Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

What To Do When You're Locked Out Of Your Car At Night

25 July 2017

Deann Jackson

Locking your keys in your car is by far one of the worst feelings. However, when you lock your keys in your car at night, the level of dread only intensifies. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do can keep you safe, and while it won't exactly make you happy, it can minimize your stress. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Evaluate the Area

Once you realize that your keys are in fact inside your vehicle, it's a good idea to evaluate the area. If you're in a populated location, such as in the supermarket parking lot, you might be okay waiting by your vehicle. However, if you're in an isolated area or you don't feel safe, it's best to head to a safe location while you are waiting for help to arrive.

Call for Help

One of the worst things you can do is to try to get your keys out of your vehicle using some method you've viewed online, or somewhere else. In older cars, these processes might work, but with newer vehicles, it's not that simple. In fact, using a hanger or some other object can cause damage to the wiring in the door, turning a simple lockout into a damaged electrical door panel. Call for help.

Get Security and Call a Friend

After you've called for help, try to find out if there is any security. Many stores have security that monitors the area remotely or is onsite. In the event you aren't comfortable waiting for a locksmith to arrive at night and you want to wait until the morning, you need to let security know that your vehicle will be left there overnight, as some places will tow vehicles that remain overnight. Get the approval from security. Then arrange for a friend to pick you up and bring you back in the morning.

Prepare for the Next Time

After you're back in your vehicle, it's a great idea to start preparing for a future lockout. Consider giving a close friend an extra set of your keys. Should you be locked out again, you can simply call on them to bring you the key. You can also invest in a key magnet box. These are small boxes you can secure to the underside of your vehicle to store an extra key.

When it comes to being locked out of your car at night, it's all about safety, for both yourself and your vehicle. Keep this in mind and contact a professional for assistance. For more information, contact a business such as Jim's Garage Inc.

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