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You’re in a rush, you’ve got a million things on your mind, and you close the door to your car… only to realize your keys are still inside. It’s a frustrating situation that many of us have found ourselves in at one point or the another.
Sometimes, you might be tempted to try and break into your own car to get your keys back, but that can lead to even more problems. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with the following tips on what to do if you lock yourself out of your car.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
As soon as you become aware of the situation, you should take a deep breath and assess it. Does anyone nearby know how to help you? Do you have a spare key somewhere? Do you have a mobile locksmith’s number? Staying calm is key here, as panicking can only make things worse.
Take a few deep breaths and think about what steps you need to take to get back into your car. This will help you assess the situation more clearly and find a solution quicker. In addition, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the end of the world and that there is a solution out there—you just need to find it! Keep calm and take your time to figure things out.
Check for Unlocked Doors or Windows
Before you do anything else, take a quick walk around your car and check all the doors and windows to see if any of them are unlocked. If you’re lucky, you might have left a back door or window open that you can climb through.
Call a Locksmith
If you can’t find a spare key or anyone nearby to help you, it’s time to call emergency locksmiths. They are professionals who can help you get back into your car without causing damage. Do some research and find a reputable locksmith in your area. Keep their number in your phone for future reference, so you’re prepared if this happens again.
When looking for a locksmith company to help you get back into your car, it’s important to do some research and vet the company. You should read reviews from past customers, check out their website and social media pages, and make sure they are a legitimate business. Also, look into their customer service policies to see what kind of guarantee or warranty they offer on their services.
Use a Slim Jim
If you’re confident in your abilities, you can try using a slim jim to unlock your car door. A slim jim is a long, thin piece of metal that can slide between the window and the weatherstripping to hit the unlock button or lever. However, be aware that using a slim jim incorrectly can damage your car door or lock, so it’s best to leave this to the professionals.
Try the Tennis Ball Method
Yes, you read that right—a tennis ball! This method is a bit unconventional, but it has been known to work. Cut a small hole in the tennis ball and press it over the lock. Then, push down hard on the tennis ball to create pressure inside the lock. This pressure should trigger the locking mechanism and unlock the door. This method might seem a little ridiculous, but it’s worth a shot if you’re in a bind.
Use a Coat Hanger
If you’re feeling handy, you can try using a wire coat hanger to unlock your car. Straighten out the coat hanger and bend one end into a hook shape. Then, carefully slide the hanger between the door and the car frame, aiming for the lock mechanism.
Once you’ve hooked the lock, gently pull the hook up to unlock the door. This method takes some skill and patience, so be prepared to spend some time trying to get it right.
Ask for Help
You can also try asking for help. Maybe someone passing by has experience unlocking a car, or has a coat hanger or other tool to help you unlock your door. However, this is not always advisable or safe, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area or it’s late at night.
When asking for help, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. Be courteous when approaching someone and explain your situation in as much detail as possible. Ask them politely if they have any tools or knowhow that could help you unlock the car door safely. Make sure to thank the person for their help and offer to reimburse them in some way for their time or effort. Finally, always be aware of your safety and only approach someone you feel comfortable with.
Prevention is Key
Finally, take steps to prevent this from happening again in the future. One way to ensure you always have a spare key is to leave it with a trusted friend or family member. You can also consider getting an electronic key fob, or keeping a spare key in a magnetic box hidden somewhere on your car (but be sure to choose a discreet location, and avoid anywhere metal or magnetic).
Another way to think ahead is to always double-check that you have your keys before leaving the car. Perhaps set up a mental check for yourself, reminding yourself to place your keys in your pocket first and pat your pockets so that you feel them.
Locking yourself out of your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying calm and taking the right steps, you can get back into your car with minimal damage and inconvenience. Remember to call a locksmith if you’re unable to get in on your own, and take preventative measures to avoid this happening again in the future. Stay safe and good luck!
By Dixie Somers
who is a freelance writer based in Arizona.
Member since October, 2022
View all the articles of Dixie Somers.
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