Locking yourself out of your car is a stressful experience, whether you’ve lost your keys or accidentally left them inside. The delays and frustration it causes can throw off your day. Fortunately, preventing lockouts is easy with a few simple precautions. In this guide, we’ll share key tips to help you avoid getting locked out.
Ensure Your Keys Are with You Before Locking the Door
Forgetting your keys inside the car is a common reason for lockouts. To avoid this, always make sure you have your keys before locking the car. Take a moment to check all compartments and ensure your keys are safely in your pocket, bag, or other secure places. This small step can save you time and stress by preventing a car lockout situation.
Keep a Spare Key in a Secure Location
Avoid the stress of a car lockout by keeping a spare key. Store it in a secure place, such as your wallet, with a trusted friend, or in a magnetic key box on your car. With a spare key, you can avoid locksmith fees, saving you both time and money.
Say Goodbye to Keys: Invest in a Keyless Entry System
Keyless entry systems provide an innovative way to prevent car lockouts. They allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without using a physical key. Accessing your car is as easy as pressing a button on a fob or using your smartphone app. While many newer cars come with keyless entry, if your vehicle doesn’t have it, consider upgrading. This system not only offers greater convenience but also minimizes the chances of losing or misplacing your keys.
A Key Tracker Can Save You Time and Frustration
For people who often misplace their keys, a key tracker is an excellent tool. These small, attachable devices sync with a smartphone app, allowing you to track your keys in real-time. If your keys are out of sight, simply use the app to find them. This smart technology keeps your keys close at hand, helping you avoid the frustration of lockouts.
Stay Alert to Automatic Locking to Avoid Getting Locked Out
Modern cars with automatic locking systems are convenient and secure, but they can cause accidental lockouts if you’re not cautious. Pay attention to when your car locks itself, especially when the keys are still inside. Many cars lock automatically once the door is shut, and you may not realize it until you try to open it. To avoid this, you can disable the feature if your car allows, or always keep your keys with you when leaving the vehicle.
Keep Your Spare Keys Safe with a Lockbox
One practical method to avoid getting locked out of your car is to utilize a lockbox, often known as a key vault. These compact, secure boxes can be mounted on your car in discrete locations like the bumper or under the wheel well, or they can be kept in a handy location and hold a spare key. Because the lockbox is code-protected, only authorized personnel or you can get the spare key. This technology gives you peace of mind in an emergency since it allows you to still access your automobile even if you misplace your primary key.
Keep Track of Key Fob Battery Health to Avoid Lockouts
Convenience is key fobs’ primary advantage, but as time passes, their batteries may run out, causing problems and even lockout scenarios. If your key fob begins to function slowly or intermittently, the battery has to be replaced. Replace the battery before it completely fails to save yourself the trouble. Because 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.
Always Keep Your Keys on You, Never Lock Them in the Trunk
When your car has a trunk, always be mindful not to leave your keys inside, particularly if you’re closing it in a hurry. Many individuals lock themselves out when they leave their keys in the trunk and forget to grab them before closing it. If this happens often, it’s a good idea to keep your trunk key separate from your main car key. This extra measure can help you avoid accidentally locking your keys inside the trunk.
Be Aware of Your Locking Mechanism to Maintain Access
For those with older cars or manual locks, be careful not to lock the doors while your keys are inside. Without automatic or central locking, it’s easy to lock the door from the outside and forget your keys on the seat. This simple mistake can lead to a frustrating lockout. Make sure to check that your keys are with you before locking the door, and use a keychain with a large or brightly colored tag to make your keys easier to spot.
For Security You Can Rely On, Use Professional Locksmith Services
Despite all precautions, a lockout might still happen. If you’re locked out, stay calm. A professional locksmith can help you regain access to your vehicle safely and quickly. Many locksmiths provide emergency lockout services, so it’s helpful to have a trusted locksmith’s contact information ready. This ensures you can reach out for assistance without any delay.
Preventing car lockouts is simple but can save you a lot of inconvenience. Taking proactive steps like checking for keys before locking, using a spare key, installing keyless entry, and considering key trackers can drastically reduce your chances of a lockout. Also, don’t forget to maintain your key fob, avoid locking your keys in the trunk, and be mindful of automatic locking systems. These tips will help keep you prepared and your driving experience smooth and secure.