A car lockout can happen to anyone. You might be in a hurry, distracted, or simply forgetful. One moment, you are getting out of the car, and the next, you realize the keys are still inside. It is stressful, especially if you are far from home, in bad weather, or late for work. The good news is that you can handle it calmly and safely if you know what steps to take. Here, you will learn what to do during a car lockout, how to avoid making it worse, and the best ways to prevent it from happening again.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step in any car lockout is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation harder to solve. Take a deep breath and check the surroundings. Ask yourself:
- Are you in a safe area?
- Is there any danger, like heavy traffic or bad weather?
- Do you have your phone with you?
If you are in an unsafe spot, like on the side of a busy road, move to a safer location before trying to solve the problem. Your safety is more important than getting the car open quickly.
Avoid Damaging Your Vehicle
Before calling for help, check all the doors and windows. Sometimes, you may have left another door unlocked or a window slightly open. If you find one, you may be able to open the car without any tools. Just remember to do this gently so you do not damage the vehicle.
Not only will repairs cost more than a professional car lockout service, but you also risk triggering your car alarm or making the lock mechanism unusable.
For detailed insight, read our previous article What is the best lubricant for car door locks?
Think About Spare Keys
Do you have a spare key? Many people keep one at home, with a friend, or in their wallet. If you are close to home, you might be able to get it quickly. If someone else has it, give them a call and ask for help.
It is always a good idea to have a spare key stored in a safe and accessible place. This one step can turn a long problem into a short delay.
Avoid Using Unsafe Methods
You may feel tempted to use sharp objects, coat hangers, or screwdrivers to open the car yourself. This can damage the lock, scratch the paint, or even break the window. These repairs can cost much more than calling a professional.
If you have no experience unlocking cars, it is best to avoid these risky methods and wait for trained help.
Call a Professional Locksmith
The fastest and safest way to solve a car lockout is to call a professional locksmith. They have the tools and skills to open your car without causing damage. Many locksmiths also provide mobile services, meaning they can come to you within minutes.
When choosing a locksmith:
- Look for someone local with good reviews.
- Ask for the cost before they start the work.
- Make sure they are licensed and insured.
A professional locksmith can also make you a spare key on the spot, which helps prevent future lockouts.
Read Also: When to Call a Professional for Emergency Locksmith Service
Contact Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance through your car insurance, credit card, or auto club membership, this is the perfect time to use it. They can send someone to unlock your car, tow it if needed, or help in other ways.
Keep your roadside assistance number saved in your phone and written in your wallet for emergencies. If you want damage-free help, searching for an emergency locksmith near me is your best move. And for reliability and expertise, companies like Keys4U have built a reputation for providing professional service whenever you need it.
Use Technology if Your Car Allows It
Some modern cars have apps or remote systems that allow you to unlock the doors from your phone. If your vehicle has this feature, open the app and follow the instructions.
Keyless entry and smart locks can make life easier, but it is still wise to have a backup plan in case the battery dies or the system fails.
Read Also: 5 Smart Key Fob Tips Every Electric Car Owner Should Know
If a Child or Pet is Locked Inside
If you are in a car lockout and a child or pet is inside, the situation becomes urgent. Call emergency services immediately. In hot or cold weather, it only takes a few minutes for the inside of a car to become dangerous.
If help cannot arrive quickly and the person or pet is in danger, break the window farthest from them to get inside. This should be your last resort, but safety comes first.
Learn from the Experience
Once the lockout is over, take steps to prevent it from happening again:
- Have a spare key made and store it in a safe place.
- Get a magnetic key holder to hide under the car.
- Create a habit of checking for your keys before closing the door.
- Use a keychain with a tracker so you can find your keys quickly.
Simple habits and small tools can save you time, money, and stress in the future.
Common Causes of a Car Lockout
Knowing what leads to a lockout can help you avoid it:
- Keys locked inside the car
- Lost or stolen keys
- Broken key fob or dead battery
- Damaged locks or doors
Regularly checking your keys, locks, and fob battery can prevent these problems.
Cost of Solving a Car Lockout
The price of fixing a car lockout depends on several factors:
- Time of day or night
- Location of the vehicle
- Type of car and locking system
On average, locksmith services for a car lockout can cost between $50 and $150. Roadside assistance may be free if you are covered. Breaking a window will cost more in repairs, so it is better to choose a safer option if possible.
Summary
A car lockout can be stressful, but it does not have to ruin your day. By staying calm, checking all possible entry points, and calling professional help, you can solve the problem quickly and safely. The key is to prepare in advance. Keep spare keys, use technology when available, and make small habits part of your daily routine. That way, the next time you face a lockout, you will know exactly what to do.