Locking yourself out of your car is an easy mistake to make, and its consequences are both frustrating and inconvenient. Realizing you’ve left your keys sitting on the dashboard, or, worse, still in the ignition, is a surefire way to make your stress level soar. The good news is lockouts are easily preventable, and the professionals at OHS Towing in Columbia Falls, MT, offer the following advice for avoiding this situation.

4 Tips to Prevent Car Lockouts

1. Always Check for Your Keys

This might seem obvious, but when you’re busy running errands, juggling groceries, or hurrying to work, it’s easy to get distracted and lose track of your keys. The team at OHS Towing’s vehicle towing service recommend you make it a deliberate habit to always check and make sure you know where your keys are before exiting and locking your vehicle.

2. Make a Spare Set of Keys

Getting an extra set of keys made means you’ll have a backup in the event you lose your original set or forget them inside your vehicle. Keep an extra key at your office, in your wallet, or in a magnetic storage box affixed to the undercarriage of your car. It’s a good idea to leave a spare set with a trusted family member as well.

3. Store Your Keys Securely

Where you store your keys is an important factor in preventing lockouts. While it’s common for many people to put their car keys in a jacket or coat pocket, this increases the chances they’ll fall out. If your pocket is unsecured, it’s all too easy for your keys to slip out as you exit your car. Instead, make sure you know exactly where your keys are by storing them on a chain or lanyard you can attach to your purse or a belt loop.

4. Have a Plan & Be Prepared  

In the event you do find yourself locked out of your vehicle, knowing who to call will make the situation less stressful and save you time on getting back into your car or truck. To make sure you’re prepared to handle lockouts or any other issue that requires roadside assistance, keep the phone number of a local towing company on hand for emergencies. 

The next time you find yourself dealing with a lockout, contact OHS Towing for reliable and professional service. Offering 24-hour tow services, jump-starts, and wrecker services, their team of certified drivers will have you back on the road again as quickly as possible. Call (406) 892-1600 to speak with a staff member, or visit them online to learn more.