Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are several methods that can help you get back into your car without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your car. This is the simplest way to prevent a lockout.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is not only frustrating however, it can also be risky. There are a variety of reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it is crucial to know the reasons. If you know what to look out for this will help avoid future issues.
Most modern cars have technically advanced security systems that can detect any attempt at breaching their security. This is a blessing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your car the keys are in the car. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, coffee, and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. The key fob could be activated to close your doors if you try to open them.
If you are in this situation, it's best to seek help from a roadside service rather than trying to juggle makeshift tools like string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and can often provide a quick solution.
Over time, dirt and other impurities build into your lock, causing it to jam. This could also happen in the event that your door has been damaged from an accident or some other incident. This could make your key fob or other security devices ineffective and you'll be unable to get back into your car.
Some automakers offer a special download app that allows you to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer 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. Lost Keys
One of the most common causes for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them 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 a spare key, make sure it's in a secure place that only you or someone you trust access. You can keep an electronic keyfinder in your vehicle or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or use a smartphone app that tracks the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that you lost your car key because it was stolen. You must always submit a claim to the police in the case. This will create a record on paper that could assist you in getting compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
Sometimes your car's locks get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them more difficult to open. This is particularly the case with older models that require the user to manually insert a key into the lock. While there are DIY methods for unlocking your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can damage your door locks and eventually result in costly repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand an enormous amount of force however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken pieces of the key getting stuck inside your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at least get rid of the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a small portion of the broken key protrudes from the lock it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is stuck deep inside the lock the flathead or another small tool is required. Be aware that the removal process could require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient the damaged key may be pushed further into the lock. This can cause further damage.
You can use a small saw-blade that you can buy at most hardware stores to take out broken keys. This method should be performed with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to break it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe place, such as at the gas station or convenience store restaurants.
If you must resort to this method, make sure you locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on an empty street or parking deck where you might be targeted by thieves. If possible, call the locksmith via your mobile while you're in a secure location and ask if they can meet you there to assist in the removal.
4. Key fob or transponder damaged
Car key fobs, like any electronic device, can fail over time. This can cause a serious issue for owners of vehicles as they will no longer be able to start their car or open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to get in touch with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.
If your key fob or transponder isn't turning your engine on, this is a common sign that it is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
To troubleshoot this, you should try 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.
Another reason why you may be experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible as it could lead to other issues with your vehicle.
Locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's crucial to take precautions to prevent it from happening in the near future. The best way to avoid this situation is accomplished by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys at the time you leave your vehicle. Additionally you can make it easier to get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and accessible. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a professional locksmith.
5. You've accidentally threw your keys inside
If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. Stay calm and try to determine how you got locked out of your vehicle. You can avoid a repeat of 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. This could mean storing it somewhere you or someone you trust can access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work or using an alarm kit. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your car remotely, but these usually require an annual subscription.
Another option is to call an assistance line for roadside emergencies such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. They can assist you for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers, like 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 could be a viable alternative. But, make sure car open service when you or your family members are in danger. You could be fined or be subject to legal consequences if you use emergency services. It is also essential to assess the urgency of the situation before you begin calling for help in order to determine which option is most suitable. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck everything before you get back in and try to avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This will help ensure that you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked, and will help protect your car from harm during transportation if it does need to be transported to a new location.