What to do if You Lock Your Keys in the Car | Henderson, NV New & Used Car Dealer

Every driver dreads locking keys in a car, and the reality is, it does happen. What do you do when the keys are safe inside a locked car? Here are some options help avoid that situation and deal with it, should it happen to you.


Dial 911. Safety comes first, and if you don’t feel secure where you’re stranded, you should call 911 to get help on the way fast. In many cases, the police can unlock the car’s door. But if they can’t, they will probably call a tow truck, which will be on your tab, of course. But at least you’ll be safe.
Call for roadside assistance. Here’s when those annual auto-club fees really pay off. AAA, Allstate, and other organizations that provide roadside service will help you, though it could take a while for them to reach you. If you don’t subscribe to such a service, you might still be in luck. Most new cars come with roadside assistance during the basic warranty period. Your owner’s manual should have the details, but of course that’s locked in the car with the keys. The number to call might be posted on a window decal. If it isn’t, you can get the details by calling a dealership. To be prepared, you should store the number in your phone or write it down on paper and keep it in your wallet or purse. What if you don’t have a new car or you don’t belong to a service such as AAA? Ask about adding roadside assistance to your auto-insurance policy. Also, some major highways are patrolled by trucks offering emergency aid. Keep an eye out for one.

Call a tow truck. If you have no free options, most towing services provide lock-out service. Call 411 for services in your area. Or text the words “tow service” and your location to GOOGL (46645).

Get a temporary key. A dealer might be able to make you an inexpensive key that will open the doors (but not start your car) so that you can retrieve your permanent keys. You’ll probably need your vehicle identification number (visible through the lower edge of the driver’s-side windshield) and to prove that you own the car. Of course, you’ll also need a ride to the dealership.

Keep an extra key handy. Stash a spare key in your purse, your wallet, or a well-hidden spot on the car. You can buy a small magnetic box that can hold a key and be placed on a car’s underside. Or leave a spare with someone who could rescue you.

Buy a car with benefits. Some cars won’t lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. Also, many vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury have a door-mounted keypad that lets you tap in a code to unlock the door. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system such as GM’s OnStar, Hyundai’s Blue Link, or Mercedes-Benz’s Mbrace, you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked. Those systems also offer free apps that let smart-phone owners unlock the doors. Check automaker websites for compatible phones and specifics.

Keyless. If you have lost the key, things get more complicated. You’re going to need a locksmith, and while the ones we spoke with said they did do emergency road service, expect to pay about $200 and up for a replacement key. Keys for some higher-end models can cost several hundred dollars and can only be purchased and programmed through a dealer. And that means an expensive trip to the dealer on a flatbed.

5 Tips to Save on Gas | Henderson, NV New & Used Car Dealer

1. Fill Up Middle of the Week
It is a well known fact that gas prices are at their highest on the weekends. This is common sense really…when do most people have time to go get gas? When do families head out for trips and gas up the family car? Rather than paying top dollar on the weekend for convenience, stop on a Wednesday instead and enjoy the savings.

2. Never Ride on Empty
Many people think this is an old wives tale but it is based in fact. Running a car on less gas than is optimal means the car has to work harder. This means that the car is not efficiently using the gasoline and pulling more than is needed to operate the car. (There is also that added inconvenience of potentially running out of gas) Rather than doing this to your car, fill up when you hit the half empty line. This will keep your car running optimally and your gas prices down.

3. Stick to Regular Fuel Unless You Own a High Performance Sports Car
Buying a high grade of gasoline is going to do very little for your family sedan. The old station wagon is not going to perform better or last longer by using high grade premium gasoline. What you will accomplish is paying way too much for your gas each week. This costs people a ton of money every single week and the truth is…it is money down the drain.

4. Do Trip Combos
This means sitting down and planning out your day beforehand. Each evening, sit down and figure out where you need to go and what you need the car for. Consider where everything is and how you can combine trips. Nothing stinks worse than to pass right by someplace and then get home and realize you needed to stop there. Plan ahead and work out trip combos to use less gas and save money.

5. Use an Online Gas Finder
These little websites are awesome! Simply put in your address and it will spit out the lowest prices and where they are located. There are also phone apps that can do the same thing if you are on the go. Find one you trust and that consistently gives you the right information and stick with it.

Owning a Used Car: How Much Can You Expect to Pay Each Month? | Findlay Acura Henderson NV

If you are tempted to cut corners on the purchase of your next used vehicle to save money, you may want to reconsider. Even though you can often find deals to save money up front, it usually comes back to bite you.

Simply put, getting a good deal on a used car spans beyond the purchase price. You also must consider the little things that accompany the monthly payment such as insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs. This may seem like a lot to afford, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to afford the used car of your dreams.

The costs of owning your ride is decreasing as time goes on. On average, the monthly operating and ownership costs associated with owning a sedan is $739.67 (or $8,876 per year), according to a recent report released by AAA. Operating costs include gas, maintenance and tires whereas ownership costs include full-coverage insurance, license, registration, taxes, depreciation and finance charges.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of their findings by vehicle type, based on a 15,000 annual mileage:

If you are blown away by these figures, don’t start worrying yet. Here are some things to consider when shopping that can help you save later on down the line:

Gas

Wouldn’t it be grand if all cars could run off of oxygen? Unfortunately, cars need gas, and gas is expensive. Even hybrids require gas to function. Bummer.

So, when you’re shopping, you’ll need to pay attention to the fuel economy ratings, both on the highway and in the city. Put this expense into your car budget, and see how often you can afford to fill your tank. Even though you can’t control gas prices, you can control how much you spend to fill up your tank each week.

Maintenance

Extended warranties are great, but they typically only cover major repairs. That means you’re on your own with the day-to-day maintenance. It’s probably not a good idea to pick out the shiniest model on the lot without first taking a moment to figure out the anticipated maintenance costs. 

Generally speaking, the older the model and the higher the mileage, the more costly the maintenance. You also might want to get the maintenance records to see if the vehicle was properly cared for by its prior owner.

Tires

Don’t forget to take a peek at the tires. If they are extremely worn, they will need to be replaced, which can set you back hundreds of dollars out the gate.

Insurance

Besides the cost of the monthly payment, car insurance is a top expense for your car. Unfortunately, it’s illegal not to carry coverage if you live in any state except for New Hampshire, so insurance is an expense you can’t avoid. But, the year, make and model of your car can affect the cost of your insurance. 

Depreciation

Unless you seriously intend to drive the vehicle until the wheels fall off, you’ll want to purchase something that holds value. Otherwise, be prepared to fork over the difference between the sales price and what you owe when you want to sell or trade it in for a new set of wheels. Don’t let bargains on the purchase price fool you. Before putting any money down, look at the current asking price compared to older models to gain some insight on depreciation. And, steer clear of rebuilt or salvaged vehicles if you intend to earn any equity in your vehicle.

Bottom line, there is more to owning a car than just the car payments. You need to set a budget that includes all of the costs so you can see what you can reasonably afford.