5 Tips to prevent being locked out of your car

Published: Oct 1, 2024 | Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Have you ever found yourself locked out of your car with the keys left on the driver’s seat? Most of us have been there at least once. The good news is, you don’t have to experience it again. Sure Lock & Key offers five car lockout prevention tips in this article to save your day and peace of mind.

We know the frustration of being locked out, the ticking clock, and patience wearing thin. That’s why our tips are simple and quick, getting you back on the road without a fuss.

Want to make those worries a thing of the past? Read our full post and never get stranded again. Hit the road stress-free!

Always Carry a Spare Key

A sudden lockout can strike at any moment. It’s just as likely to act up on a rainy Monday morning as on a sunny Saturday afternoon. When it happens, having spare car keys can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major issue. Preparation is key – literally. Think of carrying a spare key as your personal insurance policy. It’s a small, often overlooked detail that can prevent a cascade of stress. Plus, it’s not just about getting back into your car; it’s about doing so without losing your cool.

So, how do you ensure you always have your spare car keys handy? Consider hiding your duplicates in a safe spot or giving them to someone who’s often nearby and reliable, like a trustworthy friend or family member. You may also keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. Just ensure it doesn’t get lost among the receipts and lip balm.

Use a Key Fob to Lock Car Doors

Another simple and effective preventive step is to use a key fob to operate your car doors. When you rely on the key fob, you’re holding the key in your hand while locking the doors, significantly reducing the chance of leaving it inside the car.

Key fobs are designed for convenience. With just a press of a button, you can lock or unlock all your car doors. This ease of use encourages you to make it a regular practice, reducing the lockout risk.

Embracing the use of a key fob is about trusting technology to simplify your life. It’s a small step towards making your daily routine smoother and stress-free. Plus, it gives you one less thing to worry about in an already busy day.

Replace faulty car locks

Like all other car parts, locks don’t last forever and wear out over time. If your car isn’t brand new and lacks proper maintenance, the lock might break at the worst possible moment, leaving you stuck outside. It’s pretty common for a key to break inside the lock as well, which can be a real hassle. Thankfully, proactive actions can save you from unnecessary stress.

Keeping car locks in good shape and replacing faulty locks ensures a smooth and worry-free driving experience. If your car locks are getting harder to use – maybe they need extra effort to open or close – it’s time to call a specialist. A qualified locksmith can check and replace your locks if needed, guaranteeing your car stays accessible and secure.

Always double-check before getting out of the car

Double-checking before you exit your car is a simple but effective way to avoid lockouts. Taking just a few seconds to ensure you have your keys in hand can save you time and effort, especially when you’re in a hurry or distracted.

Incorporating a quick key check into your routine can make it second nature. Every time you turn off your car, make it a point to physically touch your keys. This simple action can be enough to jog your memory, even on the busiest days.

Making this small habit a regular part of your routine can keep your day running smoothly. So next time you park, take a moment to double-check – it’s worth it!

Keep a Trusted Locksmith's Contact in Your Phone

Imagine you’re rushing to an important work meeting, and you accidentally lock yourself out of your car. The last thing you want is to waste time searching for a reliable locksmith online.

Having a trusted locksmith’s contact info already saved is a lifesaver. It’s much less stressful to call someone you can rely on than to take your chances with the first few results in a Google search.

We recommend finding “your” specialist ahead of time. Do a little research, check out reviews, and maybe ask friends or family for suggestions. Once you find a locksmith you feel good about, save their number in your phone.

This simple step means that in an emergency, you’ll have help at your fingertips. You won’t be left stranded or scrambling for a solution. Being prepared can save you a lot of hassle, so take a moment now to ensure you’re covered for the future.

Using these simple rules, we are confident that the likelihood of your car locks failing is minimal. But if it does happen, Sure Lock & Key will help you deal with it quickly and at a minimal cost. Feel free to contact us for expert advice and professional service.

Need more information? Get a free quote

5 Tips to prevent being locked out of your car

Always Carry a Spare Key

Use a Key Fob to Lock Car Doors

Replace faulty car locks

Always double-check before getting out of the car

Keep a Trusted Locksmith's Contact in Your Phone

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