Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than a nuisance. It can be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are several ways to assist you in getting back into your car without causing damage. Keep the spare car keys in your vehicle. This is the simplest way to avoid 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. You could be locked out for various reasons, and it's crucial to know the causes. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent future issues.
Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to breach their system. This is a blessing and a curse as it could sometimes block your access to your car even when your keys are in it. This could happen if you're juggling your coffee cup, phone and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. This can trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you open them.
It's better to call roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than try to open the lock with homemade tools like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and offer a quick fix.
Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities may build up within your lock, causing it to jam. This is also the case if your door is damaged from an accident or another event. These conditions could render your key fob and other security mechanisms ineffective, and you will be unable to enter your vehicle.
Certain automakers offer a specific application that you can download to unlock your vehicle in case of emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools can be useful, but should only be employed 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 easy for a driver to lose their keys or leave it in a place 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, keep it in a secure place where only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of an app on your smartphone that monitors the location of your car's key fob.
You might have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, always make a police report, which will provide an evidence trail on paper and could help your insurance company to provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.
The locks on your car can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly true for older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car , such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they could cause damage to your door locks and ultimately result in expensive repairs The best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
While keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, overuse can result in wear and tear that eventually weakens metal. This could result in broken pieces of the key getting stuck inside your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at least free up the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a small portion of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock it can be 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. It's important to keep in mind that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed even further into the lock. This could cause further damage.
A more drastic homegrown method of removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be bought at most hardware stores. This procedure must be carried out with great care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work, you might need to drill into the lock cylinder to break it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure place, such as at the gas station, convenience store, or restaurant.
If you must make use of this method, you need to find a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Don't stay on a deserted street or parking lot where you could be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a secure place if you can.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Car key fobs, like any electronic device, can fail as time passes. This could pose a huge issue for owners of vehicles, as it means they'll no longer be able to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. It's essential to contact an expert locksmith to help solve this issue.
If your key fob or transponder fails to turn your engine on, this is a sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by many reasons, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an automotive shop or dealership in your area to get 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 issues that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. It is crucial to have this repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as it can also lead to other issues with your vehicle.
It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle It's crucial to make sure this doesn't happen again. To avoid this issue, it can be achieved by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. It can also make it easier for you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare set in a safe, accessible place. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You've accidentally threw your keys in the lock.
It's easy to lose your keys in your car when you're rushing through an extremely busy day. If you are locked out of your car, remain calm and try to figure out how you ended up in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by remembering the actions you took.
The best way to ensure that you don't from accidentally locking your keys in is to ensure that you have an extra key in your possession. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone you trust has access to, have a friend keep one at workplace or at home, or use a lockout tool. Certain automakers offer services that allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely. However, these usually require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. These services can come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Some automakers offer owners these programs for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan calling local authorities could be a viable alternative. Be sure to contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. You should also accurately determine the urgency prior to making a call for help, as this will help you determine the best solution. Be careful not to rush out of your vehicle and making sure you check everything prior to getting in to avoid being locked out again in the future. This will help you to ensure that you remember to lock any windows or doors and keep your vehicle safe throughout its journey.