Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help you get back into your car without causing any damage. The most basic method to avoid a lockout is to keep a spare key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it's important to understand the causes. If you are aware of what to look for, this can help prevent any future issues.
Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to break into their security. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it can sometimes deny you access to your car if your keys are still inside it. This can happen when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as enter the driver's side 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 type of situation rather than try to open the lock using homemade tools like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.
Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities may accumulate in your lock, causing it to jam. This can also happen in the event that your door has been damaged from an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or other security devices ineffective, and you won't be able to enter the vehicle.
Certain automakers offer a downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools can be helpful however they should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
2. i lock my keys in the car
Losing your keys is one of the most common reasons for locking yourself out. It is easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry or while distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout by having an extra or backup key.
If you have an extra key, store it in a secure place in a place where only you or a person you trust will be able to access it. You can keep a key finder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices sound an alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of a smartphone app 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 create a paper trail and may help your insurance company to provide compensation in the case of an incident of theft.
Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them more difficult to open. This is particularly in the case of older models where you have to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can harm your door locks and ultimately result in costly repairs The ideal option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are made to withstand an enormous amount of force but overuse can cause the metal to weaken. This can result in broken key fragments becoming stuck in your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or free up the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a tiny portion of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock, it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the broken piece is stuck deep inside the lock it is likely that a flathead or a small tool is required. It's important to be aware that the process of extracting it could require several attempts and patience. If you are impatient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed even further into the lock. This can cause further damage.
You can use the small saw-blade which you can buy at most hardware stores to remove broken keys. This method should be performed with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods fail then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless can do so from an area that is secure such as a restaurant, gas station or convenience store.
If you have to resort to this method, find a location in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Avoid staying on a vacant parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. If possible, call the locksmith on your phone when you're in a secure area and ask them whether they'll meet you there to assist in the extraction.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Like all electronic devices car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to malfunction as time passes. This could be a huge problem for vehicle owners as they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or unlock their door. It's essential to contact a locksmith to help you troubleshoot this problem.
When your key fob or transponder isn't turning the engine on, this is a common sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by various reasons, such as a dead or malfunctioning key chip.
You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or dealership in your area to get the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason why you may be experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This can be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as you can, as it could cause further problems with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frightening scenario, and it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys before exiting your vehicle will help you avoid this situation. Also, you can make it easier to return to your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and accessible. 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 may accidentally leave your keys inside
If you're in a hurry it's easy to forget keys in your car. Keep calm and determine how you got locked out of your vehicle. You can avoid a repeat of the same situation by remembering what you did.
It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to ensure that you don't accidentally lock them inside. This could mean storing it in a place that you or someone you trust can access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key in their home or at work, or using an alarm kit. Some automakers also have services that allow you to unlock your car remotely, but these typically require the purchase of a subscription.
Another option is calling an emergency roadside assistance company like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services can often assist you for a fixed fee. Some automakers provide owners these programs at no cost, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be a good alternative. However, be sure to only contact emergency services when you or others are in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be liable to fines or legal action for using emergency services in a way that is not safe. It is also essential to assess the need for assistance before you call for help, as this will determine which option is the most effective. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, countercheck everything before you get back inside and try to avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will help ensure that you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked. It can also help keep your car safe from damage during transit if it does need to be transported to a new location.