Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Getting locked out of your car can be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help you get back into your car without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the simplest way to prevent a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your car isn't just frustrating, but it can be dangerous. There are a myriad of reasons you may get locked out, and it's essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid further issues.
The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt at breaching their security system. This could be an advantage and a curse, since you might not be able to enter your car if keys are locked in the car. open locked car could happen when you are juggling your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This can trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you go to open them.
If you find yourself in this situation it is recommended to call for roadside assistance rather than trying to juggle makeshift tools like a hanger or string to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they can often provide a quick solution.
Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may build up inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This is also the case in the event that your door has been damaged as a result of an accident or another event. These conditions can cause your key fob to be lost and other security devices ineffective and you'll be unable to reenter your vehicle.
Some automakers offer a special downloadable app you can use 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 but should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
The loss of keys is among the most frequent reasons for locking yourself out. It's not difficult for a driver to lose their keys or leave it unattended when they're in a hurry or distracted. The good news is, you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, store it in a safe place in a place where only you or a person you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic key keeper in your car or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of a smartphone app that tracks the location of the key fob in your car.
You may have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. It is recommended to file a report with the police if this is the case. This will create an official record on paper and could help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
Your car's locks can become more difficult to open because of rust or natural wear. This is particularly true for older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY methods to unlock your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can cause damage to your door locks and eventually cause costly repairs, so the best option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand a lot of pressure, prolonged use could result in wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can result in broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at least free up the remaining key without damaging the lock mechanism.
If only a small part of the damaged key is protruding from the lock and is removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is lodged deep inside the lock the flathead or another small tool will be required. Be aware that the removal process could require multiple attempts and patience. If you're not patient the damaged key may be pushed deeper into the lock. This could cause further damage.
A more radical home-grown method for removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. This method should be performed with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods fail, you might need to drill into the lock cylinder and pry it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a secure place, such as at an gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.
If you must make use of this method, locate an area in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Do not sit in an empty parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you in a safe location if it is possible.
4. Key fob or transponder damaged
Like all electronic devices, car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to fail as time passes. This could pose a huge issue for car owners since they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's essential to contact an expert locksmith to solve the problem.
If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn the engine on, this is a typical sign that it is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
To troubleshoot this problem, you can try replacing the batteries inside your fob's key. If this isn't working, you might have to visit an auto shop or dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This can be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue 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 problems with your vehicle.
It's an awful experience to be locked out of your car So it's essential to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking that you have the keys to your vehicle will help you avoid this situation. In addition, you can help yourself return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and accessible. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to schedule an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. Inadvertently leave keys in your car
It's easy to lose your keys in the car when you're running through a busy day. Keep calm and identify the reason you locked yourself out of your car. You can avoid a repeat of the same situation by recalling the actions you took.
It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys in your possession to ensure that you don't accidentally lock 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 home or work or employ an instrument for locking out. Certain automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle remotely, though these tend to require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also call a roadside assistance service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these assistance programs are often able to assist you at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers provide owners these programs for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
Calling the local authorities is an option if have a spare key or have a roadside assistance plan. Make sure you only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. If you don't, you could be charged with penalties or legal action for misusing emergency services. You must also be able to accurately determine the urgency prior to making a seek help, since this will determine the most appropriate solution. To avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check everything prior to getting back in and avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This can help you ensure you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help keep your car safe from damage during transit should it need to be moved to a different location.