Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key

A vehicle lockout is a stressful event that can occur to anyone. To avoid this, have a spare key and keep it in a safe place.

This article explores some common causes of car lockout and suggests some easy DIY techniques, like using a modified wire coat hanger to unlock your car's door.

1. You've Lost Your Keys

It's a nightmare for any car owner: you're about to do some errands and you forget keys on the seat or in the ignition. You're suddenly stuck outside when your door locks by itself. This is the most common reason for locking out of vehicles. It's a good idea to keep the spare car key in a safe location.

It may seem like a complete failure, but don't panic. Most roadside assistance and auto wreckers provide locksmith services and are trained to unlock nearly any vehicle swiftly. They can also help you identify the issue with your car's lock so you can prevent it from repeating itself in the future.

Keep your keys in your backpack, purse, or bag when you travel. That way, you're less likely to lose them in the midst of. You can also look for them in common places, but don't attempt to hide them. Thieves are able to be clever and may have already thought of the most common hiding places.

Based on the car's manufacturer depending on the manufacturer of your car, you could have the option of using an application which turns your smartphone into the key fob. This is especially helpful if you've lost your keys or have left them in the car, and it's available for most modern automobiles. Check your automaker's website to find out if they've got an application and how to get your keys out of a locked car to set it up. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to find out whether you're covered in case that you lock your keys in the car. Roadside assistance typically will cover these scenarios. However the exact terms and coverage amounts can differ.

2. Your transponder keys have failed

There are few things more difficult in modern cars than being locked out. Luckily, with the assistance of a professional locksmith, this problem can be resolved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Transponder keys are now a common feature in many cars, as they offer greater security and functionality. Like all electronic devices, transponder keys can have problems and malfunctions from time to time. It is crucial to be aware of the signs that your transponder is not functioning properly to ensure that you be sure to have it fixed immediately.

The most frequent indication that your transponder keys is not working is when it ceases to function in your car's lock. This can happen for many reasons. It could be that the microchip in the key is not functioning properly or there is a glitch with the RF signal transmitted by the chip to the computer in the car. Another possibility is that the metal at the bottom of the key being worn or dull. This could cause interference with the signal.

If this is the situation try using a different key to check if it works. You should also make sure that there isn't any obstruction in the area that could block the signal. If you're still having trouble with your key, you can seek out a locksmith that specializes in vehicle transponder keys to test it and possibly repaired. They will be able tell you what's causing your transponder to fail and how to get a key out of a locked car to fix the issue. In the majority of cases your locksmith will be capable of reprogramming your key to make it work again in your vehicle.

3. Your Car's Lock Has Jammed

Many car lockouts at the door can be traced to a blocked or jammed lock mechanism. Over time dirt, rust and other impurities could build up inside the lock, causing it to jam. This could make it difficult, even impossible, to open your car's door and could also stop your key fob from unlocking the door after you press its button.

You may need to lubricate the lock using WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser to free it from jamming. These products can be bought at home improvement centers or at auto supply stores. You can attach them to the lock using flatheads or any other thin object you can stick into your keyhole to gain access to the mechanism. If you are unable insert the key or the key fob into the lock and lubricate it this way, try wiggling the mechanism back and forth using needle-nose pliers until you feel free.

A damaged link between the lock cylinder or interior locking switch/post and the car latch is another frequent reason for locking your vehicle out. Extreme weather conditions or continuous use of the lock could cause this. Then, you will be unable open the car door and gain access to your belongings.

To avoid this to avoid this issue, keep the spare car key in a secure location and replace the battery in your key fob regularly to make it last longer. Some automakers even offer downloadable apps that you can use to remotely unlock your car when you're locked out, so be sure to contact your manufacturer to find out whether they have a solution available.

4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died

Car key fobs rely on batteries to operate and sometimes they run out of juice. Luckily, you can resolve this issue by replacing the batteries. If, however, your car key fob doesn't work at all It could indicate that something else is not working properly. Consult the manual of your vehicle when you're experiencing this issue.

If your car's key fob doesn't work, and you don't have a spare, you should consider getting a locksmith on call to assist you with accessing your vehicle. Many of these services provide emergency lockouts and may be capable of helping you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay for towing or other recovery services.

You can also try using a key to unlock your car's door. Most newer vehicles come with a key slot hidden on the driver's side of the door, which is usually hidden behind the handle cover. Use the mechanical key to open the door, and the fob to start the vehicle (if required). Some manufacturers have backup systems in place that allow you to start your car using dead keys.

It's not fun to be locked out of your car and especially when it happens in a strange location. The best way to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key somewhere safe at home, or with a trusted person, and to replace the battery in your key fob regularly. You can also try to improve the ability to locate your keys by investing in a Bluetooth tracker. These devices emit a unique signature that can be connected to an app on your phone that can be useful in finding your keys when they are lost or have been misplaced.

5. Your Car's Lock has Accumulated Dirt

Over time dirt, grime and other debris can accumulate within the locks of your car, causing them to jam and prevent you from opening car door your door. To avoid this, you should be sure to lubricate the hinges and locks of your car at least twice a yearly using WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

Another way to prevent a vehicle lock out is to always have an extra key on hand. You can do this in a few ways. You can keep a spare in your purse or wallet. You can also leave it with someone in your family or with a friend. Or, you could give the set to the valet of your apartment building if it's an apartment complex. It is also advisable to keep the contact information of the locksmith in your area. This will save you lots of stress and money in the event you get locked out of your vehicle unlock services.

Many automakers offer roadside assistance to help drivers gain access to their vehicle in the event of a lockout. This includes GM's long-running OnStar service, Mercedes' Mbrace service, and Hyundai Blue Link. If none of these options are available, contact a towing company in your area to fix the problem.

Richman Automotive & Towing is the towing company to call for dependable and professional service.

You should never be in an instance where you're locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of quick solutions to this problem. Keeping a spare key in your pocket and knowing who to call for help is always helpful and also. Visit us online to find out more. We'll be glad to answer all of your questions. We are looking forward to working with you! You can also contact us at (301) 7777-1877.