7 tips to avoid getting into a car

While there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you're in a car, blocking yourself tops the list of the worst things that can happen. If you don't have a spare key handy, there's not much you can do the moment you close your car door and realize that the car keys are still in the ignition. The following tips are good to keep in mind when you're driving and can potentially save you the hassle and embarrassment of locking yourself in a car.

1. Keep your keys with you

The first rule of driving is to never leave your keys in the car when you get out of it. Always put them in your pocket or purse, or at least keep them in your hands when you leave the house. One common scenario is to put them in a seat and then forget about them. To avoid this, when you take them out of the ignition, either hold on to them or put them in a safe place like your pocket.

• Functions: Using a bright key chain can also help you keep track of your keys. Some other colorful items to help you keep track of your keys include brightly colored lanyards, pendants, and other decorative items.

2. Always use a key fob to lock your doors.

Another way to avoid locking your keys in your car is to use only the key fob to lock the door. This is easy to do for keys with a built-in locking mechanism. Just make sure that when you are about to lock and unlock your car door, use only the buttons on the key. Using this method, you must always have the keys with you, otherwise you will not be able to lock the car doors.

• Functions: When you get out of the car, before closing the door, quickly check if you have the car keys in your hand, in your pocket or in your purse.

3. Replace the batteries in the key fob.

Sometimes the key fob may not work when unlocking the car. In such cases, check the key fob battery to make sure it is not dead. If so, then simply replacing the battery, which can be purchased at many auto parts stores, is sufficient.

• FunctionsA: In addition to the key fob batteries not working and needing to be replaced, you may also have a dead battery in your car. In this case, you may have to unlock the door lock by inserting the key. After replacing the car battery, check if your key fob works.

4. Make spare keys

A good option to avoid locking yourself in your car is to have a spare key available. Depending on the type of keys you have determines how expensive it is. For regular keys without a key fob or radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, you can simply make the key at a hardware store. For fob and RFID keys, you need to contact your local dealer to make a spare key.

In addition to making spare keys, you need to have easy access to them when you lock your car. Spare key storage locations include:

• At home in an easily accessible location, including the kitchen or bedroom.
• While it may seem like overkill, you can keep a spare key in your pocket or purse.
• Another place you can put your key is hidden somewhere in your car, usually in a magnetic box attached in an inconspicuous place.

5. Subscribe to OnStar

Another great way to keep yourself out of your car is to subscribe to OnStar. The OnStar Subscription Service offers a variety of systems to help you with your vehicle, including emergency services, safety, and navigation. Another service it offers is the ability to remotely unlock your car through an OnStar carrier or an app on your smartphone.

6. Join a car club

You can also take advantage of the various services offered by your local car club by joining for a small annual fee. Many car clubs offer a free unlock service with an annual membership. One call is enough, and a locksmith will come to you. The service plan tier determines how much the club covers, so choose the plan that works best for you when you apply.

7. Keep the locksmith's number handy when you lock your keys in the car.

The last option is to have the locksmith's number handy either in the contact book or programmed into the phone. That way, if you lock yourself in your car, help is just a phone call away. While you have to pay the locksmith out of your own pocket, unlike a car club covering most or all of the costs, you also don't have to worry about an annual car club membership.

There are many ways to keep yourself out of your own car, from making spare keys to subscribing to OnStar and installing their equipment in your car. If you have any questions about your car's door locks, you can always ask a mechanic for more information and advice.