There are few things quite as frustrating as when you lock your keys in your car, especially when you’re in a hurry or in an area you don’t know very well.
If you have never locked your keys in the car before, it is not always easy to know what to do.
In this guide, we will take you through the steps you should follow should you ever find yourself in this situation.
4 Steps to Take When You Lock Your Keys in Your Car
Step 1: Stay Calm to Decide on the Best Next Step
It is only natural to panic in a situation like this but staying calm will ensure you take the right next step. You don’t want to end up calling for assistance, only to find one of your doors is still unlocked. Check every door as well as your trunk before you do anything further.
Step 2: Consider Where Your Spare Key Is
Do you know where your spare key is? Do you have one at all? If you aren’t far from home, you could get someone to bring you a spare set. They may need to get your house keys from you first, but at least you won’t need to break a window or pay for professional assistance. There is also the option of getting a spare key from your car dealer. Just keep in mind you will need to prove ownership of the vehicle.
Step 3: Consider Unlocking the Door Yourself
This is not recommended if you’ve never done this before or don’t have the right tools. However, it is an option. To unlock a car door without causing damage, you would need to create a small gap in the top corner of the driver’s door. A blood pressure cuff is similar to what a professional locksmith would use to create this gap. Bending the door is not recommended as the repairs will cost more than actually calling a professional for assistance.
Once the gap is there, you can use a wire coat hanger or any other thin object to hit the unlock button. This can take a few tries and some maneuvering to get right.
The reality is, most people don’t have a blood pressure cuff lying around, so unless you can find an object that would have the same effect, it is best to move onto the next step.
Step 4: Contact a Reputable Locksmith
The good news is, you won’t generally need to wait longer than 15 minutes for a car locksmith to arrive. Not only do they have the right tools, but the necessary experience too, ensuring your car doesn’t get damaged and that you can be back on the road in no time at all. Just make sure your locksmith is licensed as this means they have the necessary insurance in place.
Preventing Future Car Lockouts
Lockouts are an inevitable part of life – they can happen to anyone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of this happening to you. One option is to hide a spare key on the outside of your vehicle. This is risky though and if someone finds it and steals your vehicle, your insurance might not pay out.
A safer option is to leave your spare key with a friend or family member who can assist you in a jam.
If all else fails, make sure that you always have the number of a reputable locksmith on hand. This way, you won’t need to search for someone in a hurry.
