Getting locked out of your car is a frustrating situation. Whether you lost your keys or left them inside, a car lockout can be stressful and cause unnecessary delays. Fortunately, there are easy steps to avoid lockouts. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best ways to prevent getting locked out.
Always Confirm You Have Your Keys Before Locking the Door
A frequent reason for car lockouts is forgetting to take your keys with you and leaving them inside the car. Before locking up, always check that you have your keys with you. Take a moment to verify that your keys are safely in your bag, pocket, or wherever you keep them. This small habit can save you the frustration of needing emergency lockout assistance.
A Spare Key Can Save You Time and Stress
A spare key is an excellent backup in case you accidentally lock yourself out of your car. Keep it in a secure place, such as your wallet, with someone you trust, or in a magnetic key box attached to your car. With a spare key, you can avoid needing to call a locksmith and save both time and money.
Invest in a Keyless Entry System for Ultimate Access Control
Keyless entry systems offer a modern solution to eliminate the risk of car lockouts. With these systems, you no longer need a traditional key to unlock or start your car. You can access your vehicle with a button on a fob or via your smartphone app. Many newer models include keyless entry as a standard feature, but if your car doesn’t have it, upgrading can offer great convenience. It simplifies access and reduces the chances of losing or misplacing your keys.
Consider a Key Tracker to Make Sure You Never Lose Your Keys
Everyone misplaces their keys from time to time, but a key tracker can make finding them much easier. These small devices attach to your keychain and sync with your smartphone app, enabling you to track your keys in real-time. If your keys go missing, simply use the app to pinpoint their location. This technology helps keep your keys within reach, making lockouts a thing of the past.
Be Aware of Automatic Locking to Prevent Accidental Lockouts
Automatic locking features are common in many new cars, providing security and ease of use. However, they can also lead to accidental lockouts if you’re not cautious. Be mindful of when your car locks automatically, especially if your keys are still inside. Some cars automatically lock once the door is closed, and you may not notice until you try to unlock it. To avoid this, disable the automatic locking feature (if possible) or ensure you have your keys with you when exiting your vehicle.
Ensure Your Keys Are Safe with a Lockbox
A key vault, sometimes referred to as a lockbox, is a useful way to prevent becoming locked out of your vehicle. These small, safe boxes can be put on your car in discrete places like under the wheel well or next to the bumper, or they can be kept in a convenient place. They are made to hold a spare key. The spare key can only be retrieved by you or authorized personnel because the lockbox is code-protected. In an emergency, this technology gives you piece of mind because it lets you get into your car even if you lose your main key.
Be Conscious of Key Fob Battery Life to Prevent Delays
Key fobs are primarily helpful for convenience, but as time passes, their batteries may run out, which could result in malfunctions and even lockout scenarios. If your key fob begins to function slowly or intermittently, the battery has to be replaced. Before the battery completely fails, replace it to save yourself frustration. Since key fob batteries are cheap and easy to fix, it’s a good idea to replace them frequently to guarantee dependable access to your vehicle.
Don’t Lock Your Keys in the Trunk – Keep Them Accessible
If your car has a trunk, make sure you don’t leave your keys inside it, especially if you’re closing it without thinking. Many people lock themselves out by leaving their keys in the trunk and forgetting to take them before closing it. To prevent this from happening, consider keeping your trunk key separate from your main car key. This precaution can save you from accidentally locking your keys inside the trunk.
Ensure You’re Using the Right Locking Mechanism for Safety
For older cars or those with manual locks, locking the doors while your keys are inside can happen more easily than you think. Without automatic or central locking, you may lock the door from the outside and forget to take your keys off the seat. This common mistake can lead to a frustrating lockout. To avoid this, always check that your keys are with you before locking the door, and use a keychain with a large or bright tag to help you spot them quickly.
Trust Professional Locksmith Services for Reliable Security
A lockout might happen, even if you’ve taken all the right precautions. If it does, stay calm. A professional locksmith can quickly assist you in getting back into your vehicle. Many locksmiths offer emergency lockout services, so it’s important to have their contact information readily available. This ensures you can get the help you need right away.
While preventing car lockouts may seem simple, it can save you a lot of hassle. Taking small steps like checking for keys before locking, using a spare key, installing keyless entry, and utilizing key trackers can greatly decrease the chances of being locked out. It’s also important to take care of your key fob, avoid locking your keys in the trunk, and be mindful of automatic locking features. These easy actions will help ensure your driving experience is smoother and more secure.