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.
Make Sure You Have Your Keys Before Locking the Door
One of the main reasons for being locked out of your car is leaving your keys inside. To avoid this, make checking for your keys a habit before you lock the doors. Be sure to check all compartments and confirm your keys are safely with you, whether in your pocket, bag, or other place. This simple habit can spare you the inconvenience of needing professional help.
Have a Spare Key Ready for Emergencies
Make sure you have a spare key on hand to avoid the inconvenience of a car lockout. Store it safely in your wallet, with a family member, or in a magnetic key box on your car. A spare key helps you avoid the delay and the expense of needing locksmith services.
Make Access Easier and More Secure with a Keyless Entry System
Keyless entry systems help you avoid the stress of car lockouts. These systems allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key. By pressing a button on a fob or using a smartphone app, you can access your vehicle in seconds. Many newer vehicles are equipped with keyless entry, but if yours isn’t, upgrading to this feature could provide a lot of benefits. It makes car access easier and reduces the chances of losing your keys.
Say Goodbye to Lost Keys with a Key Tracker
If you’re prone to losing your keys, a key tracker could be an ideal solution. These small devices attach to your keychain and sync with your smartphone app, allowing you to track your keys in real-time. When your keys go missing, use the app to locate them quickly. This simple technology helps prevent car lockouts by ensuring your keys are always within your reach.
Be Aware of Automatic Locking to Prevent Accidental Lockouts
While automatic locking in modern cars offers security and ease, it can cause accidental lockouts if you’re not paying attention. Be aware of when your car locks itself, especially if the keys are inside. Many cars lock automatically when the door closes, and you might not notice until you try to open it. To avoid this, disable the feature or always carry your keys when exiting the car.
A Lockbox Provides Secure Key Storage for Extra Protection
To prevent a car lockout, consider storing a spare key in a lockbox, or key vault. These compact, secure boxes can be mounted in hidden areas of your car, such as under the wheel well or near the bumper, or placed in another discreet yet easily reachable spot. With a code-secured lockbox, only you or trusted individuals can access the spare key. It’s a great solution for emergencies, offering backup access if you misplace your primary key.
Be Conscious of Key Fob Battery Life to Prevent Delays
Key fobs offer convenience, but their batteries can wear out over time, leading to malfunctions and lockouts. If your key fob starts working sporadically or slowly, it’s time to change the battery. Replace it before it fails entirely to avoid issues. Regularly replacing the battery ensures dependable access to your car and is an easy, cost-effective fix.
Prevent Lockouts – Don’t Lock Your Keys in the Trunk
Avoid leaving your keys in the trunk of your car, especially when closing it hastily or without thinking. It’s easy to lock yourself out by leaving the keys inside and forgetting to grab them. If this is a frequent issue, try keeping your trunk key separate from your car key to prevent this inconvenience.
Stay Vigilant with Locking Mechanisms to Ensure Smooth Access
Locking the doors with your keys inside is a common mistake for older cars or manual locks. Without automatic locking, it’s easy to lock the door and leave your keys on the seat. This simple mistake can cause a lockout. Always check for your keys before locking, and consider using a large, bright keychain tag for easy identification.
Enjoy Peace of Mind with the Help of a Professional Locksmith
Even with all precautions, a lockout can still occur. If you find yourself locked out, stay calm. A professional locksmith can assist you in getting back into your vehicle swiftly. Many locksmiths offer emergency services, so keep their contact info accessible for immediate help.
Preventing car lockouts is simple and can save you stress. By checking for your keys before locking, using a spare key, investing in keyless entry, and using key trackers, you can drastically reduce your chances of a lockout. Also, maintain your key fob, avoid locking your keys in the trunk, and be mindful of automatic locking features. These measures ensure a smooth, stress-free driving experience.