Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Getting locked myself out of car out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.

There are many ways to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to have an extra key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle however, it can also be risky. There are a variety of reasons you may get locked out, and door it's important to understand the causes. If you know what to look for this will help avoid future problems.

Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can detect attempts to breach their system. This is both a blessing and a curse as it could sometimes block your access to your car even when your keys are inside it. This can happen when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you go to open a car them.

It is better to seek roadside assistance if in this situation than to try to open the lock with an improvised tool like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damage to your vehicle and offer the fastest solution.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities build into the lock and cause it to become jammed. This is also the case if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or some other incident. This can render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective, and you won't be able to get back into the vehicle.

Some automakers offer a special download application that you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be helpful, but they should only be used only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

The loss of keys is one of the most frequent reasons for locking yourself out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry, or when you're distracted. The good news is, you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, be sure it's stored in a secure location that only you or someone you trust can access. You can also keep a key finder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also utilize an application on your smartphone to track the location your car's keyfob.

You might have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. You should always make a report to the police if this is the situation. This will create an official record on paper and could help you get 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 particularly true for older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. Although there are DIY methods to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to your door locks and ultimately result in expensive repairs The best 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 pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at the very least 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 using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the broken piece is lodged deep inside the lock, door a flathead or other small tool will be needed. It's important to remember that the extraction process could require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient, the broken key could be pushed even further into the lock. This can cause further damage.

You can use a small saw-blade is available at many hardware stores to remove broken keys. However, this must be handled with extreme care and precision in order to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If other methods fail, 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 safe place, such as at the gas station or convenience store restaurants.

If you are forced to use this method, you need to find an area where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Don't linger on a deserted street or parking deck where you could be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you at a secure location if it is possible.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Car key fobs, as any electronic device, can malfunction over time. This can be a big issue for car owners since they'll not be able to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's crucial to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the issue.

If your key fob or transponder does not turn your engine on, this is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

To resolve this issue, you should try replacing the batteries in your fob's key. If this fails, you could need to visit an automotive shop or dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason you might be experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. It could be due to broken or cracked key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as you can, as it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your car, so it's important to ensure that this doesn't happen again. The best way to avoid this situation is achieved by creating a routine where you double-check that you have your keys when you leave your vehicle. Additionally, you can help yourself get back inside your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. Call us to set up an appointment with locksmiths if you've encountered any of these problems with keys or locks.

5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside

It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're running through the day. Keep calm and find out how you were locked out of your vehicle. Recalling what happened can aid you in avoiding a similar occurrence in the future.

The best way to avoid accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure that you have a spare key on hand. This could mean stashing it in a place that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their home or at work, or using an alarm kit. Some automakers also have services that let you unlock your car remotely, but these tend to require an annual subscription.

You can also contact a roadside service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. Moody states that these assistance programs can often come to your aid at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers provide 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 can be a viable alternative. However, be sure to only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It is also crucial to assess the urgency of the situation before you begin calling for help and this will determine which option is most suitable. Do not rush out of your car and making sure you check everything prior to getting in to avoid being locked out again in the future. This will help ensure that you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help keep your car safe from damage during transit should it need to be transported to a different location.