What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car: Expert Tips from an Automotive Locksmith in Burlington, NC

Locking yourself out of your car is an all-too-common inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. If you find yourself in this situation, you need an expert to help you regain access quickly and safely. At Guilford Locksmithing, Inc., we specialize in resolving automotive lockouts with speed and professionalism. Whether you're dealing with a lost key or a broken lock, an automotive locksmith in Burlington, NC, like us, can provide the reliable solutions you need to get back on the road without the stress. In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips on how to prevent automotive lockouts, what to do if you’re locked out, and how to handle the situation effectively when it happens.

The Most Frequent Causes of Automotive Lockouts

Car lockouts typically happen due to a few common reasons. Understanding these causes can help you avoid future lockouts and make it easier to handle the situation when it occurs. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Lost or Misplaced Keys: One of the most common reasons people get locked out of their cars is losing their keys, whether they’re misplaced inside the car or forgotten at home.
• Broken Keys: Over time, keys can wear down or break, causing them to get stuck in the lock or ignition.
• Faulty Locks or Key Fobs: A malfunctioning key fob or car lock can prevent your key from unlocking the door properly.
• Inadvertently Locked Doors: It’s easy to forget to take your keys out of the ignition or lock the doors manually before walking away.

Preventing Car Lockouts

While accidents do happen, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of locking yourself out of your vehicle:

Always Have a Spare Key: 

Having a spare key is one of the simplest ways to avoid a lockout. Store it in a secure, easily accessible place, such as a trusted friend’s house or a magnetic key box on your vehicle.

Replace Worn-Out Keys: 

If your car key shows signs of wear, it’s time to replace it. Worn keys are more likely to break or get stuck in the lock.

Routine Lock Maintenance: 

If your vehicle’s locks or key fob are malfunctioning, it’s important to get them fixed before they become a bigger problem. Regular maintenance helps ensure your locks remain functional.

Steps to Take When You’re Locked Out of Your Car

If you do find yourself locked out, don’t panic. Follow these steps to resolve the situation quickly and safely:

• Check for Spare Keys: Before you do anything else, check to see if you have a spare key nearby or if someone else has access to one.
• Try to Open the Car Yourself: If it's safe to do so, you might try using a coat hanger or another DIY tool to unlock the door. However, this can sometimes damage your vehicle, so proceed with caution.
• Call a Professional Automotive Locksmith in Burlington, NC: If you're unable to access your car, it's time to call a professional. A certified automotive locksmith like Guilford Locksmithing, Inc. will have the tools and expertise to open your car without causing any harm.