What to Do If You Get Locked Out of Your Car
It’s a scenario we’ve all dreaded: you’re running errands, headed to an appointment, or just getting home after a long day, and suddenly realize you’ve locked yourself out of your car. Panic sets in as you scramble for your keys, only to realize that they’re safely inside the car, leaving you stranded. What do you do in this frustrating situation? Having been locked out of my own car a few times, I’ve learned the best ways to handle this situation calmly and effectively. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to take when you find yourself locked out of your car, ensuring that you’re prepared for such an emergency in the future.
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1. Assess the Situation Calmly
The first thing I learned when I got locked out of my car is not to panic. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and assess the situation. Are your keys visibly in the car, or are they just somewhere inside the vehicle, possibly out of sight? It's important to understand the situation before jumping into any action. Sometimes, just looking around can help you spot an extra key or a way to unlock the car from the outside.
If you’re in a safe environment, such as your driveway or a parking lot, there’s no immediate need to panic. But if you're in an unfamiliar or unsafe location, such as a dark alley or a secluded area, stay vigilant. Call for help if needed and make sure your surroundings are secure before proceeding.
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2. Try Unlocking the Car Yourself
There are several methods I’ve personally tried to get back into my car before resorting to professional help. Here are a few ways to unlock your car on your own:
- Use a Spare Key: The first solution that should come to mind is using a spare key if you have one. I recommend leaving a spare key with a trusted friend or family member, or keeping it in a secure location like a magnetic key box under your car.
- Check for Manual Unlocking: Many cars still have a manual unlock option, especially older models. Some vehicles have an emergency lock release that you can pull from the inside of the door. If you’ve left a window slightly cracked, you might be able to reach in to manually unlock it.
- Try the “Shoelace” Trick: A popular DIY trick is using a shoelace to unlock a car with a pull-up lock. If your car has a vertical lock button, this method can work, though it takes some skill and patience. You can tie a knot in the middle of the shoelace, create a loop, and pull it tight around the lock to pull it up. I’ve used this trick successfully with older cars.
- Unlock with a Wire Hanger: If you're in a pinch and you don’t have a spare key or the right tools, a wire hanger may work. I’ve carefully straightened a coat hanger, bent it to form a hook, and used it to manipulate the lock mechanism inside the door. However, this method can damage the car if done improperly, so use caution!
3. Call for Professional Help: A Locksmith or Roadside Assistance
If you can't unlock the car yourself or don’t want to risk damaging your car, calling a professional locksmith or using roadside assistance is often the best solution. I’ve been in this situation more than once and learned that calling a locksmith who specializes in car lockouts can save a lot of time and frustration.
Here are a few reasons to call a professional:
- Expertise: Locksmiths have the right tools and skills to open your car without causing any damage. They know how to handle modern electronic locks and keyless entry systems, which can be tricky for the average person.
- Roadside Assistance: Many car insurance policies include roadside assistance services, which can help you unlock your car quickly. If you have this service, it’s usually covered as part of your policy. If not, it’s worth adding for peace of mind.
- Quick Response: Locksmiths and roadside assistance services can typically respond quickly, especially if you’re in a busy area. While waiting for a professional, try to stay in a safe, well-lit area.
4. Prevent Future Lockouts
After experiencing the frustration of being locked out of my car a few times, I took steps to prevent future lockouts. Here are a few ways to avoid this inconvenience:
- Keep a Spare Key: As mentioned earlier, I always keep a spare key in a secure place, like with a family member or in a lockbox. I also have a key hidden on my vehicle that I can access in an emergency.
- Use Keyless Entry: If your car has a keyless entry system, consider using it regularly. It’s less likely to get locked inside the vehicle, and you can avoid misplacing physical keys.
- Check Your Keys Before Leaving: I make it a habit to always check for my keys before locking the car. This small act of mindfulness has saved me many times!
- Install a Smart Key Finder: There are now smart devices available that help you locate your keys through an app on your phone. I’ve found these key finders to be incredibly helpful in avoiding lockouts.
5. When to Replace Your Keys or Locks
If you frequently find yourself locked out of your car, it could be due to a malfunction with your car’s locking mechanism, keys, or ignition system. In such cases, it's a good idea to have your locks and keys checked or replaced. I had to replace my key fob after it stopped working reliably, and this has made a significant difference in preventing future issues.
If your keys are damaged or worn out, or if your car locks seem faulty, I recommend getting them inspected and repaired by a professional locksmith or an auto technician. This proactive approach will save you from more frustrating lockouts down the road.
