What Should I Do If I Lock My Keys in My Car?
We've all been there—standing outside of our car with the engine still running or with our essentials inside, but no way to get in because we locked our keys inside. The moment when you realize you've locked yourself out of your car can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry or it’s late at night. I’ve had my fair share of such experiences, and I’ve learned the hard way that keeping calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference in quickly resolving the situation. So, what should you do if you lock your keys in your car? In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about dealing with this common but stressful problem.
Keystone Towing
7817 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do when you realize you’ve locked your keys inside your car is stay calm. Panicking won’t help, and it may make it more difficult to think of a solution. Trust me, I’ve been there before—standing at the car door and feeling like the world is closing in. The key is to take a deep breath and assess the situation. Is your car in a safe location? Are you alone or with others? Is it day or night? These factors will affect your next steps, especially when it comes to calling for help.
Keystone Towing
7817 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA
2. Try Simple Solutions First
Before calling a towing service or a locksmith, there are a few simple methods you can try on your own to unlock your car. Some of these methods are relatively straightforward, but be careful—if you're not confident or don’t have the proper tools, it’s better to seek professional help to avoid causing damage to your car.
Step 1: Check for Unlocked Doors or Windows
It might sound obvious, but sometimes, one of the doors or windows may be unlocked. So, make sure to check every single door and window of your car, even the trunk if it has an interior release lever. It’s always worth a quick check to see if you accidentally left another entry point open. If you find an unlocked door, great! You’ve solved the problem, and you can get back to your day.
Step 2: Use a Coat Hanger or String (DIY Methods)
If all doors and windows are locked, you may be tempted to resort to the old "slim jim" technique, which involves using a coat hanger or a piece of string to pop open the lock. In my case, I once used a coat hanger to unlock a car door in an emergency situation, but it required patience and a steady hand. I carefully straightened the hanger and formed a hook to catch the lock mechanism. It worked, but I had to be cautious not to damage the car’s locking system.
However, this method is not always effective, especially with modern cars that have advanced security features. It can also result in scratches or damage to the door frame, so be careful when attempting it. If you're unsure about your ability to use these tools, it’s a good idea to skip this step and call for professional help.
Step 3: Use a Spare Key (If Available)
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one—use a spare key if you have one! It’s always a good idea to have a spare key stored somewhere secure, like at home or with a trusted friend or family member. If you have access to your spare key, go ahead and unlock the door, and be sure to keep that extra key in a convenient but secure spot to avoid future lockouts.
3. Call for Professional Help
If none of the DIY methods work or if you're unable to safely unlock your car, it’s time to call in the professionals. When you find yourself locked out of your car, a towing company or automotive locksmith is your best bet for getting back into your vehicle quickly and without causing damage. This is especially true if you’re in a more complicated situation, like a late-night lockout or in a less-than-safe location.
Step 1: Contact a Towing Service or Locksmith
When you call for professional help, be sure to provide details about your situation, such as your location, the make and model of your car, and whether you have any spare keys available. Most towing companies and locksmiths offer emergency services for situations like this. The key is to choose a reputable service that can respond quickly to your location. For example, I once needed help during a road trip and called Rescue & Towing, a reliable towing service that arrived in no time to assist me with a lockout.
Step 2: Wait for Professional Assistance
Once you've contacted a towing company or locksmith, it's time to wait. I always make sure to stay in a safe area while I wait for the professionals to arrive. If you're on the side of the road or in a dimly lit parking lot, it's important to stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings. While waiting, it can also help to lock your car if you’re leaving it unattended, and make sure your valuables are out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Step 3: Don’t Attempt to Unlock the Car Yourself If You’re Unsure
If the towing company or locksmith has arrived, let them do their job. They have the necessary tools and expertise to unlock your car without causing damage. It's tempting to try one more time on your own, but remember that forcing the door open or using the wrong technique can result in scratches, dents, or broken locks—leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
4. Prevent Future Lockouts
No one likes to be locked out of their car, but there are several precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. Here are a few simple tips I learned the hard way:
- Keep a Spare Key on Hand: It’s always a good idea to have a spare key stored in a safe place, such as with a family member, or in a magnetic key holder under the car. I’ve also used a small lockbox with a code, which is a secure and convenient option.
- Use a Keyless Entry System: If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a keyless entry system that allows you to unlock your car without needing a traditional key. This can be particularly helpful if you’re prone to losing or misplacing your keys.
- Check the Locking System: If you often find yourself locking your keys inside your car, it might be time to have your locking system checked. Modern cars often have advanced features, but some may lock automatically in certain situations, which could increase your chances of a lockout.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help prevent car lockouts in the future and save yourself time and stress.
5. Why Choose Professional Towing and Locksmith Services?
While it’s tempting to try to solve the problem yourself, sometimes calling a professional is the best decision. Companies like Rescue & Towing specialize in emergency lockout services, ensuring that you get quick and reliable help when you need it the most. They can unlock your car without causing damage, saving you time and hassle. Their experienced technicians can also advise you on how to avoid future lockouts and offer services like key replacement, towing, and more.
