Emergencies can strike at any time, and finding yourself locked out of your vehicle is undoubtedly one of the more frustrating situations one can encounter. Whether it’s due to a misplaced key, a malfunctioning lock, or a simple oversight, being locked out of your car can be stressful and inconvenient. However, knowing what to do in such a situation and how to stay safe can help alleviate some of the anxiety and ensure a smoother resolution. Today, we at Roadrunner Emergency Roadside Assistance would like to discuss the practical steps to take during an emergency auto lockout and important safety considerations.

What Should I Do in the Case of an Emergency Car Lockout Situation?

1) Assess the Situation: The first step when facing an auto lockout is to assess the situation calmly. Check if there are any spare keys accessible, if any doors or windows are unlocked, or if there’s a possibility of assistance from a nearby friend or family member. Remaining composed can help you think clearly and find potential solutions more efficiently.
2) Stay Safe: If you’re locked out in an unfamiliar or unsafe location, prioritize your safety. Move to a well-lit area with people around, preferably within sight of security cameras or populated establishments. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and consider contacting local authorities if you feel threatened or vulnerable.
3) Contact Professional Help: In most cases, the quickest and most effective solution to an auto lockout is to contact a professional locksmith. Keep the contact information of a reliable auto locksmith handy in your phone or wallet for such situations. Professional locksmiths have the expertise and tools to safely unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the locks or the car itself.
4) Avoid DIY Auto Lockout Methods: While it may be tempting to attempt DIY methods found online, such as using coat hangers or slim jims to unlock the car door, these methods often cause more harm than good. Improperly attempting to unlock a car can damage the door frame, windows, or locking mechanism, leading to costly repairs. It’s best to leave the job to trained professionals who can unlock your car safely and efficiently.
5) Stay Patient: Dealing with an auto lockout can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, it’s essential to remain patient throughout the process. Rushing or becoming agitated can lead to poor decision-making and potentially exacerbate the situation. Trust in the expertise of the locksmith and allow them the time needed to resolve the issue properly.
6) Prevent Future Lockouts: Once the lockout situation is resolved, take proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. Consider getting a spare key and keeping it in a secure location accessible to you or a trusted individual. Additionally, practice habits such as checking for keys before exiting the vehicle and ensuring that all doors are securely locked when leaving the car unattended.

Towing & Roadside Assistance in Gainesville, Arlington, Lewisville, Keller, Double Oak & Flower Mound, Texas

Facing an emergency auto lockout can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to do and how to stay safe can make all the difference. By staying calm, contacting professional help, and prioritizing safety, you can navigate through the situation with minimal hassle. Remember to avoid DIY methods, stay patient, and take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future lockouts. With these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to handle any auto lockout scenario that comes your way. For lock out services and other roadside assistance, call Roadrunner Emergency Roadside Assistance.

Vehicle’s require a battery to operate. When the battery is drained or dead, your vehicle is inoperable. In many cases, a proper battery jumpstart can give your battery life, however, there are times when the battery is beyond saving and will need to be replaced. There is quite a bit of information surrounding the car battery that we at Roadrunner Roadside Assistance would like to cover some of the basics today.

Car Battery Lifespan

Generally, the battery in your vehicle lasts about between two to five years, however, there are circumstances that can reduce or even extend the lifespan. The fastest route to reducing the lifespan of the battery includes using electronics in the car while the engine is off and multiple discharge/recharge cycles. Making sure you turn the headlights and interior lights off when you’re done driving as well as leaving the GPS, cell phones, or other electronics plugged in can also contribute to draining the battery. When the battery comes to the end of its life, you may notice it a slow cranking on startup as well as an illuminated Battery Warning Light on the dashboard. Also, a dying battery may be the issue if the vehicle electronics like remote locks or interior lights randomly stop working. All batteries have corrosive and hazardous material, such as battery acid, and will need to be properly disposed of. Many auto stores offer free programs to ensure they are disposed of correctly.

Car Battery Dying in Cold Weather or Draining in Heat?

The battery life and performance are significantly impacted weather. Cold reduces the solution’s ability to transfer full power, since people with cold winters can experience starting the vehicle as it takes extremely low temperatures to freeze a battery. Because vehicle computers regulate the amperage required for startup, the misconception that buying a battery with a higher CCA (cold cranking amp) rating is futile. Also, limiting the battery’s ability to hold a charge is hot weather, which causes the battery solution to evaporate. Where some believe you can simply refill it with tap water to make up for evaporation, water contains minerals and impurities that can damage battery cells. If the solution evaporates, you will notice a rotten egg smell from the sulfur in the solution. If the solution evaporates, it is best to replace the battery.

Dead Battery, Faulty Starter Motor, Failing Alternator or Other Problem?

Though a dead battery is the likely culprit when the car does not start, there are a host of components that can cause similar symptoms. When you turn the key that sounds similar to a dead battery it could be a faulty starter motor will make a click sound. Leading to a no-start condition if the alternator fails, the battery won’t recharge when the engine is on. Another common cause is when the electricity flow is being prevented due to clogged fuel injectors or worn-out spark plugs. This can be a problem as it can cause corrosion on the battery terminals though these terminals can be easily be clean with a wire brush or steel wool.

Towing & Roadside Assistance in Gainesville, Arlington, Lewisville, Keller, Double Oak & Flower Mound, Texas

Where proper jumpstarting can get you back on the road if your battery fails more often than not, having a reliable expert provide the jumpstart is in your better interest. Call Roadrunner Roadside Assistance if you find yourself in need of a jumpstart in Northern Texas.

When you are driving a vehicle you know you are responsible for the care of it. Most people rely heavily on their car or truck to make their life easier. It is a way to get to where you need to go without taking too much time. It also offers independence to a person that has a vehicle. Most vehicles will require work that has to be done while you have them. Even the nicest of cars need to have things done or they will start to break down. One is that you need to keep gas in the car to ensure that it can run. You also know that you need to have your cars oiled changed and other fluids topped off on a regular basis. The work that goes into actually caring for a car can be done as long as you have a plan. You want to make sure you are prepared for a problem that might arise while you are out driving around. The tires on your car can over time wear out and you want to be prepared that they can become damaged. Roadrunner Roadside Assistance lists some of the most common causes of tire damage.

Tire Blowout

One of the problems you might come across when it comes to tire damage is when you have a blowout. This is when you are driving down the street and your tire gives out and the tread can separate from the rest of the tire. This can be a very scary moment because it often happens when you are driving fast. The blow out can cause you to lose control of the car or truck so you want to make sure you keep your cool. Carefully pull your car off the side of the road and call for roadside assistance. You can have them come out and make sure that your spare has been put on safely so that you can get back on the road. You will need to make sure that your tire is replaced because it cannot be repaired.

Flat Tire

The other problem you will likely have happen to you at some point in your life is a flat. OF course we all know about flat tires and what that means. The flat can come from a variety of problems. Most of the time you have driven over a nail or screw that has penetrated the tread. This will then lead to air leaking from the tire. The great thing is that you can have your spare put on then take the other tire to a shop where they can patch or plug the hole. The tire usually can be placed back on the car.

Tire Damage from Car Accident

There are some people that might make a mistake when driving and happen to hit a curb or other hard object. When this happens the tire can be pulled away from the wheel and the air can leak out. This is an accident and as along as the tire is not damaged it can be taken to be filled back up and placed back on the car.

Towing & Roadside Assistance in Gainesville, Arlington, Lewisville, Keller, Double Oak & Flower Mound, Texas

Roadrunner Roadside Assistance can come to the side of the road to offer assistance. Call us whenever you are stranded!