Why You May Get Locked Out of Your auto lock out (Discover More)

Locked out of your car lock out can be more than an inconvenience. It could also be dangerous.

There are many ways to help you enter your vehicle without causing any damage. Keep a spare car key in your vehicle lock out. This is the most basic method to prevent a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle however, it can also be risky. There are many reasons why you might be locked out, and it's essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look out for can help you prevent future issues.

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to break into their security. This is a good thing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your vehicle even if your keys are still in it. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, coffee cup and briefcase as walk towards the driver's door. The key fob can be activated to close your doors if you attempt to open them.

It's better to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this situation than to attempt to open the lock using homemade tools like hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they will often offer a quick solution.

Over time, dirt and other impurities may build inside the lock and cause it to become jammed. It can also happen when the door is damaged due to an accident or other event. This can render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you will not be able to get back into the car.

Certain automakers offer a download app that allows you to unlock door car your car in an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be utilized as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is one of the most common reasons for getting locked out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry or while distracted. The good thing is that you can prevent this type 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, keep it in a secure location that only you or someone you trust can access it. You can also keep a key finder on your keychain or in your car to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or make use of an app on your smartphone that monitors the location of your car's key fob.

Another possibility is that you have lost your car key because it was stolen. If this is the case, always make a police report, which will leave a paper trail and may help your insurance company provide compensation in the case of an incident of theft.

The locks of your car may become more difficult to open due to rust or natural wear. This is particularly in the case of older models that require you to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can harm your door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs, so the ideal option is to wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken keys that get stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or get rid of the rest of the key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If only a small portion of the broken key protrudes from the lock and is removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is stuck deep inside the lock the flathead or another small tool will be needed. Be aware that the extraction process may require multiple attempts and patience. If you're impatient the damaged key may be pushed even further into the lock. This will cause more damage.

A more drastic homegrown method how to open lock without key remove broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be bought at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If all other methods fail then you might need to drill the cylinder of the lock to open it. This isn't recommended unless you can do so from an area that is secure, such as a restaurant, gas station or convenience store.

If you have to use this method, find an area in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Don't stay on a deserted street, parking deck or lot where you might be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith via your mobile while you're in a secure location and ask if they can meet you there to assist with the extraction.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may malfunction as time passes. This can be a major issue for owners of vehicles as they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or open their doors. It's essential to contact a locksmith to help you troubleshoot this problem.

If your key lockout service fob, or transponder isn't turning your engine on, this is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to a number of reasons, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.

To resolve this issue, you should try replacing the batteries inside your fob key. If this doesn't help, you may need to visit a local auto repair shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage can also be a cause of malfunctioning fob. This can be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that affect the internal function of the key fob. It is essential to get this repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid having it cause other issues with your vehicle.

Locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying scenario, and it's important to take steps to avoid it from happening in the future. Avoiding this problem can be achieved by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys at the time you leave your vehicle. You can also make it easier to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare set in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us today to set up an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. You've accidentally threw your keys in the lock.

It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're rushing through a busy day. If you're locked out of your car, keep calm and try to find out the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling what you did.

The best way to ensure that you don't the risk of accidentally locking your keys inside is to make sure you have a spare key available. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone else you trust has access to or have a trusted friend keep one at home or work, or employ a lockout tool. Some automakers also have services that allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely, but these typically require the purchase of a subscription.

Another option is calling a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these services can often come to your aid at a cost of a flat fee. Certain automakers, like 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 could be a good alternative. Be sure to only contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be charged with penalties or legal action for misuse of emergency services. It is important to assess the urgency before you call for help, as this will determine the best solution. Avoid rushing out of your vehicle and double-checking everything before you get in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will ensure that you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked and can keep your car safe from damage during transit should it need to be moved to a new location.