Car Lockout Service: getting ready

It is a January morning, minus twenty with the wind, and the key will not enter the door cylinder. Yesterday's slush ran into the keyhole and froze overnight. The door itself is glued to its rubber seal, and the fob has gone quiet in the cold.

Worth answering before the call

Is the car showing any signs of life, such as interior lights or a horn? Is the car on a highway shoulder or anywhere near moving traffic? Has anyone already tried to open the car with a tool or a hanger?

Should I call a tow truck or a locksmith?

For keys locked in, lost or broken, a locksmith opens the car where it stands and can usually make a key on the spot, so the car drives away. A tow moves the car to a shop but leaves the key problem unsolved. Roadside clubs send a locksmith for lockouts and reserve towing for cars that cannot be made drivable. If the shoulder is unsafe to work on, a short tow first may be sensible.

How can I avoid locking myself out of the car again?

Make one habit stick: keys go into a pocket before any door closes. Keep a spare at home or with someone nearby, and store a spare fob away from the main one. Change your fob battery every autumn before the cold arrives. If your car offers a setting that stops the doors locking with the fob inside, turn it on. Keep a photo of your vehicle permit on your phone so identification is never behind glass.