Millions of Americans lock their keys in their cars every year – and now you’re one of them. 

It’s a situation we all dread. But don’t worry, there are a few steps you can take to get yourself out of trouble. Although you may want to scream internally, remain calm and take a look at our helpful guide.

Whether you have an important meeting or just need to get back from the grocery store, hold on before breaking your window – we can help.

Read on for what to do when you lock your keys in your car.

Try All the Doors

It may seem obvious, but before you panic, you should try all the doors of your car. 

Sometimes, a locked door could be down to a simple mechanical fault. If this is the case, not all doors may be affected. Try each door one at a time, including your trunk.

Some central locking systems bypass the trunk altogether, meaning you can squeeze through and reunite with your keys.

Phone a Friend

Depending on the situation, being locked out of your car can be dangerous.

If you are in an unfamiliar area, especially after dark, you should avoid asking strangers for help. Saying ‘I locked my keys in my car’ could be all the opportunity a criminal needs.

Instead, phone a friend or family member to let them know where you are and what has happened. This way, they may be able to offer you some support or come to meet you if you feel unsafe while waiting for help to arrive.

What Not to Do

We’ve all seen enough movies to know that a car door can be jimmied open, right?

Unfortunately (in this situation), most modern cars have advanced security features to stop break-ins. Tampering with these features will only damage the mechanism and could break the lock permanently.

Do not attempt to pry the car open with a crowbar or other object. You will damage the car’s body and cause more harm than good.

What to Do

If in an emergency, for example, there is a young child or animal in the car on a hot day, you need to call emergency services ASAP. In 2018, 52 children died while trapped in hot cars. Emergency services are qualified to break windows if the situation requires it, and they hold the correct insurance to cause damage if necessary. You should only break the window if the child or animal inside is unconscious, and even then you should film every moment so that you can justify your actions if needed. The last thing you want is to be accused of criminal damage!

However, if the situation is less critical, you should call a professional automotive locksmith melbourne (or anywhere else you’re located). They will know how to get into a locked car quickly, efficiently, and without causing unnecessary damage.

The cost of a good locksmith is almost always less than the cost of a broken window or failed attempt to force the lock. Look here for a reliable local locksmith.

What to Do When You Lock Your Keys in Your Car

So that’s the 101 on what to do when you lock your keys in your car.

Knowing how to get into a car that’s locked is a simple as remaining calm, resisting the temptation to force the lock, and calling a professional.

When accidents happen, call the pros.

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