It’s one of those moments that can throw your entire day off balance. You step out of the car, shut the door, and suddenly realize—your keys are still inside. It’s frustrating, and for many people, panic sets in immediately. But the truth is, locking your keys in your car happens more often than you think. Tow truck drivers, roadside assistance providers, and locksmiths deal with this scenario every single day.
The good news? There are safe, practical steps you can take to get yourself back on the road without making the situation worse. Let’s walk through what you should do if you ever find yourself stuck outside your own vehicle.
Take a Breath and Assess the Situation
The first instinct is often to yank at the door handle or even think about breaking a window. Don’t. That can cause expensive damage you’ll regret later. Instead, pause for a second. Check all the doors and the trunk—sometimes people forget a back door is still unlocked. You’d be surprised how often tow drivers get called out only to find a passenger door open.
Think About Safety First
Are you parked in your driveway at home, or are you stuck on a busy highway? If you’re in a risky spot—say, on the side of the road—move to a safe location away from traffic. It’s better to deal with the lockout from a secure area than to put yourself in danger. If it’s late at night or in an unfamiliar neighborhood, consider staying in a well-lit public area while you wait for help.
Look Into Spare Options
Many of us have a spare key tucked away somewhere. Before calling in the professionals, think about whether you can get access to that spare. Maybe a family member has one at home, or you left it with a friend for emergencies. It may take longer to wait, but it’s often the easiest and cheapest solution.
Roadside Assistance and Tow Truck Services
If a spare isn’t an option, this is where roadside professionals come in. Most towing companies (including ours) offer lockout services. With the right tools, a driver can usually get you back into your car within minutes, and without leaving any scratches or damage.
Here’s an example: one of our customers called us from a grocery store parking lot. She had frozen food melting in the trunk and was stressed out about waiting too long. Our driver arrived in under 20 minutes, unlocked the car without a single mark, and saved her groceries. It’s small victories like that which remind us how important quick response times are.
Consider Your Car’s Technology
Modern cars have made things a little more complicated. If you have a newer model, it may be equipped with an app that lets you unlock the doors remotely. Some brands, like FordPass or OnStar, allow you to call or use your phone to gain access. If your vehicle has this feature, it’s worth checking before making any other calls.
When to Call a Locksmith
Sometimes, depending on your car’s locking system, you might need a locksmith rather than a towing company. High-security vehicles or certain makes and models may require specialized tools or codes. A good towing service can usually point you in the right direction if a locksmith is necessary.
Avoid DIY Mistakes
It’s tempting to grab a wire hanger or screwdriver and try your luck, but DIY methods can quickly damage your door seals, paint, or locking mechanism. We’ve seen customers end up paying hundreds more to repair the damage caused by home-grown “solutions.” Calling a professional may feel like a hassle, but it almost always saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
Preparing for Next Time
Nobody plans to lock themselves out of their car, but once it happens, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t derail your schedule again. Some simple preventative steps include:
- Keeping a spare key with someone you trust.
- Using a magnetic hide-a-key case (just make sure it’s placed somewhere secure, not obvious).
- Saving your local tow truck company’s number in your phone so you’re not scrambling in the moment.
One of our regular customers keeps a spare with her neighbor and says it’s saved her three separate times. A little preparation really does go a long way.
A Parting Note
Getting locked out of your car feels stressful in the moment, but it doesn’t have to ruin your entire day. With the right steps—and sometimes a quick call to a towing service—you’ll be back behind the wheel faster than you think. And once you’ve gone through it once, you’ll probably be a lot more careful with your keys the next time around.
If you are in Fawkner, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
Recent Comments