Mishaps happen, but you can prevent most of them by keeping a few tips in mind. These include keeping your keys on a heavy key chain or a brightly colored one and always picking them up when you place them down for rummaging.
Car Lockout Washington DC provides a wide range of locksmith services including residential, commercial and automotive lockouts. They are available around the clock and offer upfront flat rates with no hidden charges.
Locked Keys in the Trunk
When you get locked out of the trunk, it can be especially frustrating. Getting stuck in this situation can also be dangerous, depending on how far you’re from home and if there are children or pets trapped inside.
Stash a spare key somewhere safe, like at home or with a friend or family member. This will save you from having to jump through extra hoops to override the lock mechanism.
Before calling for help, check the rest of the car to see if you can open another door. It’s easy to overlook something when you’re in a panic. Plus, using improper tools like coat hangers or bobby pins can damage the locks, door, windows, and car paint. If there’s no other way, call for roadside assistance. Generally, the services offered by these companies are fast and reliable. They’ll have the right tools for your specific make and model of car. Plus, they may be able to unlock your trunk without damaging the door or its locking system.
Locked Keys in the Ignition
If the key will not insert or turn in the ignition, check to make sure that the car is in neutral or Park. Also, try jiggling the key. This may loosen the pins and springs that are keeping the key stuck in the lock cylinder.
If these basic checks don’t work, it could be a problem with the ignition cylinder itself or the key itself. Sometimes the key can become worn out, and a new one will be required. A professional will be able to determine what the best course of action will be.
If you have a spare car key, try using it to enter your vehicle. Don’t attempt to use coat hangers, bobby pins, or slim jims as these are often dangerous and can lead to more problems than they solve. In most cases, calling a locksmith is the best option for car lockout services. These professionals have the right tools and equipment to get the job done quickly and safely.
Locked Keys in the Seat
When you lock yourself out of the driver’s seat, it can be a real pain. The first thing you should do is check if any other doors are unlocked. This is a simple trick, but it’s easy to overlook. In a stressful situation, the brain narrows its focus and sometimes forgets other things.
If no other door is unlocked, use a hanger or an inflatable bladder (similar to what you find in blood pressure cuffs). Inflating the hanger or bladder can give you enough leverage to pry open the door and get into the car.
If none of these methods work, a roadside assistance service may be your best bet. Many of these services offer a limited number of free lockouts per year and can help you quickly solve your problem. You should always try to resolve your issue before calling roadside assistance. This will save you money and time in the long run. It will also give you a good idea of whether these services are worth the cost in the future.