Whether you misplaced your car keys or you left them inside, being locked out of your vehicle will leave you stranded. But, while a lockout can be a very frustrating moment, there are many safe and simple ways you can regain access to your car. To help you stay prepared for these incidents, here are a few steps to take when you get locked out of your vehicle.

How to Handle Auto Lockouts

Try Remote Functions

Many modern vehicles allow you to unlock the door—and start the car—if the remote key fob is located close to you. If you have a remote key fob in the car, it may be close enough to disengage the lock and open the door.

Search for a Spare

If you have a spare set of car keys, try to locate them and return to your car. If you don’t store a spare at home or in a secure location, contact any loved ones or neighbors that may be holding on to extra keys for emergencies. While it may be a pain to bother another person for your car keys, this solution is usually the most cost-effective way to regain access to your vehicle.

Call a Mobile Locksmith

If you can’t unlock the door with a remote key fob or don’t have access to a spare, the next best option is to call a mobile locksmith in your area. Backed by a fully-equipped service van, these professionals will come to your location and use specialized tools to unlock and re-enter your vehicle.

Stay Cautious of DIY Methods

When you lock your keys inside your car, you may be tempted to maneuver your way back inside the vehicle. For example, some may try using a blood pressure cuff to create a small space in the door and inserting a wire hanger into the gap to touch the unlock button. But while this method may offer success, it can cause damage to the door that is costly to fix.

In other cases, you might feel like breaking a window. However, this glass is designed so that it won’t break easily, even with blunt-force impact. Often, trying to break the window will only cause it to crack or chip--problems that can be expensive to repair.

 

As a first-class auto locksmith in Winston-Salem, NC, Ability Lock & Key is here to provide swift assistance if you’re having trouble accessing your vehicle. As a mobile locksmith, this provider will come directly to your location to help get you into your car and back on the road. Beyond lockouts, this specialist also offers many other car-related services—including transponder and car key replacement. To learn more about these capabilities, visit this Piedmont Triad locksmith online. For assistance, call (336) 784-0226.