Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It can be more than a nuisance. It could be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are several methods that can assist you in getting back into your car without causing any damage. Keep an extra car key in your car. This is the simplest way to prevent a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons that could cause you to be locked out my car out, and it is important to understand the causes. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future problems.

Modern cars have advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to break into their system. This is a blessing but also a curse, since it could sometimes block your access to your car even when your keys are inside it. This could happen if you're juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase when you are near the driver's door. This can trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.

It's better to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this type of situation rather than try to open the lock with an improvised tool like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith has the right tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they can often provide you with a quick solution.

Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities could accumulate in your lock, causing it to become jammed. This could also happen when the door is damaged by an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective and you will not be able to reenter the car.

Some automakers have a unique application that can be downloaded to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It's not difficult for a driver to lose a key, or leave it somewhere when they're in a hurry or distracted. The good news is, you can avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, store it in a safe place where only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to aid you in finding your keys, or you can use a smartphone app that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.

Another possibility is that you have lost your car keys because it was stolen. You should always make a report to the police if this is the situation. This will result in a record on paper that could help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.

The locks of your car may become more difficult to open because of rust or natural wear. This is particularly the case with older models that require the user to insert a key manually into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but they can cause damage to the door locks, which can lead to costly repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure a lot of force however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken pieces of the key getting stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the lock mechanism.

If a small amount of the key that was broken is protruding out of the lock, you'll usually extract it with needle nose pliers. If the broken part is lodged deep inside the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be required. It's important to remember that the process of extracting it could take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient, the broken key could be pushed further into the lock. This will cause more damage.

A more extreme home-grown method of removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. However, this must be handled with extreme care and precision in order to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If the other methods don't work, you may need to drill the lock cylinder to pry it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a safe place, such as at the gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.

If you have to resort to this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't linger on a deserted street or parking deck in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. If you are able, call the locksmith from your phone when you're in a secure location and ask whether they'll meet you there to assist with the removal.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

As with all electronic devices, car key fobs and transponders have the potential to malfunction as time passes. This can cause a serious issue for owners of vehicles as they won't be able to start their car lockout service or open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to get in touch with a professional locksmith to resolve the issue.

One of the most obvious indicators that your key fob or transponder is not working is when it fails to start your engine. This could be due to many reasons, including the malfunctioning or dead key chip.

You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries on your key fob. If this doesn't work then you may have to visit a local auto shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage could also be a cause of an unresponsive fob. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn-out contacts, or other issues that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible, since it could cause further issues with your vehicle.

It's an awful experience to be locked out of your car It's crucial to make sure this doesn't happen again. Avoiding this problem can be done by developing routines that ensure that you have your keys before you leave your vehicle. Additionally, you can make it easier to return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and accessible. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You've accidentally left your keys inside

If you're in a hurry it's easy to forget your keys in the vehicle. Stay calm and try to determine how to unlock your car door without a key you got locked out of your vehicle. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling the actions you took.

It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to prevent locking them inside. This could mean stashing it in a place that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work, or using a lockout kit. Certain automakers offer services that allow you to unlock car door service your vehicle remotely. However, they usually require the purchase of a subscription.

You can also call an emergency roadside service like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these services can often assist you at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to owners.

If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be an alternative. Be sure to only contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or be subject to legal action if you misuse emergency services. It is also essential to determine the need for assistance before you call for help and this will determine what solution is the most appropriate. To avoid getting locked out of your car in the future, make sure you check everything before you get back inside and try to avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This can help you ensure that you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked. It can also help protect your car opening service from harm during transportation should it need to be transported to a different location.