Getting locked out of your own car is truly troublesome, not to mention frustrating. But what should you do if you find yourself in this situation? In this article, we’ll discuss tips and tricks you can use to avoid getting locked out of your car. Read on!
What to Do When You’re Locked Out of Your Car
If you’re locked out of your car, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Getting frazzled will only make the situation worse. Once you’ve taken a few deep breaths, it’s time to assess the situation and see if there are any obvious solutions.
Call a Locksmith
One obvious solution is to call a locksmith. A qualified locksmith will be able to open your car door quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road in no time. If you don’t have a locksmith’s number saved in your phone, now would be a good time to look it up.
When searching for a good locksmith, look for the following qualities:
- A locksmith who is bonded and insured
- A locksmith who offers a warranty on their work
- A locksmith who is available 24/7
- A locksmith with extensive experience
A locksmith’s services usually cost around $100, give or take. But depending on the severity of the situation, the price could be higher or lower. If you’ve lost your key or broken it, car key replacement is also a viable option.
Flag Down Motorists
If you’re unable to find a locksmith, or if you’re locked out of your car in a remote location, there are a few other things you can try. If you don’t have access to a phone, your best bet is to flag down a passing motorist and ask to use their phone. Once you have a working phone, you can call a locksmith or tow truck as mentioned above.
Call a Tow Truck
Another solution is to call a tow truck and have them take your car to a nearby dealership or mechanical garage. The staff at these places will usually have the tools and expertise needed to get you back into your car.
Break Into Your Car
Finally, if you’re really in a bind, you could try to break into your car yourself. This should only be attempted as a last resort, as it could damage your car and void your insurance policy. If you do decide to go this route, be sure to use a blunt object like a screwdriver or a wrench, rather than a sharp object like a knife, which could puncture your car’s upholstery.
How to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Car
Now that we’ve discussed what to do if you find yourself locked out of your car, let’s talk about how to avoid this situation altogether.
One obvious way to avoid getting locked out of your car is to make sure you have your keys on you before getting in. This seems like common sense, but it’s surprising how often people forget their keys.
Another way to avoid getting locked out of your car is to invest in a spare key. Spare keys are relatively cheap and easy to come by, and they can save you a lot of hassle if you ever lose your primary set of keys. If you have a spare key, be sure to keep it in a safe place where you’ll be able to find it easily if you need it.
Locked out of your car? Don’t panic! Just use one of the solutions listed above and you’ll be back on the road in no time. And remember, take steps to avoid getting locked out in the first place by keeping your keys with you and having a spare key on hand.
