Getting locked out of your car seems like a pretty harmless thing if you’re at home or work. What if you’re stranded outside in the freezing cold, though? What if you’re on the side of a bustling highway?
More than half of all road traffic deaths are among pedestrians, cyclists, and other individuals that aren’t in a vehicle.
There are real dangers involved in a car lockout. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan for what you’ll do if it ever happens to you. We’re going to take a look at what to do when you’re locked out of your car in a pinch.
Hopefully, the ideas below can keep you safe if you happen to get locked out of your vehicle. Let’s get started.
What To Do in A Car Lockout
The first thing you need to do is assess your risk. Are you in danger of freezing? Can traffic see you standing on the side of the road?
It’s imperative that you get out of harm’s way as soon as you realize you’re locked out. Leave the car where it is. It’s not going anywhere, and it’s better to have your car get damaged than to suffer a severe injury.
In extreme cases, flagging down passersby to use their phones might be necessary. If you have your phone, you should call a tow or a taxi to come pick you up.
You can also call a car lockout service if there’s one in your area. Companies like AAA work with lockout professionals throughout the United States. There are bound to be a few companies to work with if you’re anywhere near a large city.
You can find a great locksmith here.
If you’re on a long way out from a city, though, you might have to contact the police. Police are trained to open locked cars, although doing so is their lowest priority. Be sure to call the non-emergency number if you need to take this option.
Try Out DIY Methods
In situations at home or in a safe environment, you might have the time to try and open the car door yourself. There are numerous methods to try and do this, although you’ll always have a better chance if you have a few materials.
Some useful tools when opening a vehicle include:
- Wire hanger
- Pump (like a blood pressure pump)
- Sturdy string or shoelace
Pumping the space between the door and the doorframe can give you enough space to insert the wire hanger or string. Making a loop with one of those items could give you access to wrap the lock handle and open the door.
DIY methods have a way of damaging your car, though, and they’re not always as easy as they seem in the movies.
Need More Tips for Car Issues?
Dealing with a car lockout can be an intensely stressful situation. The more prepared you are, though, the better you’ll be able to get out of that situation safely.
Short of finding a new key, you’ll have to explore some of the solutions we described above. We’re here to help with more ideas. Explore our site for insight into solutions for car problems, health, fitness, real estate, and a whole lot more.