Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Getting locked out of your car can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be a risk.
There are several techniques 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. You're locked out of your vehicle
It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. You may be locked out for various reasons, and it's essential to be aware of the causes. If you know what to look out for this will help avoid future problems.
Modern cars have highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to breach their system. This is both a blessing and a curse, as it could sometimes block your access to your car the keys are inside it. This could happen when you are juggling your phone, coffee, and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. The key fob may be triggered to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.
It is recommended to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this situation than to try to open the lock using homemade tools like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and provide a quick fix.
Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities can accumulate within your lock, causing it to become jammed. This can also occur when the door is damaged due to an accident or other event. These circumstances can make your key fob or other security mechanisms useless and you'll be unable to reenter your car.
Certain automakers offer a specific application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be utilized as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them in a hurry, or when you're distracted. The good thing is that you can avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare key or a backup plan for accessing your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, be sure that it's kept in a safe location that only you or someone else you trust can access. You can keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices sound an alert to assist you in finding your keys, or make use of an app on your smartphone that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that the car key due to it was stolen. You must always make a report to the police in the case. This will create an official record on paper and could aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.
left keys inside car can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly the case for older models, which require you 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 cause damage to your door locks and ultimately result in costly repairs and repairs, so the best option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to endure an enormous amount of force but overuse can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken keys that get stuck in your lock. Fortunately, it is possible to remove them using a few basic tools or free the rest of your key without causing damage to your car lock mechanism.
If a small portion of your key is protruding from the lock, you can usually remove it using the help of needle nose pliers. If the broken part is stuck deep inside the lock the flathead or another small tool will be needed. It's important to be aware that the process of extracting it could take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed further into the lock. This could cause further damage.
A more extreme home-grown method to remove broken keys involves using the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. This procedure must be carried out with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you might need to drill the lock cylinder in order to get it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a secure location, such as the gas station, convenience store, or restaurant.
If you must make use of this method, locate a location in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Do not stand in a deserted street or parking deck where you might be targeted by thieves. The locksmith should meet you in a safe location if it is possible.
4. Key fob or transponder damaged
Car key fobs, like any electronic device, can fail as time passes. This could be a major issue for owners of vehicles, as it means they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's essential to get in touch with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.
One of the most obvious indicators that your key fob or transponder is in trouble is when it doesn't start your engine. This can be caused by many reasons, including the malfunctioning or dead key chip.
To solve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries inside your key fob. If this fails, you could need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your area to get the chip or key fob replaced.
Physical damage could also be a reason for a malfunctioning fob. It could be due to broken or cracked key shell, worn out contacts, or any other issue that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. It is essential to get this repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid having it result in other issues with your vehicle.
It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your car, so it's important to prevent this from happening again. To avoid this issue, it can be done by developing a routine where you double-check that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. Also, you can make it easier to get back inside your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. Contact us to make an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these issues with keys or locks.
5. You've accidentally threw your keys inside
It's easy to lose your keys in your car when you're running through an extremely busy day. If you're locked out of your car, stay calm and try to find out how you ended up in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling what you did.
It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys on hand to avoid accidentally locking them inside. You can put it in a location that you or someone you trust can easily access, have a friend keep one at their office or home or make use of the lockout tool. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your car via remote, but they typically require a subscription.
Another option is to call a roadside assistance service like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services are often able to help you out at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to their owners.
If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan calling local authorities may be an alternative. Be sure to only contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or even face legal action if you misuse emergency services. It is also crucial to determine the need for assistance before you begin calling for help, as this will determine which solution will be the most appropriate. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck every aspect before getting back in and try to avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked. It can also help keep your car safe from damage during transport in the event that it needs to be moved to a new destination.