Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Being locked out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.

There are several techniques to allow you access to your vehicle without causing any damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to keep an extra key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons you may get locked out, and it's important to understand the causes. If you know what to look out for this will help avoid any future issues.

The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that can detect any attempt to break their system. This is both a blessing and a curse, as it could sometimes block your access to your car the keys are inside it. This can occur when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee, and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. The key fob could be activated to shut your doors when you try to open locked car them.

It is recommended to call roadside assistance if in this situation than to attempt to open the lock using an improvised tool like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damage to your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.

Over time, dirt and other impurities can build into your lock and jam it. It can also happen if the door is damaged by an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or other security devices ineffective and you will not be able to get back into the car.

Certain automakers have a download application that you can use to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service to unlock car with its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be used when all other options are exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It's not difficult for a driver to lose their keys or leave it somewhere while in a rush or distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout by having an extra key or backup.

If you have a spare key, make sure it's in a secure place that only you or someone else you trust has access to. You can also keep an electronic key finder in your car door unlock service or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys locked in vehicle, or you can make use of a smartphone app that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.

You may have lost your car keys as they were stolen. If this is the case, you should always file a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.

Sometimes, your car's locks can develop problems due to natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially true for older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY methods to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to the door locks and eventually result in costly repairs, so the ideal option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand the force of a lot 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 get rid of the rest of your key with minimal damage to your car lock mechanism.

If only a tiny portion of the damaged key is protruding from the lock, it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you may require a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit into the lock. Remember that the extraction may require multiple attempts and patience. If you are impatient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed even further into the lock. This could cause further damage.

You can make use of a small saw-blade you can buy at most hardware stores to cut off broken keys. This method should be performed with extreme precision and care to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If other methods fail then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to break it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do so from an area that is secure such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you must make use of this method, find a place where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty street, parking lot or deck where you could be targeted by thieves. The locksmith should meet you at a secure location if you are able to.

4. Damaged transponder or key fob

Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, may malfunction as time passes. This could pose a huge problem for vehicle owners who no longer have the ability to start their cars or even open their doors. It is essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

One of the most frequent indicators that your key fob or transponder is not working is when it doesn't turn on your engine. This could be due to many factors, including the malfunctioning or dead key chip.

You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries on your key fob. If this doesn't help, you may need to visit a local auto shop or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage could also be a cause of a malfunctioning fob. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue that affect the internal function of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as quickly as possible as it could lead to other problems with your vehicle.

Locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take precautions to prevent it from happening in the future. To avoid this issue, it can be accomplished by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys when you leave your vehicle. You can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare in a safe, accessible place. Contact us to make an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these problems with your key fobs or locks.

5. You've accidentally left your keys inside

When you're running around, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. Keep calm and determine how to open a car door without keys you got locked out of your car. You can avoid repeating the same situation by remembering the actions you took.

The best way to prevent accidentally locking your keys inside is to make sure you have a spare key on hand. You can put it in a safe place where you or someone you trust has access to or have a friend keep one at office or home or use the lockout tool. Certain automakers offer services that allow you to unlock your car remotely. However, these typically require the purchase of a subscription.

Another option is calling an assistance line for roadside emergencies like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services can often help you out for a flat rate. Some automakers provide these programs to owners for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

Calling the local authorities is an alternative if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside assistance plan. However, be sure to only contact emergency services when you or others are in danger. If you don't, you could be liable to penalties or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is important to assess the urgency before you call for help, as this will determine the most appropriate solution. Do not rush out of your vehicle and checking everything before you go in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will help you to ensure that you don't forget to secure any windows or doors and keep your vehicle safe during transit.