‘Twas the afternoon on Christmas, and the car was packed up. Not an ounce of space to spare in the 2008 Dodge Avenger backseat or trunk. We hugged and bid our farewells, the car was revved and running and they were preparing to depart soon, “To all a merry…” “But wait,” my mother cried, “you’ve left the trunk open!” Indeed my brother had, and in his haste to hit the road he jumped out of the car, slammed the door, and soon realized he had locked the keys inside with the engine running. Merry Christmas, bro!

In a panic, we assumed our positions, mom on the phone with AAA, dad interrogating my brother, my brother frantically pacing on the cell phone on hold, his fiance consoling, my partner in pursuit of a hanger, and me, playing wise guy with the camera, documenting the fiasco.
Only trouble is that my brother doesn’t have AAA. And the hanger trick doesn’t work so well on 2008 model years, risking permanent damage to the electric locks. Uh oh! The pressure mounted as his in-laws to be pulled up in the driveway.

But what my brother did have going for him was his Chrysler LLC 24-Hour Towing Assistance that covers all current model Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep cars and light trucks sold with the New Vehicle three year/36,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.

While my man went to work with a dangling hanger, 45 minutes later, tow truck man (with a Kris Kringle-style beard) pulled up to the rescue. In case you happen to be into old cars, this is how they used to do it:Step 1: Straighten out a wire hanger. Then bend one end of the hanger to form either a hook or a triangular handle. Step 2: If the car is an older model, pry open a window by slipping a putty knife between the window and the door. Step 3: Slip the bent wire hanger through the window opening.
Step 4:Maneuver the hanger down along the window. Attempt to either pull up the door lock or push the lock button, depending on your car’s lock style. Step 5: If your car is a newer model, you’ll have to call a locksmith or tow truck.

A detoured day was back on track. Kudos to Chrysler towing service for prompt service on Christmas. My brother made it safely back to Chicago where he unloaded the goods with glee, remembering to lock the door behind him…and to all a good night.

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