Locked Your Keys in the Car? Don't Do These 3 Things

Mistake 1: Using a Coat Hanger or Slim Jim

Older cars could sometimes be opened with a hanger. Modern vehicles are different. The inside of the door is full of wiring, airbag components, and window mechanisms. Poking around blindly can disconnect linkages, tear weather stripping, or damage wiring, which can cost far more than a lockout call.

Mistake 2: Breaking a Window

Unless someone is in danger, breaking a window is the most expensive way to get back in. You'll pay for the glass, clean-up, and possibly a few days without a usable car, plus the risk of cutting yourself.

Mistake 3: Prying the Door Frame

Forcing a gap with a screwdriver or pry bar can bend the door frame and chip paint. A bent frame leads to wind noise and water leaks long after you've gotten in.

What to Do Instead

• Check every door and the trunk. It sounds obvious, but it works more often than you'd think.
• Look for a spare key at home or with a family member.
• Check your vehicle's app. Some manufacturers offer remote unlock.
• Call a professional. Our lockout service uses tools designed for damage-free entry. Most lockouts take only minutes once we arrive.

If a Child or Pet Is Inside

Call 911 immediately if a child or animal is locked in a vehicle and could be in danger from heat or cold. Don't wait.

Locked out anywhere in Toronto or the GTA? Call Roadsides Finest at (647) 370-2463.

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