your keys. Not only do you not have your keys, but you can also see them sitting on the driver’s seat. You’ve locked yourself out of the car and have no other way to get home. You have no idea what you’re going to do.
When all hope feels lost, you have a few options to consider. These steps will help you get your keys out of a locked car so you can be on your way.
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First Things First: Always Have a Spare Key
The first thing you should do after you buy a new car is to get a second set of keys made. In fact, you should consider having three keys. You can have one you travel with, one that you keep in your home, and one that a trusted person should keep for you in case of emergencies. This means that if you get locked out, you may have somebody who can quickly bring you another set of keys so you can be on your way with no hassle.
Download the Manufacturer’s Phone App
Many manufacturers allow owners to unlock a vehicle via a mobile phone app. You will need to sign up for the app and pair it with your vehicle when you purchase your car. This will prevent future lockouts.Some apps even help you to locate your vehicle by turning on the engine or honking the horn if you’ve lost it.
If you buy a newer vehicle model, it’s important that you ask about this option to determine what kind of features you will have access to. It can be pretty handy, especially if you are prone to losing your keys. Additionally, there’s an app you can put on the smartphones of everybody in your home so that even if you lock your phone in the car, someone in your household will be able to help you access it.
Use a String To Unlock Your Car Door
If you have an older vehicle, a string or fishing line can be used to unlock manual door locks. It may be a tricky solution for some, and you’ll need several feet of string to make this work.
You’ll start by making a loop in the middle of the string. Fish it into an opening so you can hook that loop onto the door lock. The best entry point is likely the upper right corner of the driver’s door via the door seam. Pull up on that lock to unlock your door. This method will work with shoelaces, fishing lines, twine, and other string types.
Use a Wire Clothes Hanger
A clothes hanger can be used tounlock an older vehicleas well. You need to straighten the hanger and insert it into the door frame. Use the hanger to manipulate the lock to pop it into the unlock position. If you struggle to bend the wire hanger into the right shape, you may need to use pliers to create a hook that can easily manipulate the lock.
If you don’t have a wire hanger handy, you may also be able to do something similar with a sturdy strip of plastic. As long as it can be manipulated into the right shape and fit into the door seam, you should be able to make it work.
Use an Inflatable Wedge
Today, some people use inflatable wedge kits to get into their vehicles. If you frequently lock yourself out of your car, this might be a helpful tool to carry with you. You will need to inflate the wedge in your door jamb so that you can use other tools to access the manual lock. You can also avoid scratching your paint, and the process is easy.
Call a Locksmith or Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance as part of your insurance plan, or you have a locksmith you can call, use that option. If nothing else is working, a professional can save the day. They will have all the necessary tools to get you into your car so that you don’t have to search for solutions.
Roadside assistance can be a great service to help you with lockouts in the future. Keep in mind that some companies will offer a limited number of free lockout services each year, so make sure you give everything else a shot before you call for help. If you do not have roadside assistance, any auto locksmith and many towing companies should be able to accommodate you.
In an Emergency, Contact the Police
In some situations, you cannot wait for help unlocking your door. For instance, you might have a small child or pet locked inside the car with the keys. In these situations, you do not have time to wait for a locksmith, nor can you leave the vehicle searching for a wire coat hanger. In these situations, the police may be able to assist immediately, whether using a slim jim that can open the door or safely breaking the window. You can always replace the auto glass, but you cannot replace a life.
New Safety Features Are Changing the Game
When you are in a sticky situation and cannot get to your keys, you want to know that you have options. When you buy a new car, make sure that you get extra keys. These spare keys can be handy when you are in a pickle. Just make sure to store them somewhere you or somebody that you trust can quickly access them.
Now is also an excellent time to ensure your car has safety features to prevent a lockout. Many newer vehicles have features that make your vehicle safer, so you do not accidentally lock yourself out. Longo Toyota offers many cars with stellar safety features. Check out our new inventoryto learn more about these features.
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