Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than a nuisance. It can be dangerous.
There are several techniques to help you get into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the most basic method to avoid a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your vehicle
It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. You may be locked out for a variety of reasons, and it's important to know the causes. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future issues.
Modern cars have advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to breach their security. This is both a blessing but also a curse, since it could sometimes block your access to your car even if your keys are still in it. This could happen if you're trying to balance your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase while approaching the driver's door. The key fob may be activated to close your doors if you attempt to open them.
It's better to call roadside assistance if you are in this situation than to attempt to open the lock with improvised tools such as hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith will have the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they can often provide a quick solution.
Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities can accumulate in your lock, causing it to jam. It can also happen when the door is damaged due to an accident or some other incident. This could render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you will not be able to enter the vehicle.
Certain automakers offer a specific app that you can download to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai offer similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be employed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
Keys are lost is one of the most common reasons for being locked out. It is easy for drivers to lose a key, or leave it in a place when they're in a hurry or distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you have an extra or backup key.
If you have an extra key, make sure it's in a secure location that only you or someone you trust has access to. 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 alarm to help you find your keys. You can also utilize an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car's keysfob.
You may have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, you should always make a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of a theft.
Sometimes, the locks of your car become damaged due to natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly true for older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. While there are DIY methods to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can harm your door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs The ideal option is to wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, excessive use can result in wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove these with some basic tools, or at the very least free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the car lock mechanism.
If only a small portion of the damaged key is protruding from the lock and is removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you might need to use an flathead screwdriver or some other tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. It's important to keep in mind that the process of extracting it could take 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.
A more extreme home-grown method of removing broken keys is to use a small saw blade which is available at many hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods are unsuccessful it is possible to drill into the lock cylinder and pry it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe location, such as the gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.
If you have to resort to this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not stand in a deserted street, parking deck or lot in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a safe place if you can.
4. Damaged transponder or key fob
Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, may malfunction in time. This can cause a serious issue for owners of vehicles as they will no longer be in a position to start their vehicle or even open their door. If this happens, it's important to get in touch with a professional locksmith to troubleshoot the issue.
If your key fob or transponder isn't turning your engine on, this is a common indication that it's malfunctioning. This can occur for various reasons, including a dead battery or an issue with the key fob chip.
To resolve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries in your fob's key. If this fails, you could have to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason why you may be experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This can be caused by cracks or damage to the key shell, worn-out contacts or any other factor that could affect the internal function of your key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as quickly as you can, as it could cause other issues with your vehicle.
Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking your keys before exiting your vehicle can help avoid this situation. In addition you can make it easier to get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key secure and easily accessible. Call us to set up an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these issues with keys or locks.
5. Inadvertently leave keys in your car
It's easy to lose your keys in the car while you're on the move during the day. If you're locked out of your car, keep calm and try to find out why you got into this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling the actions you took.
It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys in your possession to avoid accidentally locking them inside. You can keep it in a safe place that you or someone else you trust can easily access or have a trusted friend keep one at their home or work, or employ the lockout tool. Some automakers offer services that allow you to unlock your car via the internet. However, they usually require a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. Moody states that these services are often able to help you out at a cost of a flat fee. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs free to owners.
If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan calling local authorities may be an alternative. Be sure to contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or be subject to legal consequences if you use emergency services. It is important to evaluate the urgency before you need help, as this will determine the best solution. Be open car door not to rush out of your vehicle and double-checking everything before you get in will help you avoid being locked out again in the future. This will help you ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows, and help ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout its journey.