Imagine yourself rushing late then suddenly realising your keys are still inside after you close the car door. At some point, many of us have experienced this emergency.
The good news is that dodging these annoying car lockouts is simpler than you would imagine. A few basic steps incorporated into your daily routine will save you time and possibly money.
Let’s explore five preventive measures to save you the hassle of getting yourself locked out of the car.
Always Keep a Spare Key
The most successful strategy to avoid a car lockout is by keeping a backup key. However, many car owners ignore this fundamental protection.
During such events, a spare key kept in your wallet, at home, or with a friend can come to your rescue.
Alternatively, use a magnetic box where you can keep a spare car key. You can also resort to hiding it in a safe space somewhere in the vehicle, like near the wheels or the underside.
Another helpful yet costly option is a complex key fob, which modern cars freely feature. Many dealerships and professional locksmiths have reasonably priced spare key choices.
Lastly, invest in a basic non-electronic replica which will unlock your door. Replicas will not drive your car, but they will definitely come to your rescue. Store this spare safely so that you don’t have to worry about a locked car door anymore.
Get into the Habit of Checking Before You Lock
Check if you have your keys in hand before closing your car door. That little stop can make all the difference.
Practice putting your keys in the same spot, such as in a pocket or bag, before you lock the doors. You can also place your keys on a small table near your house door, this way you will not forget them.
Consistency is key here. Over time, this minor habit will be automatically practised.
If you still end up forgetting, you can always add a reminder on your phone, any electronic device, or simply add a sticky note.
Lock The Car From The Outside
Make a habit of holding onto your keys and waiting to lock your car doors until you exit your vehicle. This way, you won’t lock the doors without your car keys.
Another advisable habit is placing your key on the passenger seat, this way, it will be in your field of vision, and you will not miss it.
It is also helpful to keep all your important things together. This means you should keep your phone and wallet near your keys, and this will make forgetting them less likely.
Use Keychain Gadgets and Smart Technology
In the case of a car lockout, technology is your best friend. Bluetooth trackers and keychain devices have grown really popular and can truly come to your much-needed aid.
Additional devices like Tile or Apple AirTag have the capacity to track the location of your keys in real-time.
They can be attached to your keychain and synced with your smartphone.
For more preferred security, consider a smart car lock system since these technologies let you unlock your car using your smartphone.
Lastly, contemporary vehicles are yet another preventive yet somewhat more costly option. What is special about these cars is that they include smart access tools and keyless entry. Hence, they lower the likelihood of a lockout completely.
Adopting any of the aforementioned technological tools will ease your stress and keep your keys safe.
Replace The Batteries To The Key FOB
Key FOBs will not necessarily lock or unlock your vehicle. Therefore, check the battery of your key beforehand to ensure that it is not dead. In case it is, buy a replacement at an auto shop.
Your car’s battery has to be charged at full capacity for your key to work as well.
Create a “Keys First” Routine When Exiting Your Car
Incorporate a “grab your key” habit into your morning routine before getting into your car. This habit helps, especially when your hands are empty and your head is elsewhere.
One can easily become engrossed in the current chores and unintentionally leave their keys behind.
When you make grabbing your keys part of your morning routine, it will become an automatic habit. With time, this little but effective modification can drastically lower your odds of locking yourself out.
Use A Lanyard Or Carabiner
When you are carrying too many things at once, you can easily forget to grab your keys. However, when you use something like a lanyard, your keys come out of the ignition and go around your neck.
The lanyard’s function is to empty your hands so that you can carry all your belongings.
A carabiner, on the other hand, is an oblong metal ring that has a spring-hinged side. It can be used to attach keys to either a purse strap or a belt loop.
Making a habit out of putting your keys on either a lanyard or a carabiner will ensure your keys and you are inseparable.
Seek Professional Services for Key Retrieval and Lockout Prevention
Sometimes, a car lockout occurs even after taking all the pre-emptive precautions. In this case, a go-to professional service on speed dial is the effective solution. Mobile locksmiths are available 24/7 and can unlock any car without breaking it.
Since professional services can be costly, check your insurance policy and roadside assistance programs to cover the costs.
Other additional services provide preventive strategies such as keyless entry devices or expert guidance on autokey security. These are particularly helpful for frequent travellers who often misplace their keys.
Conclusion
No matter how careful you are, car lockouts happen sometimes. That’s nothing to worry about. Instead of panicking, follow our tips to get into your car safely.
Attempting to jam the lock could sound cheaper and easier, but it can damage your car. A locksmith will come to your rescue instead and resolve the matter safely.