How to Avoid Locking Your Keys Inside Your Car
We’ve all been there: you step out of the car for a quick errand or to grab something, and before you know it, the door shuts with a loud *click*, leaving your keys sitting on the seat, unreachable. It's frustrating, panic-inducing, and the last thing you want when you're already running late. But, don't worry, you're not alone. Locking your keys in the car is a common mishap, and thankfully, there are ways to avoid it in the first place. Having learned this lesson the hard way, I’ve gathered a few key tips and tricks to help you avoid locking your keys inside your car and keep you from needing that emergency towing service or roadside assistance.
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1. Always Double Check Before Closing the Door
This might seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a rush and just slammed the car door without checking if my keys were inside. The first step to avoiding this mistake is simple: make it a habit to check for your keys before you close the car door. If you're in a rush, take an extra second to make sure the keys are in your hand or pocket. It might save you from a trip to your local towing company when you realize the keys are locked inside.
What I do now is a simple routine: when I park the car and get out, I immediately check my hands, my pockets, or any bag I’m carrying. If I don’t feel the keys, I know something's wrong, and I don’t risk closing the door until I’ve found them. It's a small, easy habit that’s saved me multiple times from a stressful situation.
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2. Get a Spare Key
Having a spare key is one of the best ways to ensure you're never locked out of your car. Whether it’s hidden somewhere on the vehicle, with a trusted friend or family member, or even at home in a secure location, having that backup key can be a lifesaver.
For a long time, I relied on the “just-in-case” spare that I kept in my wallet, but over the years, I’ve learned that it’s even better to have a physical spare key outside of the car. For instance, you can hide it in a magnetic key box under the car or use a keychain that you can always carry with you. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of misplacing my wallet key, so now I always make sure there’s a second spare hidden in a secure location.
3. Use a Keyless Entry System
If you're in the market for a new car or want to upgrade your existing one, consider investing in a keyless entry system. These systems allow you to lock and unlock your car without needing to physically use a key. With many keyless entry systems, if you walk away from your car and forget to lock it, it will automatically lock after a set period of time.
Additionally, newer vehicles with Bluetooth key systems can detect your phone and unlock the doors automatically when you approach, preventing that common mistake of leaving your keys behind. This has saved me countless times from worrying about whether or not I locked the door, as it’s all taken care of for me. And the best part? It completely eliminates the risk of locking your keys inside the car in the first place.
4. Use a Key Fob with Remote Locking
If you’re not ready to switch to a completely keyless entry system, another effective option is to use a remote locking fob. This tool allows you to lock and unlock your car with the press of a button, ensuring that you can never accidentally lock your keys inside. Most cars today come equipped with a remote key fob, and it’s worth utilizing it.
One of the things I’ve learned from my own experience is that some cars even have the ability to notify you if you’ve left the keys inside before you lock the door. If you don’t hear the “beep-beep” or the car alerts you that the keys are still inside, then you know something is wrong. Remote locking also gives you a sense of security because it allows you to lock the car without needing to physically turn the key.
5. Keep Your Keys in the Same Place Every Time
It’s easy to misplace keys, especially when you're in a rush. However, one of the best habits I've developed is making sure that I always put my keys in the same place. I have a specific pocket in my bag, a designated key hook by the door at home, and a key holder in the car that I always use. By sticking to this routine, I’ve saved myself from scrambling to find my keys when it’s time to leave.
If you're someone who tends to keep your keys in different pockets or places, try to stick to a more organized method. After all, when you make it a habit, you’re less likely to forget where they are, and you'll avoid the frustration of accidentally locking your keys inside.
6. Avoid Relying Too Much on the Car’s Locking System
While it might be tempting to rely solely on the automatic lock system, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s best to double-check yourself. For example, if you’re in a hurry and hit the “lock” button on your key fob while closing the door, you may unknowingly lock yourself out without realizing your keys are inside. Always make sure you’ve actually checked for the keys before you hit that lock button.
I’ve had several situations where I thought I locked my car, only to realize later that I had forgotten to remove the keys from the vehicle or left them on the seat. Taking a moment to check the situation before you hit the lock button can save you from that embarrassing situation.
7. What to Do If You Lock Your Keys Inside the Car
Despite all the precautions, sometimes life happens, and you end up locking your keys inside the car. When this happens, you don’t need to panic – there are solutions! Here’s what I do when I lock my keys in the car:
- First, stay calm and assess the situation. Make sure you have a spare key available or consider calling a friend or family member who has one.
- If you don't have a spare key and you're stranded, you may want to consider calling a professional towing or emergency lockout service. These services specialize in safely unlocking cars without damaging them.
- For minor lockout issues, some people can use tools like a “big easy” lockout tool to create a small gap in the door and unlock it. However, this requires a steady hand and a good deal of knowledge to avoid damaging the door.
- If you can’t do it yourself, don't hesitate to contact a service like Rescue & Towing for help.
In those stressful moments, I’ve found that having access to reliable and professional lockout services gives peace of mind. Whether it’s a simple lockout or something more complicated, these services can save you time and stress when you need it most.
