Locking your keys in your car is a simple mistake anyone can make. If your minds on your work or personal matters, you may leave your key in the ignition without realizing until it’s too late.

What should you do and (most importantly) NOT do if this happens to you?

 

DON’T Hide Spares in an Obvious Place on your Car

Keeping a spare key on your vehicle might seem like a smart idea at first. You can buy small magnetic storage boxes that adhere to your car’s exterior and provide a fast solution if you end up locking yourself out.

However, you need to be very careful about where you place said box. If you stick it in an obvious spot so it’s easier to see, you’re making it simpler for potential thieves to see too.

Secure the box in a place not everybody would look and takes effort to reach.

 

DO Hide Spare Keys Away from your Car

If possible, hide your spare key in your wallet, purse, or jacket pocket.

This adds an extra layer of security and takes the easy option away from thieves. It also means you can find the extra key and get back into your vehicle just by reaching into your wallet or pocket.

If necessary, consider asking a family-member you trust to carry a spare too.

 

DON’T Forget to Try All Doors

It’s an obvious point but making sure you really are locked out is key.

Check the other doors on the car and see if any of your windows are open enough for you to reach inside.

This will only take a few seconds. Give it a try straight away.

 

DO Make Sure You’re Safe

Have you locked yourself out of your car in a strange area after dark? Are you now stranded in a neighborhood you don’t recognize and feel uncomfortable in?

Perhaps you stopped to take money from an ATM or to check your tires. Maybe you made a quick restroom break.

Whatever the reason, wherever the location, it’s vital to make sure you’re as safe as possible. You’ll naturally want to wait by your car to keep it secure, but if you think you may be in danger, find shelter or a safer spot to wait for help.

 

DON’T Leave Valuables in Clear View

Your car will be at increased risk of a break-in or theft if you leave valuables in a clearly visible spot when you exit the vehicle.

While nobody knows when they’re about to be locked out, get into the habit of putting wallets, smartphones, tablets, or other expensive goods away when you’re inside the car.

 

DO Call the Professionals

While there are techniques to regain access to your vehicle, it’s best to avoid DIY approaches: you may end up damaging the lock so badly it needs repairing.

Call a local locksmith instead. For example, if this happens when you are traveling in Maryland it would make sense to call Baltimore Locksmith for a 24-7 locksmith service in Baltimore, MD. A local service will know the busy city’s roads well, and therefore the quickest routes to get to you and your car. They will be able to provide fast, efficient locksmith services that give you access to your car with minimal waiting.

This ensures your car’s lock is handled with care, which may not be the case if you try it yourself!

 

DON’T Hire a Non-certified Locksmith

Always hire a certified locksmith to help you when you’re locked out of your car. You can find out more about how locksmiths operate at https://gaugemagazine.com/5-things-you-dont-know-about-auto-locksmiths/.

Locksmiths without the proper certification and license may be unqualified to work on your car. They could cause damage to the lock and the vehicle itself and charge you a higher rate than they told you over the phone.

This information was brought to you by Luckey Lock, A leading locksmith in Calgary, AB