Locked Out of Your Car? Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes

It always comes at the worst time, too. The door slams behind you and as the lock clicks all at once you realize that your keys are still in there. Your heart drops, your mind races and all of a sudden you’re left asking yourself: what’s next? You know the feeling: It’s frustrating, humiliating and stressful being locked out of your car for whatever reason — or stuck somewhere because you lost the keys entirely.

The good news? Getting locked out of a car doesn’t have to be an expensive disaster. The bad news? One bad judgment call, and your car can get damaged or end up costing you more than it should. Working in and around the locksmith industry for years, there are many mistakes I’ve observed, time and time again. Let’s go through the seven biggest mistakes to avoid, and what you should do instead.

Why You Should Be Calm in a Car Lockout

The second you realize you’re locked out, panic sets in. That’s normal. But panic tends to cause bad decisions: forcing doors, breaking windows, calling the wrong help.

Cars are not as well-made as they used to be. The locking devices, sensors and alarms — the buzz of an intercom or a door frame — are now hyper-responsive. A hasty DIY job can be the equivalent of injuring parts you did not even realize were there. Simply taking a deep breath and engaging our brains in that moment can prevent us from wasting time, money — even an entire life lamenting a decision we made while holding it in.

Error #1: Attempting to Muscles The Door Open

This is easily the number one mistake. Folks grab something nearby — a coat hanger, screwdriver, wire or even a metal rod — and stick it down into the door.

What most drivers don’t know, however, is that doing so can:

• Bend the door frame

• Damage weather stripping

• Scratch paint

• Break internal locking components

• Set off the alarm or kill switch of the car
  

What may seem like a “quick fix” can all too quickly become an expensive repair bill. A qualified auto car locksmith, not a generalist with no professional experience, is equipped with the latest tools for all lockout situations and can open your vehicle door without causing damage.

Mistake #2: Smashing a Window “Just to Get In”

Smashing a window feels alluring when you’re desperate — especially if you think it’s cheaper or quicker. In fact, it’s almost never the smart decision.

Replacing a car window is costly, time consuming and not safe. You’ll have a mess of shattered glass, withstood weather elements and maybe even a car that’s not able to be driven. In nearly every situation, just calling an auto locksmith near me would have been significantly less expensive and resulted in far less stress.

Smashing a window should be an absolute last resort — not the first instinct.

Mistake #3 – Calling the Dealership First.

For many, the dealership seems like the safest bet. Dealerships are terrific for major repairs, of course, but they’re also the slowest and most expensive place to turn in a case of lockout.

Dealerships usually:

• Require towing the vehicle

• Charge higher service fees

• Spend hours or days to support
  

A car auto locksmith is mobile and travels directly to wherever you are. A local locksmith is almost always the better option for emergencies.

Mistake #4: Opting for An Unlicensed/”Too Cheap” Locksmith

We’ve all received the ads that give us sticker shock. This is how a lot of drivers get burned.

Scam locksmiths will quote a low price over the phone and then charge a high price when they show up. Others may not have the right tools and can end up damaging your car. Some are not even licensed or insured.

A real auto car locksmith near me will need to:

• Have a real local presence

• Provide clear pricing upfront

• Arrive in a marked vehicle

• Use professional tools
  

If the price is lower than low, then it is.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Duplicate Key Choices

Before ringing anybody up, stop and reflect. Do you have an extra key back in your crib? With a family member? In a secure lockbox?

Some newer cars even provide app-based unlocking or remote access options. You may have to wait for a spare key, but it could be an option worth considering if you’re in a situation that allows for it.

That said, if you’re in a difficult spot or unsafe area, do not wait to get some professional help just to save a few bucks.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Personal Safety

It’s not only inconvenient to be locked out, but depending on the location it can also be perilous. Busy highways, unlit parking lots or unfamiliar streets can heighten the danger.

If possible:

• Stay in a well-lit area

• Avoid standing near traffic

• Keep your phone charged

• Tell someone where you are
  

Key emergencies If you are concerned about your safety, then getting on the phone with an emergency auto key locksmith as soon as possible is the correct call to make.

Mistake 7: Not Getting a Professional on the Line Soon Enough

Hours can be lost as some attempt DIY tricks that simply don’t work. The rest just continue to wait in the hope that something will magically change. Meanwhile, stress accumulates, the weather turns terrible and the batteries lose power.

A professional car locksmith is generally able to get the door open without causing damage or make a duplicate key for you. The sooner you call, the faster you’re back on the road — with no extra damage or stress.

What an Auto Car Locksmith Can Do For You

An expert auto car locksmith is not every guy, who knows how to just “open doors”. They are well-versed in vehicle locking mechanisms. Through non-damaging entry techniques they can open your car without damage to the door, lock or electronics.

Most mobile locksmiths can also:

• Assist with broken keys

• Diagnose key fob issues

• Transponder and smart keys assistance

• Provide emergency roadside assistance
  

This knowledge is what distinguishes professionals from potentially dangerous DIY endeavors.

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Car in the Future

Lockouts do occur, but they don’t need to be a repeating event. It all comes down to the little things:

• leave a spare key in safe place

• Replace key fob batteries before they get too weak

• Use a key tracker

• Check the keys before you close that door
  

It’s always cheaper to prevent a breakdown than to make an emergency call.

Conclusion

Being locked out of your car is a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Steering clear of these common mistakes could save you money, keep your vehicle intact and get you back on the road more quickly.

When you are in a fix, looking for an auto locksmith near me or auto car locksmith near me is the safest and wisest option. Save the number of a reliable locksmith — lockouts never seem to happen at a convenient time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is there a locksmith that knows the ‘old’ way how to open a locked car door without damaging my locks?

Yes. Unlike other locksmiths, an auto-locksmith is specialized and trained to safely open vehicles using high grade tools.

How quick is an auto locksmith in reaching us?

The vast majority of locksmiths will get there in between 20-45 minutes, depending on how far they need to travel and the time of day.

Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or break a window?

Almost always. Window replacement is typically much, much more expensive than a locksmith’s services.

How can locksmiths unlock today’s cars with smart keys?

Yes. Smart keys, transponders and even push-start vehicles are known territory for our experienced auto locksmiths.

What if my key fob stops working out of nowhere?

A dead battery is common. If changing it out doesn’t solve the issue, an automotive vehicle key smith will be able to unlock your car and troubleshoot your problem.