Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

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

There are several techniques to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your vehicle. This is the most basic way to avoid a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating, but it can be dangerous. There are many reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it's essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid further problems.

Modern cars have highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to break into their security. This is a blessing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your car even if your keys are still in the car. This can occur when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you attempt to open them.

It's better to call roadside assistance if you are in this situation than to attempt to open the lock with an improvised tool like hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide the fastest solution.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities build inside your lock and jam it. It can also happen if the door is damaged by an accident or other event. This could render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective, and you won't be able to enter the car.

Some automakers have a unique application that can be downloaded to unlock your vehicle in case of emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are helpful, but they should only be utilized as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

The loss of keys is one of the most frequent reasons for getting locked out. It's easy to lose a key or leave it somewhere in a hurry or when you're distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you have an extra or backup key.

If you have an extra key, store it in a secure location in a place where only you or a person you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic key keeper in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit an alert to assist you in finding your keys. You can also make use of an application on your smartphone to track the location your car's keyfob.

Another possibility is that you lost your car keys because it was stolen. If this is the case, you must always make a police report, which will leave an evidence trail on paper and could aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the case of an incident of theft.

Sometimes your car's locks get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly true for older models which 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 cause damage to your door locks and ultimately cause expensive repairs and repairs, so the ideal option is to wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure a lot of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can result in broken keys that get stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at the very least free up the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If a small portion of your key is sticking out of the lock, you'll be able to extract it with the help of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is stuck in the lock, you might require a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit into the lock. Be aware that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you could accidentally push the broken key even further into the lock, causing even more damage.

A more radical home-grown method of removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, it must be handled with extreme care and precision to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If the other methods don't work then you might need to drill the cylinder of the lock to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless can do so from an area that is secure such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you are forced to use this method, you need to find a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty street, parking lot or deck where you may be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith via your mobile when you're in a secure area and ask them to meet them there to assist in the extraction.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

As with all electronic devices keys for cars and transponders can be prone to malfunction over time. This could be a major issue for car owners who no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to contact an expert locksmith to solve the issue.

One of the most obvious signs that your transponder or key fob is not working is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due how to open lock without key various reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this fails, you could need to visit an Auto Lock Out shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason you might be experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. It's important to have it 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 nightmare situation, and it's essential to take precautions to prevent it from happening again in the future. To avoid this issue, it can be done by developing a routine where you double-check that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. It can also make it easier to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare key in an accessible, secure location. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks call us to make an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. Inadvertently leave keys in your opening car door

When you're running around it's easy to forget keys in your car. Be calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your vehicle. The information you gather will assist you in avoiding an identical situation in the future.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys on hand to prevent locking them inside. This could involve storing it in a place that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key in their home or at work, or using a lockout kit. Some automakers also have services that allow you to unlock your car remotely, but these typically require a subscription.

Another option is to call an emergency roadside assistance company like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these services can often assist you for a flat rate. Some automakers offer owners these programs for free, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

Contacting local authorities is an option if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. However, be sure to only call emergency services if you or your family members are in danger. You could be penalized or face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It is also essential to assess the urgency of the situation prior to when you call for help in order to determine what solution is the most appropriate. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future. Make sure to check every aspect before getting back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will ensure you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked and can protect your car from harm during transportation should it need to be moved to a new location.