Getting locked out of your car can be frustrating, especially when you have someplace you need to be. This predicament can also put your safety at risk if you’re locked out in an unsafe area. Follow these do’s and don'ts to keep you and your vehicle safe until your auto locksmith arrives. 

Do:

Wait in a safe area.

If you've been locked out of the car on the side of the road, a dark parking lot, or somewhere else that feels unsafe, it's best to leave your car and wait inside an area where you feel safer. Go to the nearest convenience store, restaurant, or gas station. It's easier to maintain a presence of mind and deal with the problem at hand when you do not fear for your safety.

Call a professional locksmith.

The most direct way to resolve a vehicle lockout is to hire a professional auto locksmith to help you. Many are available 24/7 and can provide speedy assistance, which comes in handy when you’re locked out in the cold or somewhere unsafe. They’ll be equipped with tools that can handle older model vehicles and newer ones with complicated smart locks and burglar deterrent features. However, before the locksmith arrives on the scene, ask questions over the phone to determine if they can unlock your type of vehicle and if they are licensed and insured to cover any possible damages that may occur while trying to open the lock.

Don't:

Leave the car unattended overnight. 

While it may be wise to wait for the auto locksmith in a safe area away from the car, don’t leave it unattended overnight if a professional can’t get to you right away. A seemingly abandoned vehicle is a target for theft and vandalism, especially if you have valuables like a phone, wallet, or laptop inside and visible to passersby. Depending on where you left the vehicle, you could incur a parking violation. If a locksmith isn’t readily available, call a towing service to move your car somewhere it can be more easily serviced.

Try to open the car door yourself.

Some vehicle owners who get locked out of their car try to forcibly open the door by using objects they have on-hand to maneuver the lock or windows with items such as hairpins. However, this can damage the locking mechanism in the door panel or break the auto glass, which could cause injury. Instead, leave the door alone and wait until help arrives to prevent accidentally damaging your vehicle. 

If you’re looking for a reliable auto locksmith, trust Northstar Locksmith in Anchorage, AK. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, this licensed, insured, and bonded company has a team of experts well-versed in key replacement, lock repairs, and other lockout service options. Whether you got locked out of your car or home, they’re just a phone call away. For immediate assistance, call (907) 279-2154 or visit their website for more information about their services.