Preventing Vehicle Lockouts with Simple Daily Habits

Vehicle lockouts can feel like the ultimate inconvenience, throwing off an entire day and becoming stranded in an unexpected situation.

Vehicle lockouts can feel like the ultimate inconvenience, throwing off an entire day and becoming stranded in an unexpected situation. Whether it’s because keys have been misplaced, locked inside, or simply an accidental misstep, these frustrating experiences can often be avoided with a few simple daily habits. As a locksmith, we’ve seen it all—people scrambling for spare keys, calling in locksmiths for a quick fix, or trying to break into their own cars. But the good news is that with some preventative measures, it’s possible to avoid these scenarios altogether and keep a day running smoothly.

Routine Key Checks Can Prevent Stressful Surprises

A simple habit of checking for keys before leaving a vehicle can relieve a stressful lockout situation. Before exiting the car, double-check for keys in a pocket, bag, or hand. It’s easy to set them down in the cupholder, toss them onto the passenger seat, or leave them hanging from the ignition, thinking, “I’ll be right back.” This small action of checking can be the difference between walking away from a car and realizing that the keys are still sitting on the seat when the door clicks shut.

Adopting a quick “keys-in-hand” habit can save time and provide peace of mind. And if you’re one of those people who frequently find themselves leaving keys behind in the car, it might be worth investing in a spare key and a key holder designed to make this process easier. Locksmiths can help create a set of duplicates, giving an added layer of backup.

Know The Key Location and Use Keychains

One of the most basic habits to adopt is keeping keys in a consistent, easy-to-reach place every time someone hops in and out of a car. Whether it’s a keychain attached to a belt, a pocket that is always used, or a designated pouch in a bag, knowing exactly where keys are helps avoid them becoming lost or misplaced. And a keychain can serve a dual purpose—providing not just a way to keep all keys together but also acting as a reminder to check for keys when leaving a car.

Some people love custom keychains that make their keys easy to spot in a cluttered bag or on a desk. Others may prefer simple but effective keyrings that hold only their car keys, helping them avoid the chaos of dealing with multiple sets. Regardless of preference, the key is to enter into a routine of keeping keys in the same place every single time.

Spare Keys Can Be a Lifesaver

When locked out of a vehicle, the most common solution is to call a locksmith. However, being proactive and preparing for such situations ahead of time can prevent anyone from needing that emergency call. Keep spare keys in safe, easily accessible locations. It might sound like an obvious tip, but having a spare key for emergencies is a great way to minimize stress when accidentally locking yourself out.

There are plenty of places to hide a spare key securely. For instance, leave one with a trusted friend or family member, or perhaps use a magnetic box that attaches discreetly to the undercarriage of a vehicle. Many locksmiths also offer services to create spare keys that are specifically designed to fit a specific car model. Taking the time to arrange for a backup key now could save hours of hassle down the road.

Use a Keyless Entry System

If you haven’t yet upgraded your car with a keyless entry system, it’s worth considering. These systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and security. Rather than worrying about physical keys at all, use a fob or even a smartphone to lock and unlock a car. Keyless entry systems are particularly handy because they reduce the likelihood of leaving keys inside the vehicle or even losing them.

While keyless entry systems offer a level of convenience, it’s important to make sure any system is well-maintained. A locksmith can help upgrade or troubleshoot a keyless system, guaranteeing it continues to work smoothly. Keyless entry isn’t just about preventing lockouts—it’s also an excellent deterrent to theft since many modern systems come with enhanced security features.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Certain weather conditions can cause problems with vehicle locks. For example, freezing rain or snow can cause locks to freeze, preventing the unlocking of the car. In such cases, the solution is to be proactive about protecting a vehicle from the elements. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the locks and door seals helps to avoid jams, and using a lock de-icer in the colder months can stop locks from freezing shut.

In addition, if someone lives in a particularly hot or humid climate, keeping a car clean and regularly inspecting the locking mechanisms can prevent rust and other issues from interfering with an ability to unlock a vehicle. Simple maintenance, like checking locks and keeping key fob batteries in top condition, can make a huge difference.

Stay Calm and Avoid Panic

When faced with a lockout, it’s easy to panic, but staying calm is key to handling the situation effectively. If someone made a habit of checking their keys and keeping a spare handy, they might find themselves in a much less stressful situation. However, if a lockout does occur despite someone’s best efforts, take a deep breath, stay calm, and contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can arrive quickly and bring anyone back inside their vehicle without causing damage to the locks or doors.

Investing in a reliable locksmith service is crucial to preventing lockouts and dealing with them when they happen. With their expertise, locksmiths can offer advice on preventing future lockouts and can provide the services necessary to resolve the situation quickly if an emergency arises.

Conclusion

By adopting a few simple daily habits, preventing vehicle lockouts becomes an easy part of a routine. Checking for keys before exiting the car, maintaining a consistent place to store them, and having spare keys ready can save the frustration of being locked out. If someone wants to go the extra mile, upgrading to a keyless entry system can provide added convenience and security. Taking care of vehicle locks, especially during extreme weather, is also essential. And if all else fails, don’t forget that a skilled locksmith is always ready to help. By being proactive about vehicle security, it’s possible to avoid the stress of lockouts and focus on what really matters: going where you need to go.

Kwik Pick Lock and Safe now offers U-Haul services along with FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need reliable locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today at 623-300-1889.