It’s an unfortunate but common experience – you’re standing outside your locked car, keyless and helpless. Whether you’ve lost the keys or simply left them inside your vehicle, getting locked out isn’t a great feeling. But there are ways to avoid this scenario altogether!
Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a painful experience. It disrupts your day, causes unnecessary stress and inconvenience, and can cost you money to replace a lost key fob, remote, or door lock cylinder.
You don’t want to have to call an emergency locksmith in the middle of the night, or worse – have no other option but to break into your car!
Luckily, there are 7 simple steps you can take to help avoid getting locked out of your vehicle. Austin Car Key Pros offers advice on how to keep yourself free from worry when it comes to losing your keys.
Here are 7 tips for keeping yourself from ever getting locked out of your car:
- Always carry a spare key: Keeping an extra car key on your person is the best way to ensure you never get locked out. If it’s feasible for you, consider in a small lock box that attaches securely to your car and keeps a spare key handy just in case.
- Hide a second set of keys: Leave a set of spare keys in a nearby, hidden location in case of emergency. Make sure to choose a spot that is safe and secure and let at least one other person know the whereabouts – just in case you can’t remember where they are.
- Digital entry: Modern cars often come with digital entry systems, either through a smartphone app or a key card. This makes it easy to unlock your car without a physical key, as long as you have the necessary technology with you.
- Sign up for roadside assistance: Many auto insurance companies offer roadside services that can be invaluable in this type of situation. Make sure to know what’s included and how quickly they can help before signing up – some providers may take hours to respond, whereas others can come within minutes.
- Lock your doors: Always remember to lock your car when you leave it – this seems obvious, but forgetting is easily done! If nothing else, make sure to double-check before exiting the vehicle.
- Set up a warning system: Use a combination of technology and common sense to remind yourself not to leave your keys behind. Install a Bluetooth-enabled device in your car that will beep or chirp when you move away from the vehicle with the keys still inside. Or, set up an alarm on your phone to remind you before leaving the car.
- Keep an extra set of copies: In some cases, it’s possible to get a duplicate key made without replacing the entire system. Keeping a set of copies at home or at a friend’s house can be useful, just in case you’re ever caught without your key.
Following these tips will help to avoid any potential lockouts and keep your car secure! Remember that if all else fails, there are always locksmiths who can help get you back into your vehicle. Be sure to research the locksmiths you plan on using and always ask for a quote before you commit.
By taking these steps, you can avoid getting locked out of your car – and have peace of mind while you’re at it!
Common Causes of Vehicle Lockouts
There are a few common reasons why people get locked out of their vehicles.
These include:
- Forgetting your keys inside the vehicle. This is the most common cause of vehicle lockouts. It can happen if you’re in a hurry, or if you’re distracted.
- Losing your keys. This can happen if you drop your keys, or if they’re stolen.
- Having a dead battery in your key fob. This can prevent you from locking or unlocking your vehicle with the fob.
- Having a malfunctioning door lock. This can happen if the lock is damaged or broken.
How to Prevent Vehicle Lockouts
There are a few things you can do to prevent vehicle lockouts:
- Always keep your keys with you. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to make a habit of keeping your keys with you at all times.
- Use a lanyard or carabiner to attach your keys to your belt loop or purse strap. This will help you keep your keys from getting lost or misplaced.
- Replace the batteries in your key fob regularly. A dead battery in your key fob can prevent you from locking or unlocking your vehicle.
- Have a spare set of keys made. This way, if you do lose your keys, you’ll have a spare set to get back into your vehicle.
- Inspect your door locks regularly. If you notice that a door lock is damaged or broken, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
What to Do if You Get Locked Out of Your Vehicle
If you do get locked out of your vehicle, there are a few things you can do:
- Try to see if you can reach your spare keys through a window. If you can’t reach your keys, you’ll need to call a locksmith or roadside assistance.
- If you have a smartphone, you may be able to use a remote unlocking app to unlock your vehicle. This feature is available on some newer vehicles.
- If you’re locked out of your vehicle in a public place, you may be able to find a security guard or other person who can help you get back in.
What purpose does locking your car serve?
Theft prevention: Locking your car helps deter potential thieves and prevents unauthorized access to your vehicle. A locked car is more challenging to break into, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.
Personal safety: Locking your car when you’re inside provides an added layer of security. It prevents strangers from easily entering your vehicle, protecting you from potential harm.
Protection of belongings: Locking your car keeps your belongings safe while you’re away. Valuables left in an unlocked car are vulnerable to theft.
Insurance requirements: Many insurance policies require you to lock your car whenever you leave it unattended. Failure to do so might invalidate your coverage or result in reduced claim payouts.
Prevent accidental entry: Locking your car ensures that no one unintentionally enters the vehicle, especially in situations involving children who might accidentally open the doors.
Remote control features: Modern cars often come with remote locking mechanisms that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance, adding convenience to the process.
Overall, locking your car is a simple yet effective practice that promotes safety, protects your property, and reduces the risk of theft and potential accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other items I should avoid leaving in the car to prevent lockouts?
Leaving important items such as your phone, wallet, or purse in the car can lead to lockout situations. Always double-check and ensure you have all your essential belongings with you before leaving the vehicle.
Is it a good idea to hide a spare key on the exterior of the car?
Hiding a spare key outside your vehicle might seem like a smart idea, but it poses a security risk. Experienced thieves might know common hiding spots, making it easy for them to gain access to your car. It's safer to keep the spare key on your person or in a secure location.
Can I program a new key fob myself if I lose the original one?
Programming a new key fob typically requires specialized equipment and knowledge. While some car models offer DIY programming options, it's generally best to contact a professional locksmith or your car's manufacturer for assistance.
What should I do if I accidentally lock my child or pet inside the car?
If you accidentally lock a child or pet inside the car, act quickly and call emergency services immediately. Many places have laws that allow bystanders to break the car window in such situations to rescue the individual in danger.
How can I prevent my car keys from falling out of my pocket or purse unnoticed?
To prevent your keys from falling out unnoticed, consider using a lanyard or a keychain attachment that secures them to your person or bag. Additionally, avoid carrying too many items in your pocket or purse, reducing the risk of losing your keys.
Is it worth getting a spare key for a car that uses a transponder or smart key system?
Yes, it's still worth having a spare key for a car with a transponder or smart key system. Even though these keys require programming, a locksmith or dealership can create a duplicate key for emergencies.
Are there any other items I should avoid leaving in the car to prevent lockouts?
Leaving important items such as your phone, wallet, or purse in the car can lead to lockout situations. Always double-check and ensure you have all your essential belongings with you before leaving the vehicle.
Is it a good idea to hide a spare key on the exterior of the car?
Hiding a spare key outside your vehicle might seem like a smart idea, but it poses a security risk. Experienced thieves might know common hiding spots, making it easy for them to gain access to your car. It's safer to keep the spare key on your person or in a secure location.
Can I program a new key fob myself if I lose the original one?
Programming a new key fob typically requires specialized equipment and knowledge. While some car models offer DIY programming options, it's generally best to contact a professional locksmith or your car's manufacturer for assistance.
What should I do if I accidentally lock my child or pet inside the car?
If you accidentally lock a child or pet inside the car, act quickly and call emergency services immediately. Many places have laws that allow bystanders to break the car window in such situations to rescue the individual in danger.
How can I prevent my car keys from falling out of my pocket or purse unnoticed?
To prevent your keys from falling out unnoticed, consider using a lanyard or a keychain attachment that secures them to your person or bag. Additionally, avoid carrying too many items in your pocket or purse, reducing the risk of losing your keys.
Is it worth getting a spare key for a car that uses a transponder or smart key system?
Yes, it's still worth having a spare key for a car with a transponder or smart key system. Even though these keys require programming, a locksmith or dealership can create a duplicate key for emergencies.
Conclusion
By implementing these seven practical strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting locked out of your vehicle. From keeping spare keys to utilizing modern technologies like key finders and remote starters, these methods ensure that you remain in control of your car’s accessibility.
Remember, being proactive and forming good habits can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding lockout mishaps.
Don’t get locked out of your car ever again!
With Austin Car Key Pros, you can never experience the hassle and confusion associated with locking yourself out of your car. We have some great tips to help you prevent getting locked out so that you don’t have to worry about it ever happening again.
Our preventative measures can help ensure that wherever life takes you, you won’t be left stranded and frustrated in an inconvenient situation ever again. With our methods, you’ll save time on having a locksmith come out or buying a new set of keys for your vehicle.
Plus, we make sure all our advice is tailored to fit whatever type of vehicle make or model that you own – so rest assured knowing we will take into account any individual factors needed for a successful prevention plan.