Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It can be more than a nuisance. It can also be dangerous.
There are a variety of ways to help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep the spare car keys in your car. This is the most basic method to avoid a lockout.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is crucial to know the reasons. If you know what to look for it will help you avoid future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt to breach their security system. This can be both a blessing and a curse since you might not be able access your car if keys remain in the car. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you enter the driver's side door. The key fob could be triggered to lock your doors when you try to open them.
If you are in this situation you should contact a roadside assistance service instead of trying to use homemade tools such as a hanger or string to open your lock. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they will often offer the fastest solution.
Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may build up in your lock, causing it to become jammed. This is also the case if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or another event. This could render your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective and you will not be able to get back into the car.
Some automakers provide a special application that you can download to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be helpful but should only be used when all other options are exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
The loss of keys is among the most frequent reasons for being locked out. It's easy for a driver to lose their keys or leave it somewhere when they are in a hurry or distracted. The good news 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 it's stored in a secure location that only you or someone you trust access. You can keep a key finder on your keychain or in your car to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or you can use a smartphone app that monitors the location of your car's key fob.
You might have lost your car keys as they were stolen. If this is the case, you must always make a police report, which will provide an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company to provide compensation in the case of an incident of theft.
Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly true for older models that require the user to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can harm your door locks and ultimately cause expensive repairs The ideal option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, excessive use can cause wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This could result in broken pieces of the key getting stuck inside your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or at the very least get rid of the remainder of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a tiny portion of the damaged key is protruding from the lock it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is buried deep within the lock the flathead or another small tool will be required. Be aware that the removal process could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed further into the lock. This can cause further damage.
You can make use of the small saw-blade which is available at many hardware stores to take out broken keys. This method should be performed with extreme precision and care to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If all other methods fail then you might need to drill the lock cylinder in order to get it open. This isn't recommended unless you are in an area that is safe, such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you have to resort to this method, find a location where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Don't stay on an empty street or parking lot where you might be targeted by thieves. The locksmith should meet you in a safe place if you can.
4. Key fob or transponder damaged
Car key fobs, as any electronic device, can malfunction as time passes. This can cause a serious problem for vehicle owners as they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or even open their door. It's important to call a locksmith to help you solve this issue.
One of the most common indications that your key fob or transponder is in trouble is when it doesn't turn on your engine. This can be caused by various reasons, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this doesn't help, you may need to visit a local auto shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. This could be caused by a damaged or cracked key shell, worn-out contactors, or any other issue that affects the internal functionality of your key fob. It is crucial to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible and also cause other issues with your vehicle.
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your car It's crucial to ensure that this doesn't happen again. The best way to avoid this situation is achieved by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. You can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare key in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us today to set up an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You accidentally left your keys inside
It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're running through a busy day. Be calm and try to determine how you got locked out of your vehicle. Remembering what you did can aid you in avoiding another similar situation in the future.
The best way to ensure that you don't from accidentally locking your keys in is to make sure you have an extra key in your possession. This could mean stashing it somewhere that you or someone you trust to access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work, or using the lockout kit. Some automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your car remotely, though these typically require a subscription.
car opener service can also contact a roadside assistance service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. These services can help you out for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers offer these programs to owners at no cost, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan calling local authorities could be an alternative. Be sure to only contact emergency services if 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 also essential to assess the urgency of the situation before you call for help, as this will determine which option is most suitable. Be careful not to rush out of your vehicle and making sure you check everything prior to getting inside will prevent being locked out again in the future. This will help ensure that you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked and can keep your car safe from damage during transit should it need to be moved to a new location.