How to Get My Keys Back After Locking Them in the Car
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as realizing you’ve locked your keys inside your car. It’s a situation that most of us have found ourselves in at least once, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible moment. I’ve been there, standing outside my car, staring at the keys on the seat or in the ignition, wondering how in the world I was going to get back inside. Fortunately, there are several ways to deal with this frustrating situation, and I’m going to walk you through a few methods that I’ve tried and tested over the years, along with a couple of expert tips that can help you avoid this problem in the future.
Keystone Towing
7817 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA
1. Assessing the Situation: Can You Access the Car at All?
The first thing I always do when I’ve locked my keys inside the car is to assess the situation. Can I see the keys through the window? Are any of the windows slightly open, or is there any chance of reaching the keys without needing to break into the car? I’ve been in this situation several times, and each time, I’ve had to evaluate whether I had any chance of getting back inside without calling for help. Here’s what you need to check:
- Look for any open windows or cracks that might allow you to fish the keys out or reach the door lock with a long object.
- If your car has keyless entry, check if you have a spare key in your bag or somewhere accessible.
- If the keys are visible, you might be able to use a long tool, like a coat hanger, to unlock the car or pull the keys toward you.
Trying the Slim Jim Method
One of the oldest tricks I’ve heard about is using a slim jim—a long, thin piece of metal that can be slid into the door frame to unlock the car. In some cases, if I could see the keys on the seat and there was a slight gap between the door and the frame, I’ve used a slim jim tool to unlock the door. However, this method requires a bit of skill, and if you don’t have the proper tools, it can easily damage your car or set off the airbags. So, I’d always advise being cautious when trying this technique.
Keystone Towing
7817 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA
2. Calling for Professional Help: When to Contact Roadside Assistance
In most cases, trying to fix the problem yourself can be time-consuming and stressful. If you can’t find an easy way to get the keys back on your own, the best option is to call a professional. I’ve learned that the best solution, especially when you're in a hurry or when the weather is bad, is to call a towing or roadside assistance service.
Roadside Assistance Services
Many roadside assistance services, including Rescue & Towing, offer lockout services where they can come to your location and help unlock your car quickly. The great thing about this is that professional locksmiths are trained to deal with all types of cars, so you don’t have to worry about causing damage. I’ve had a positive experience calling a towing service when I locked myself out of my car on a cold winter night. They arrived within 20 minutes, and the technician had my car unlocked in no time. It was a huge relief, especially since I was in an area with no cell signal, and I couldn’t have contacted anyone else for help.
Why Call a Professional?
While it’s tempting to try and solve the problem yourself, calling a professional has several benefits. Here are a few reasons why calling for professional towing or roadside assistance is the best option in a car lockout situation:
- They have the right tools to unlock your car without causing any damage.
- They can handle all types of vehicles, including modern cars with complex locking systems.
- They offer a fast response time, especially in emergencies.
- Professional services can be covered under insurance or membership programs like AAA, which can save you money in the long run.
3. Preventing Lockouts in the Future
Once I finally got into my car with the help of a professional locksmith, I realized that there were things I could do to prevent this frustrating experience in the future. I’ve learned a few key strategies to ensure that I don’t lock myself out again, and I want to share these with you:
1. Spare Keys
One of the best things I’ve done is to always have a spare key on hand. I keep a spare key in a magnetic key holder attached to the car, hidden under the bumper, which I’ve found useful during emergencies. Some people use keyless entry fobs, and having a spare in your wallet or at home can save you in case of a lockout.
2. Key Lock Box
Another solution I use now is a key lock box that attaches to the car, typically under the vehicle or in a secure spot. This is a great way to ensure you always have access to your keys, even if you lock them inside the car. It’s an investment that’s totally worth it for the peace of mind it provides.
3. Smartphone Apps and Keyless Entry Systems
Many newer cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car using your smartphone or a special fob. I’ve found that investing in a car with this technology can help eliminate the problem of lockouts altogether. Even if I accidentally lock my keys inside, I can use the app to unlock my car remotely from anywhere.
4. When You Need Help Quickly
If you find yourself in a situation where you need quick help, remember that roadside assistance services like Rescue & Towing are there to assist you. These services are especially valuable if you’re in a remote location or during harsh weather conditions. Their experts can reach you quickly and ensure that your car is unlocked without causing damage.
Overall, while locking your keys in your car is a frustrating experience, there are solutions available to get you back in your vehicle quickly and safely. Whether you try a DIY method, call a professional, or invest in preventative measures, having a plan in place can make all the difference in a stressful situation.
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