Car lockouts can happen at the worst possible time, leaving you stranded and stressed. Knowing the right steps to take and what to avoid makes all the difference. Here are the key do's and don’ts every driver should keep in mind.
The Do's
These practical steps can help you regain access safely and avoid making the situation worse. Taking the right approach will not only get you back into your vehicle but also help prevent lasting damage and unnecessary expense.
Stay Calm
The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panicking can lead to poor decisions and prevent you from spotting simple solutions. For example, people often rush and overlook that a passenger door or the boot may still be open. Slowing down helps you think clearly and stops you from damaging the car out of frustration.
Take a moment to think clearly before acting. Retrace your steps if possible — keys are often left at a checkout counter, dropped into a bag, or placed on the roof of the car when loading items. A short pause can sometimes save you a call to the locksmith and get you moving again more quickly.
Check All Entry Points
Walk around the car and try every door and the boot. Sometimes one lock hasn’t engaged properly and provides easy access. In older vehicles in particular, it’s not uncommon for the rear doors or boot to stay unlocked even when the driver’s door is secure.
This simple step can save you the trouble of calling for professional help. It only takes a minute, but it can make the difference between a quick solution and a long wait for assistance.
Use Your Spare Key
If you have a spare key, now is the time to use it. Keep one at home, with a trusted person, or even in a secure magnetic box hidden in the vehicle. While it may take a little time to retrieve, it’s a safe and cost-effective option compared with damaging your car.
Call for Professional Help
If no doors open and no spare is available, contact a trusted auto locksmith or roadside assistance service. These professionals use specialised tools designed to unlock modern vehicles without causing damage, unlike improvised methods that can harm locks or paintwork.
Many breakdown policies include lockout cover, and in some cases, your car manufacturer may provide remote unlocking through an app. Locksmiths can also supply and programme replacement keys if yours are lost or damaged, which can save you further problems down the line.
Prioritise Safety
If you’re stranded at night or in a vulnerable location, wait in a safe and well-lit area until help arrives. Your safety comes first. If possible, stay inside a café, petrol station, or another public space rather than standing alone beside the vehicle. Taking precautions ensures that an inconvenient lockout doesn’t become a dangerous situation.
The Don’ts
Avoid these common mistakes, as they can cause expensive damage or put you at risk. Acting without care can turn a simple lockout into a costly repair or even a safety emergency.
Don’t Force the Lock
Trying to pry open a door or window often causes damage to the locks, seals, or glass. Repairs can cost far more than calling a locksmith. With modern cars, the locking systems are designed to resist this type of entry, so you are unlikely to succeed.
Modern vehicles also have alarms and immobilisers that can trigger when tampering is detected, leaving you with an even bigger problem. It’s always better to call a professional who can regain entry safely.
Don’t Use Improvised Tools
Objects like coat hangers, screwdrivers, or knives may appear in online “how-to” guides, but using them can cause expensive and permanent damage. You risk scratching paint, tearing door seals, or breaking internal mechanisms inside the lock.
Don’t Leave Kids or Pets Inside
If a child or animal is trapped inside, call emergency services immediately. Temperatures in vehicles can rise or fall quickly, creating life-threatening conditions in a matter of minutes. Do not wait around hoping the problem will fix itself — act quickly.
Don’t Ignore Key Battery Issues
A weak or dead fob battery is one of the most common causes of lockouts. Replacing it regularly prevents unnecessary problems. Many car manuals specify the right battery type, and changing it once a year can prevent last-minute failures.
Don’t Store Keys Near Doors or Windows
Leaving your keys close to entry points at home increases both theft risks and the chance of accidental locking or interference. Signal-boosting theft is common with smart keys, so keeping them away from windows and using a Faraday pouch is a simple safety measure.
Preventing Future Lockouts
To reduce the risk of being locked out, keep a spare key handy, replace key batteries before they fail, and form the habit of checking for your keys before closing the doors. Consider giving a spare to a trusted friend or neighbour who lives nearby, so you always have a backup option.
You may also want to invest in a Bluetooth tracker for your keys, which can help you locate them quickly if misplaced. For cars with smart systems, some garages can update settings to stop doors from locking when the key is still detected inside. A little preparation now can save you stress, expense, and wasted time in the future.
Vehicle Keys And Electrical provide fast and reliable emergency auto locksmith services across Lancaster and Lancashire. From car unlocking to key replacement and electrical faults, our team ensure you’re back on the road quickly and safely.
