Isn’t it ironic that the day you’re running late for something, frantically trying to find your car keys, it’s the same day you realize you’ve locked them in the car? We’ve all been there, but not many of us know exactly what to do when it happens.
So, car keys locked in your car? Here’s a quick overview of what to do in this situation and how to get it resolved .
Call the Police
If you’re away from home in Kansas City and you find your car keys locked in your car, the first thing you should do is call the police. This is especially important if you’re alone, in an unpopulated area and if it’s at night.
In some cases, the police may be able to open the car for you and allow you access to your keys to drive home safely. If that’s not an option, they can help you find a car garage in the area that could tow your car and regain access to your keys.
Of course, you’ll need to pay the mechanics for their time and effort, but with the help of the police, you know can at least have peace of mind that you’ll be safe.
Call Your Roadside Assistance
Most car owners in Kansas City have already set up some kind for roadside assistance for emergencies. In fact, many new cars will come with roadside assistance for at least one year as part of the warranty. If you’re unsure of your roadside assistance membership, contact your car dealership.
If your car isn’t new and you haven’t already set up a roadside assistance account, you can call AAA and set an account there and then. They’ll come to your rescue as soon as they’re able to, and you will continue to pay monthly or yearly premiums in case a situation arises in the future.
Call a Car Locksmith
If you need to regain access to your keys and drive away quickly, one of the best things you can do is call a car locksmith. A car locksmith in Kansas City can help you regain access to the car by unlocking the vehicle and getting your keys back to you.
You can also rely on your locksmith if you ever lose your keys or they’re damaged in an accident. Even if your car key is broken in the ignition, a locksmith may still be able to get your key out and get you a replacement key.
Keep a Spare Key Close By
We’re all guilty of it. We buy a new car, put our keys in on our keychains and throw our spare keys in a drawer at home, never to be seen again. Or at least they’d take some digging out.
If you know exactly where your spare keys are, it can make situations like this far more solvable. It could mean the difference between calling someone to grab your spare keys quickly or sitting and waiting hours for roadside assistance.
Find a dedicated place to put your spare keys always to know where they are if you should lose the keys you use regularly.
Take Note of Important Numbers
No-one ever expects to be in a situation like locking their car keys inside their car. However, if you’ve got important numbers stored in your phone ready for any eventuality, it can make things a lot easier.
For example, knowing the number of roadside assistance or a car locksmith for key cutting will ensure you don’t have to spend vital time searching for these contacts.
Check Out New Cars
Some car manufacturers have already established that losing or damaging your car keys can be a mammoth inconvenience for consumers. With that in mind, they have built new cars that come with keypads.
If you lose your keys or power lock buttons, you can type in the digit code into the keypad, and you’ll be able to regain access to your car. So, along with free roadside assistance for at least 12 months, you also won’t have to worry about not being able to get into your car at any time.
Take Care of Your Locks
Along with taking care of your keys, it’s also important to take care of the locks on your car. For example, if you use the key to open your car when the lock has frozen overnight, it can damage or snap your key in the lock.
Similarly, locks inside the car can age over time and can damage keys if they aren’t looked after. If you notice your lock becoming stiff or unyielding, it can help use a small amount of WD40 for smoother use.
Car Keys Locked in Your Car? Always Be Prepared
It’s not easy to be prepared for everything that life throws at you, but some small preparations could make a big difference when it comes to finding your car keys locked in your car.
Always have handy numbers stored in your phone, store spare keys in a safe place and make use of everything your new car entitles you to. Be sure to read the small print with your road assistance cover, too- you could be entitled to a new key under your policy.
And remember, if you’re unable to access your car and don’t feel safe, always contact the police before doing anything else.