1.Remain calm. Most people’s first reaction when they realize they locked their keys in the car is to curse. We understand. It’s annoying, and it can ruin your whole day. But do your best to stay calm—you’ll get your car open soon enough and everyone has been through this at one time or another.
2.Get out of the roadway. Did this happen while pulled over on the road, or in a street parking space? If so, step out of the roadway immediately. This is especially important on a freeway or busy street. Stay on the passenger side of your car, and if possible, put something on the back of it to make it more visible (unless the hazard lights are already on).
3.Protect yourself from the weather. It may not feel cold in the first couple minutes, but Philly’s winter temperatures can be dangerous. Evaluate what you’re wearing and whether it’s safe to stay waiting by your car. If you aren’t in a coat, hat, and mittens or gloves, you should seek shelter first. Go into a nearby business if there’s one around. If necessary, flag down a passing car or call for a taxi/Uber to get you somewhere warm.
4.Do not try to break in. Many car owners make the mistake of trying to “jimmy” the lock or break in. This isn’t as easy as it looks on TV. Many modern cars have guards in place to prevent “jimmying,” and it’s unlikely you have the right tool for the job. Most DIY break-in attempts will, at best, waste time and in many cases they cause damage to your vehicle.
5. Unless it’s an emergency, don’t call the police. The police have the ability to open some cars, and if there’s a squad car right by you, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask. However, unless there is an emergency such as a car accident, do not call 911 because you’re locked out of your car! This may qualify as an emergency to you, but it won’t to the dispatcher, and police may have much more urgent calls to answer.
6. Call a 24 hour auto locksmith. Once you’re safe and warm, your best bet is to call a locksmith. The ideal locksmith is a 24-hour, 365-day auto locksmith. This is a number you should save in your phone so that you don’t have to do googling on the roadside.
Have you ever been locked out in the winter? What did you do?