You probably know that sinking feeling when you go to open a car door and realize you can’t get in. Perhaps you misplaced your keys or thought you left the doors unlocked. Now, you’re locked out. Rather than panicking, follow these tips to get quickly into your car and back on the road.

Do:

Check every door.

If the driver’s side door is locked, check for another route into the car. Try all doors. If your back hatch allows access into the passenger compartment, give that door a try as well.

Check for an extra key.

If you have a spare key, determine how quickly you can retrieve it. If you’re locked out of your car in your driveway or garage, the spare key may be nearby. If you’re locked out elsewhere, consider whether a family member can bring a spare to you.

Call a locksmith.

A mobile locksmith can help you get back into your car quickly. If your keys are locked inside a vehicle, call a locksmith to help you retrieve them.

Don’t:

Break your window.

Unless you’re in an emergency, don’t break a window to access keys. A broken window is a costly repair, and you risk injury in the process.

Try opening the door yourself.

DIY solutions often fail and may complicate unlocking. You could even damage your car. The risks involved in trying to force open a locked car are typically not worth the effort.

Leave the car overnight.

Don’t abandon your car overnight rather than dealing with a lockout immediately. You risk having it towed, especially if it’s left on the side of the road or in a parking lot. Recovering a towed vehicle will cost you even more money.

 

If you’re locked out of your car and live in Akron, Canton, or Cleveland, contact A-Tri-County Lock. They’ve earned a Better Business Bureau® A+ rating. Their mobile teams of trusted professionals offer an array of services, including door lock installations and repairs, locksmith services for homes and vehicles, and key copying. For assistance, call Akron at (330) 928-6222, Canton at (330) 494-1188, or Cleveland at 216-481-2233 (east) or 440-552-1410 (west). Check out the website to learn more about available services.