There’s nothing that ruins your day faster than discovering you’ve locked your keys in your car. Despite all the technology that goes into key fobs, sensors, and alarms, it can still happen to the best of us.
Here are some tips to get you back in your vehicle and on the road in no time.
Spare Key
When you buy a new vehicle, the dealership supplies two sets of keys, so you automatically have a spare set.
If you buy a vehicle from a private party, you may not always have a spare. As soon as you drive the vehicle home, stop at a hardware store and get at least one – if not two – sets of spare keys made.
Keep the spare at home so you always know where to find it. Other options are to keep a second spare in one of those magnetic key holders on the underside of your car, in an outdoor hiding place at home or somewhere where it is easily accessible.
Mobile App
The newer the vehicle, the more options are available for help in case of an emergency.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there may be a manufacturer’s app that can be accessed right from your cell phone. Among other things, you can access the app to digitally open/lock your vehicle.
Check your vehicle’s owner manual or the manufacturer’s web site to see if a mobile app is available for your year/make of vehicle.
Air Pump Wedge
A very useful lockout tool to have on hand is an air pump wedge.
It works by placing a deflated bag between the vehicle door and the seal. By using the hand pump, gently inflate the bag, or wedge, which gives you the space to slide an unlocking tool rod inside.
By directing the unlocking tool rod to the vehicle’s manual lock mechanism, you gain entry to the vehicle fairly easily and damage-free.
If you use an air pump wedge, use only a high-quality model to avoid exterior damage to car paint.
Roadside Assistance
Contact your auto insurance agent and if available, sign up for roadside assistance for a nominal additional charge on your car insurance policy.
There are also companies like AAA who offer roadside assistance options for a monthly or annual fee.
When enrolled in a roadside assistance program, help with entry into a locked vehicle is just a phone call away.
Break the Window
If all else fails or in the case of an emergency, you may have to go old school and simply break the window.
Typically, this is considered a last resort because of the damage it causes to your vehicle. However, a broken window may be less damaging than a bent window frame or damage to car paint from a pry bar or other tool.
Conclusion
Odds are that at some point, most drivers will find themselves locked out of their vehicles. Despite your best efforts, it may cause some damage to your vehicle.
If gaining entry into your vehicle has caused damage to your paint or auto body, reach out to the auto body professionals at Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park.