Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
There are many ways to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. Keep the spare car keys in your car. This is the most basic way to prevent a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your car
It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. If you are aware of what to look for, this can help prevent future issues.
Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that are able to detect attempts to break into their security. This could be a blessing and curse, since you might not be able access your vehicle if your keys are in the car. This can happen when you're trying to balance your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase while approaching the door to the driver. This can trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you go to open them.
If you are in this type of situation you should call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and can often provide you with the fastest solution.
Over time, dirt and other impurities build into the lock and cause it to become jammed. This could also happen if your door is damaged from an accident or other event. These conditions can render your key fob and other security devices ineffective and you'll be unable to reenter your vehicle.
Some automakers offer a special downloadable app you can use to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are helpful, but they should only be used only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
Keys are lost is one of the most frequent reasons for getting locked out. It's easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry or when you're distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you've got a spare or backup key.
If you have an extra key, keep it in a secure location that only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can keep a keyfinder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. The devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also use an application on your smartphone to track the location of your car's keyfob.
Another possibility is that the car key due to it was stolen. You should always submit a claim to the police if this is the situation. This will create an official record on paper and could aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
Sometimes, the locks of your car get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them more difficult to open. This is especially true with older models that require the user to insert a key manually into the lock. While there are DIY ways to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to the door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs, so 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 cause wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This could result in broken pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least get rid of the rest of your key with minimal damage to your car lock mechanism.
If only a tiny portion of the broken key protrudes from the lock and is removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is stuck in the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit inside the lock. Be aware that the extraction process may require multiple attempts and patience. If you're too impatient you could accidentally push the damaged key further into the lock and cause further damage.
A more radical home-grown method of removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. However, this should be used with extreme care and sensitivity to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If locked keys in car how to open fail, you may need to drill the lock cylinder in order to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless can do it from an area that is secure such as a restaurant, gas station or convenience store.
If you have to resort to this method, you should locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not sit in an empty street, parking lot or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. Request the locksmith to meet you in a secure place if you can.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may fail in time. This can be a big issue for owners of vehicles since they'll not be able to start their cars or even open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to contact an expert locksmith to solve the problem.
When your key fob or transponder fails to turn the engine on, this is a common sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by various reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this doesn't work you, you might need to visit a local auto repair shop or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Physical damage may also be the cause of a malfunctioning fob. This could be due to cracks or damage to the key shell, worn-out contactors, or any other issue that affects the internal functionality of your key fob. It is recommended to repair or replaced as quickly as possible as it could lead to other issues with your vehicle.
Being 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 accomplished by creating an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys when you exit your vehicle. In addition, you can help yourself return to your car in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and accessible. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a certified locksmith.
5. You may accidentally leave your keys inside
If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave keys in your car. If you're locked out of your car, stay at peace and try to determine the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling the actions you took.
It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys in your possession to avoid accidentally locking them inside. You can store it in a place where you or someone you trust has access to, have a friend keep one at their home or work, or use an instrument for locking out. Certain automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they typically require the purchase of a subscription.
Another option is to call an assistance line for roadside emergencies like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. They can help you out at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Some automakers offer owners these programs at no cost, 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 an alternative. Make sure you only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or even face legal consequences if you use emergency services. It is important to determine the urgency prior to making a call for help, as this will determine the most appropriate solution. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck every aspect before getting back in and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows, and help ensure your vehicle is secure during transit.