Car lockouts can be frustrating and stressful, especially when you’ve lost your keys or accidentally locked them inside. It’s an inconvenience that can cause delays in your day. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid these situations. In this guide, we’ll provide useful tips on how to prevent getting locked out.
Check for Keys Before Locking to Prevent Lockouts
Leaving your keys inside the car is a common reason for lockouts. To prevent this, always check that you have your keys with you before locking the doors. Make sure to check all compartments and confirm your keys are safely in your pocket, bag, or elsewhere. This quick routine can help you avoid the inconvenience of having to call for professional lockout assistance.
Keep a Spare Key for Extra Security
Keep a spare key in a safe location to avoid the frustration of being locked out. Whether it’s in your wallet, with a friend or family member, or in a magnetic key box on your vehicle, having a spare key helps you avoid calling a locksmith, saving you time and effort.
Invest in a Keyless Entry System for Better Convenience
Keyless entry systems offer a cutting-edge way to reduce the possibility of vehicle lockouts. You don’t need a conventional key to unlock and start your automobile using these technologies. Accessing your car is simple, whether you use a smartphone app or a button on a key fob. If your automobile doesn’t have keyless entry, think about getting this handy technology. Many newer models come with it as standard. In addition to making access easier, it lessens the possibility that you will misplace or lose your keys.
Stay Organized and Secure with a Key Tracker
If you often lose your keys, a key tracker can provide peace of mind. These compact devices attach to your keychain and work with a smartphone app, allowing you to track your keys in real-time. If your keys are lost, use the app to quickly find them. This technology ensures your keys are always within reach, reducing the risk of lockouts.
Always Be Aware of Your Car’s Automatic Locking Feature
While modern cars’ automatic locking features provide convenience, they can cause accidental lockouts if you’re not careful. Be aware of when your car locks itself, particularly if the keys are inside. Many cars lock automatically when the door closes, and you might not realize it until you attempt to open it. To avoid this, either disable the feature or always carry your keys when leaving your car.
Get a Lockbox to Keep Your Spare Key Secure
Using a lockbox, or key vault, to store a spare key is a great way to prevent car lockouts. These compact, secure boxes can be mounted in discreet locations on your car, like under the wheel well or near the bumper, or placed in another easily accessible spot. The lockbox is code-protected, ensuring that only you or authorized individuals can retrieve the key. This backup solution ensures you can still access your car during emergencies, even if you misplace your primary key.
Avoid Dead Key Fob Batteries with Regular Checks
Convenience is the main advantage of key fobs, but as their batteries deplete over time, malfunctions and lockouts may arise. If your key fob is slow or sporadic, replace the battery. Replace it before it fails completely to avoid issues. Changing your key fob battery regularly ensures reliable car access and is both inexpensive and easy.
Secure Your Keys and Avoid Lockouts by Not Locking Them in the Trunk
Always be mindful not to leave your keys in the trunk, especially when closing it quickly or carelessly. Many people lock themselves out when they forget keys inside. If this happens often, consider keeping your trunk key separate from your main car key to avoid frustration.
Don’t Overlook Your Locking Mechanism – Stay Cautious
Older cars with manual locks make it easy to lock the doors while leaving your keys inside, which can be frustrating. Without automatic locking, it’s easy to lock the door and forget your keys on the seat. This simple mistake can lead to a lockout. Make sure your keys are with you before locking, and try using a large, bright tag on your keychain for easy identification.
Professional Locksmith Services Offer Security and Peace of Mind
For cars with manual locks, especially older models, locking the doors with your keys inside is a frustrating mistake. Without automatic locks, it’s easy to lock the door and leave your keys on the seat. This small error can lead to a lockout. Always double-check for your keys before locking the door, and consider using a brightly colored or large keychain to help you spot them quickly.
Preventing car lockouts takes minimal effort and saves you stress. By checking for your keys before locking, using a spare key, investing in keyless entry, and considering key trackers, you can reduce the risk of a lockout. Additionally, maintain your key fob, avoid locking your keys in the trunk, and stay aware of automatic locking features. These easy precautions ensure a safer, hassle-free driving experience.