Locking yourself out of your car is one of those frustrating events that can happen to anyone, often at the worst possible time. Whether you’re in a rush to get to work, running errands, or in an unfamiliar location, the moment you realize your car keys are locked inside the vehicle can bring a wave of panic. Fortunately, getting locked out of your car doesn’t have to be an inevitable event. There are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of this happening.
As one of Exeter’s trusted auto locksmiths, we’ve encountered countless cases of lockouts. Whether it’s keys locked in the car, misplaced or lost keys, or malfunctioning locks, we’ve seen it all. To help you avoid the stress and inconvenience of a car lockout, we’ve compiled five essential tips that you can implement today.
1. Have a Spare Car Key Made and Keep it Safe
The first and most important thing you can do to prevent a car lockout is to have a spare car key. It sounds simple, but many people overlook the importance of having an extra key until they’ve already locked themselves out. A spare key can save you time, money, and frustration if you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle.
A good practice is to store your spare key in a secure location. Consider giving it to a trusted friend or family member who can come to your rescue if needed. Alternatively, you can keep it in a safe, accessible location at home or work, but be sure it’s a place where you won’t accidentally lock it up. Having a key box at home is another option, as it provides easy access while ensuring your keys are stored safely.
If you don’t have a spare key yet, it’s a good idea to contact a professional locksmith service to have one made. At Auto Locksmith Exeter, we provide spare car key services that ensure you always have a backup key ready when you need it.
2. Use Keyless Entry Features Whenever Possible
Many modern vehicles come equipped with keyless entry systems, which allow you to lock and unlock your car without using a traditional key. These systems provide added convenience, as you won’t have to fumble around in your pockets or bag to find your keys. Moreover, keyless entry reduces the likelihood of accidentally locking your keys inside the car.
Keyless entry features typically work by using a remote key fob that communicates with your car’s locking system. If your vehicle supports it, you can lock and unlock the doors by pressing a button on the fob or even just by touching the car handle while the fob is nearby. This is especially helpful if your hands are full, or you’re in a rush.
However, if your key fob isn’t working correctly, you might find yourself unable to access your car even with keyless entry. In this case, you may need to have the fob reprogrammed. At Auto Locksmith Exeter, we provide key programming services that can get your fob back in working order, ensuring you can take advantage of your vehicle’s keyless entry system without worry.
3. Get Into the Habit of Checking for Your Keys
While technology can make things more convenient, sometimes the best solution is developing good habits. One of the simplest ways to avoid a car lockout is by always checking that you have your keys with you before closing the door and locking your vehicle. Make this a regular part of your routine, and it can save you from the frustration of getting locked out.
Before exiting your car, get into the habit of asking yourself: “Do I have my keys?” Doing a quick mental check or even setting a reminder on your phone can help you avoid those stressful moments of realizing your keys are still in the ignition or on the passenger seat after the doors have locked.
Additionally, some vehicles have automatic locking systems, where the doors lock as soon as you exit the vehicle. While this can be convenient, it’s also easy to accidentally lock your keys inside. Be mindful of your car’s locking system and make it a priority to always know where your keys are before leaving the vehicle.
4. Invest in a Digital Key Finder
If you frequently misplace your keys, investing in a digital key finder can be a lifesaver. Devices like Tile or Apple’s AirTag allow you to attach a small tracker to your keys, which you can then locate using your smartphone. These devices work through Bluetooth or GPS, enabling you to track your keys down quickly, whether they’re lost at home, in the car, or somewhere in Exeter.
A key finder can save you from a potential lockout by ensuring you always know where your keys are. If you’ve ever spent an hour frantically searching for your keys before leaving the house, you’ll understand how valuable this tool can be. With just a tap on your smartphone, you can make your key finder emit a sound, helping you locate it easily.
In situations where your keys are lost or you’re unable to retrieve them, you might need to contact a locksmith for assistance. Our team at Auto Locksmith Exeter provides lost car keys services to help you replace your keys quickly and efficiently, minimizing the inconvenience.
5. Utilize Remote Locking Apps for Modern Vehicles
Many new cars come with apps that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle remotely from your smartphone. These apps provide an additional layer of convenience and security, enabling you to control your car’s locks even if you’re not physically near the vehicle. For example, if you accidentally lock your keys in the car, you can simply use the app to unlock the doors and retrieve them.
If your car supports remote locking and unlocking, it’s a good idea to download the app and familiarize yourself with its features. This can be particularly helpful if you often find yourself in situations where you’re juggling multiple tasks and might forget to grab your keys before locking the car.
In some cases, remote apps also allow you to monitor the status of your car, such as checking whether the doors are locked or unlocked. This feature can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re unsure whether you locked the car after leaving it in a public place.
If your car doesn’t have a remote locking app, consider looking into whether there are any aftermarket systems available that could provide this feature.
What to Do If You Get Locked Out in Exeter
Even with all of these precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself locked out of your car in Exeter, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. Panicking can make the situation feel worse than it is. Instead, focus on getting help quickly and efficiently.
At Auto Locksmith Exeter, we provide fast and reliable emergency vehicle unlocking services. Our team of professional locksmiths is available 24/7 to assist you if you’re locked out of your vehicle. We use non-destructive methods to unlock your car, meaning we can get you back inside without causing any damage to your vehicle.
If you’re locked out, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our locksmiths are trained to handle all types of car lockouts, and we can typically get you back on the road in no time.
Conclusion
Car lockouts are frustrating, but they don’t have to be an inevitable part of your life. By following these five simple tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting locked out of your vehicle. From having a spare key and using keyless entry to investing in a key finder and making use of remote locking apps, these strategies can save you time, money, and stress.
However, if you do find yourself locked out of your car in Exeter, Auto Locksmith Exeter is here to help. Our professional locksmiths are available around the clock to assist with any vehicle lockouts, spare key cutting, key programming, and more. Contact us today for fast, reliable service whenever you need it.