Alright now, so how are we going to unlock your car?

I am pretty sure that almost all of us have been there, and it's never fun! When most people think about getting locked out of their car, the first solution that often comes to mind is calling a locksmith. While locksmiths can certainly handle car lockouts, many drivers don’t realize there’s another, often faster and more cost-effective solution available: automotive lockout services. Companies like Right Quick Roadside LLC specialize in helping drivers who have accidentally locked their keys inside their vehicles, but without offering traditional locksmith services such as key cutting, key duplication, or fob programming. Instead, we use specialized tools and techniques to safely and efficiently unlock cars on the spot in just a few minutes.

Let’s take a close look into automotive lockout services, explain how they are performed, highlight the tools used, discuss why they’re different from locksmithing, and show why they’re an essential part of roadside assistance.

What Are Automotive Lockout Services?

Automotive lockout services focus on a very specific problem: when a driver has locked their keys inside their car. In this situation we are not typically looking to make new keys, program electronic key fobs, removing broken keys or repairing ignition cylinders. Instead, it’s about gaining entry into the locked vehicle quickly and without causing damage.

These services are often provided by roadside assistance companies like us that offer light-duty support such as jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and battery replacements. Automotive lockout assistance fits naturally within this suite of services.

Key Characteristics of Automotive Lockout Services:

- Focus is solely on regaining access to a locked car with the keys inside.

- Does not involve cutting or programming keys or key fobs.

- Use specialized entry tools instead of traditional locksmith techniques.

- Often faster and less expensive than hiring a locksmith.

The Tools of the Trade

The most common tool used in automotive lockouts are long reach tools. This device, along with a few supporting tools, allows roadside technicians to unlock a car quickly and safely without damaging paint, trim, or weatherstripping.

 Long Reach Tools
 A long reach tool is typically a slender, extendable rod designed to slip into a small opening of a vehicle door and reach the interior lock mechanism or door handle. Paired with an inflatable wedge or other spacer, the tool can be guided into position to unlock the door without damaging the vehicle.

Inflatable Wedges
 An inflatable wedge is placed between the door and the frame. When pumped, it creates a small gap wide enough to insert the long reach tool. These wedges are specially designed to apply pressure evenly and avoid scratching paint or bending door frames.

Door Hooks & Access Tools
 In addition to rods, some lockout specialists carry specialized hooks or access tools designed for specific vehicle models. These can manipulate lock switches or interior handles more directly.

Protective Covers
 To ensure that no damage occurs to the vehicle’s paint or weather stripping, technicians may use tape, protective covers, plastic sleeves, or a combination of these while inserting tools.

Together, these tools allow a skilled technician to unlock almost any modern vehicle within minutes.

How the Process Works

When a driver realizes they are locked out, the process of receiving help is simple:

1. Contact a Roadside Assistance Provider – The driver in need of assistance calls a company like Right Quick Roadside and requests a lockout service for a technician to come out to their location and unlock their car, truck, SUV, RV, or semi.

2. Technician is Dispatched – A mobile roadside technician is dispatched to the driver’s location.

3. Vehicle Assessment – Upon arrival, the technician inspects the type of vehicle and lock system.

4. Setup & Protection – Inflatable wedges and protective covers are used to create access without damage.

5. Unlocking the Vehicle – The long reach tool is guided into the vehicle, and the lock button, door handle, or unlock switch is engaged. In some cases a car with a dead battery may need a jump start for the locking mechanism to function.

6. Verification & Completion – Once the vehicle is unlocked, the technician ensures the door closes properly and no damage occurred.

The entire process often takes only a few minutes, providing quick relief for drivers in stressful situations stranded away from home with their keys locked in their car.

Why Not Call a Locksmith?

Locksmiths are skilled professional tradespeople who provide a wide range of services, and they are the only solution in certain cases. However they are not always the best solution for a simple automotive lockout. Here’s why:

Cost
 Locksmith services often cost significantly more than roadside assistance lockout services, especially after-hours or on weekends.

Availability
 Locksmiths may be busy with other jobs or not available in certain areas. Roadside assistance providers, on the other hand, are usually mobile and spread throughout communities, ready to respond quickly.

Service Scope
 If you just need your car unlocked, a locksmith’s additional skills (cutting keys, programming fobs, etc.) aren’t usually necessary. Roadside lockout services are laser-focused on one job: getting you back into your car fast.

Common Situations Where Lockout Services Are Needed

Automotive lockout services are most often called upon in everyday, stressful moments such as:

- Locking keys in the car before or after shopping. Hopefully you didn't lock your milkshake in there too but we'll get there ASAP either way!

- Leaving keys in the ignition while stepping out briefly. I think this one has gotten us all at some point!

- Locking the keys in the car while it’s still running. Always an urgent situation, try calling us first for faster response if your car is in a safe location and emergency services are not needed!

- Accidentally locking keys in the trunk. Sometimes these can be difficult depending on the vehicle! There are many different designs and some cars will require a locksmith. We can advise over the phone before dispatching as to the best course of action. If we think we can get in we are happy to try!

- Locking keys inside with children or pets. The worst scenario of all! We will always prioritize these requests, of course! Obviously, if it is a true emergency and people or pets are in immediate danger you should call 911.

These situations range from minor inconveniences to urgent emergencies. Having a quick-response lockout service available can prevent unnecessary stress and potential danger. In some situations you will need to call a locksmith, such as missing keys or a key broken off in the ignition. In these instances we can still get you into your vehicle, but we do not currently offer key fob programming or creating a new key, so an automotive locksmith may be a better choice in cases like this. We are happy to advise you of the best course of action before coming out so you do not waste your money!

Vehicle Compatibility

- Older Passenger Vehicles – Many older cars with manual locks and simpler mechanisms are very easy to unlock.

- Modern Passenger Vehicles – Even vehicles with electronic lock switches can be accessed using long reach tools. Special care needs to be taken due to sensors and airbags not found in older vehicles

- Heavy Duty Trucks, Semis, and RVs– We can typically gain entry to these vehicles without issue, unless it has house-style doors, such as some RVs and Travel Trailers. In those cases you would want to contact a certified locksmith. If you are unsure please just give us a ring!

It’s important to note that while roadside lockout services can gain entry to your vehicle, they usually cannot create replacement keys or program electronic fobs. If your keys are lost entirely, you will still need a locksmith or dealership. Additionally, if you have an RV or Travel Trailer with house-style doors and locks, you will want to call a locksmith instead of a roadside assistance company.

Safety and Damage Prevention

One of the biggest concerns drivers have is whether lockout services will damage their vehicles. When done properly, automotive lockout services are completely safe.

- No Drilling or Cutting – Unlike some locksmith methods, long reach tools do not damage locks or ignitions.

- Protective Equipment – Soft wedges and sleeves protect paint, weather stripping, window glass, and door frames. Specialized tools have a protective coating and rubber tips to avoid damaging surfaces or breaking windows.

- Trained Technicians Performing the Lockout Service – Professional roadside technicians are trained to unlock vehicles without causing harm.

This makes automotive lockout services a preferred option for many people who value both speed and safety.

How Much Do These Services Cost?

The cost of an automotive lockout service depends on location, time of day, and provider. On average in the United States:

For services performed in Albuquerque and surrounding areas Lockouts start at $55.00 plus tax. For locations more than 30 minutes away from a technician’s current location a travel charge may be added.

Compared to locksmith rates, which can range from $100 – $200 or more, lockout services from a roadside assistance company like Right Quick Roadside are usually the much more affordable option.

Benefits of Choosing Automotive Lockout Services

Faster Response Times – Roadside assistance technicians are usually already on the road and ready to respond.

Lower Costs – Typically much more affordable than locksmiths for simple vehicle unlocks.

Specialization – Focused solely on unlocking cars without unnecessary upselling.

Peace of Mind – Knowing that help is only a phone call away can reduce stress in lockout situations.

Automotive Lockout Services vs. DIY Solutions

Some drivers consider trying to unlock their car themselves. While this might seem tempting, it comes with risks:

- Coat Hangers & Improvised Tools – These can scratch paint, damage weather stripping, and even break locks or windows.

- Slim Jims – While once common, slim jims can damage modern side airbags or electronic lock systems. Right Quick Roadside LLC will never use a Slim Jim or inside-the-door tools to access your vehicle except in certain very specialized situations.

- Breaking Windows – In extreme frustration, some drivers break their windows, leading to hundreds of dollars in repair costs. In an emergency situation sometimes breaking a window is necessary, for example if a person or pet is in danger. If it is not an emergency, calling a professional roadside assistance provider is safe, reliable, and always cheaper in the long run.

The Importance of Automotive Lockout Services in Roadside Assistance

Automotive lockout services are one of the core offerings of many roadside assistance companies, including Right Quick Roadside. Along with other services like jump starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery, lockout assistance helps drivers get back on the road quickly, and that is always our goal! You definitely have somewhere better to be than stranded with your keys locked in the car!

Being locked out of your car can be frustrating, stressful, and even dangerous in some situations. While locksmiths have their place for key replacement and advanced lock issues, automotive lockout services provide a faster, safer, and more affordable solution for most everyday lockout problems.

With specialized tools like long reach rods, inflatable wedges, and protective covers, trained roadside technicians can unlock vehicles without causing damage, giving drivers peace of mind and quick relief.

For drivers in Albuquerque, New Mexico and around the world, companies like Right Quick Roadside LLC are proving that you don’t always need a locksmith—you just need the right roadside assistance company. That's us!

Bottom line: If you’re locked out, don’t panic. Call us today for a professional automotive lockout service and get back on the road quickly and safely!