People
tend to panic when they find out they’ve locked themselves out of a
car. This article prepares those who inadvertently do so.
There
are several different scenarios where people have inadvertently locked
themselves out of their car, whether it is leaving it in the ignition
switched off, leaving the car running with the lights on, or the worst
case scenario: misplacing the car key. Regardless of the scenario, the
result is extreme upset and panic, especially if there is no convenient
access to a spare key. But an experienced locksmith is able to help.
Locksmiths
can perform the most basic of functions, and that is actually opening
up a vehicle where the key has been left in the car. Locksmiths carry
several tools to assist with jimmying locks from the outside. Tools such
as slim jims and wedges allow locksmiths to easily access a manual car
lock mechanism from the outside with minimal damage to the vehicle.
Locksmiths use these tools by inserting them between the door panel and
the window.
The
second thing that mobile locksmiths are prepared to do in cases where
there is a lockout and the engine was left running or the lights were
left on, is to assist with refueling or jumping the car’s battery. In
cases where these extra services are needed, clients should inform the
locksmith prior to arrival. Many locksmiths carry mobile gas cans and
can put a gallon of gas in the car, which is usually enough to carry
clients to the nearest service station. The cost of this service varies,
depending on the gas price and the locksmith’s charge for the extra
time or mileage. In cases where the battery has died, most mobile
locksmiths carry portable battery charger. The locksmith may jump the
battery free or charge or assess a small fee.
Finally,
in the case where the key is actually lost and in need of replacement,
locksmiths can create a key. For older model cars, it is a simple matter
of finding the key code in the owner’s manual and cutting a key to
specifications. For newer models that contain a chip, the locksmith must
additionally get the lock code to the chip correct in order to start
the car. This function works not only for lost chip keys, but also for
keys where the chip has been worn down or damaged.
There’s
no need to panic if you ever get locked out of your car if you remember
these 3 things a locksmith can help you with in a car lockout
situation. For a company that can help you, visit this website for car rekeying in El Cajon.