Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Getting locked out my car out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be a risk.
Fortunately, there are many methods that can aid you in getting back in your vehicle without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the most basic method to prevent a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating but also risky. You may be locked out for various reasons, and it's essential to understand the reasons. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future issues.
Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to break into their security. This is both an advantage and a curse, because you may not be able to access your car if your keys are locked in the car. This could happen when you're juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase while approaching the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you open them.
If you find yourself in this type of situation it is recommended to call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use homemade tools such as a hanger or string to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide a quick fix.
Over time, filth, rust and other impurities may build up in your lock, causing it to jam. This is also the case in the event that your door has been damaged from an accident or another event. These conditions could cause your key fob to be lost and other security mechanisms useless and you'll be unable to reenter your car.
Some automakers have a unique app that you can download to unlock your vehicle in an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful, but they should only be utilized as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent reasons for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It's not difficult for a driver to lose a key, or leave it unattended while in a rush or distracted. The good news is, 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 place that only you or someone you trust access. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to aid you in finding your keys, or make use of an app on your smartphone that determines the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that you have lost your car keys because it was stolen. If this is the case, you should always file a police report, which will leave an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the case of an incident of theft.
Sometimes your car's locks get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially true with older models that require the user to manually insert a key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but they can cause damage to the door locks, resulting in costly repairs.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are made to withstand an enormous amount of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken pieces of the key getting stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove these with some basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of your key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If a small amount of your broken key is protruding from the lock, you'll be able to extract it with needle nose pliers. If the broken piece is lodged deep inside the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be needed. It's important to be aware that the process of extracting it could require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you may accidentally push the broken key into the lock and cause further damage.
A more drastic homegrown method for removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, this should be handled with extreme care and precision in order to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If all other methods fail then you might need to drill the lock cylinder to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless you are in a safe location such as a restaurant, gas station or convenience store.
If you have to resort to this method, make sure you find a public place where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on a deserted street or parking deck where you could be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a secure location if it is possible.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may malfunction as time passes. This can be a big issue for owners of vehicles since they'll no longer be able to start their vehicles or even open their doors. It's important to call a locksmith to help you to solve the issue.
If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn your engine on, this is a common indication that it's malfunctioning. This can be caused by various reasons, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an Auto lock out repair shop in your area or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. It could be due to a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or any other issue that affect the internal function of the key fob. It is recommended to repair or replaced as soon as possible, since it could lead to other issues with your vehicle.
It's a nightmare to be locked self out of car out of your car, so it's important to prevent this from happening again. Developing a routine that involves double-checking to ensure you have the keys to your vehicle can help avoid this issue. It can also help you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe, accessible place. If you've experienced any problems with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You've accidentally left your keys inside
When you're rushing around, it's easy to leave keys in your car. Keep calm and determine how to open a car door without a key you got locked out of your car. You can avoid a repeat of the same situation by remembering the actions you took.
It is best to have an extra set of keys available to avoid accidentally locking them inside. You can store it in a place where you or someone who you trust is able to access easily or have a trusted friend keep one at office or home or use an instrument for locking out. Some automakers also have services that can unlock your car remotely, but these tend to require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside assistance service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. These can sometimes help you out for a flat fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers provide owners these programs for free car unlock service, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
Contacting local authorities is an alternative if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. But, make sure you only contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. If you don't, you could be liable to fines or legal action for using emergency services in a way that is not safe. It is important to determine the urgency prior to making a call for help, as this will help you determine the best solution. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future. Make sure to check everything before you get back in and avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will help ensure you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked and can protect your free car unlock service from damage during transit if it does need to be transported to a new destination.