Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Getting locked out of your car could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods to help you enter your vehicle without causing damage. The most basic way to prevent a lockout is to keep a spare key.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your car is not only frustrating, but it can be risky. There are a myriad of reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid further issues.
The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt to break their security. This could be a blessing and a curse because you may not be able to enter your vehicle if your keys are locked in the car. This could happen when you are juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you attempt to open them.
It is better to seek roadside assistance if you find yourself in this situation than to attempt to open the lock with improvised tools such as a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and offer the fastest solution.
Over time, filth and other impurities can build up in the lock and cause it to become jammed. This could also happen when your door is damaged from an accident or some other incident. These circumstances can make your key fob or other security mechanisms useless, and you will be unable to reenter your vehicle.
Certain automakers offer a specific application that you can download to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be used 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's not difficult for a driver to lose a key or leave it somewhere when they're in a hurry or distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you have an extra key or backup.
If you have an extra key, put it in a safe place in a place where only you or a person you trust can access it. You can keep a key finder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. The devices emit an alert to help you locate your keys. You can also utilize an application on your smartphone to track the location of your car's keyfob.
You may have lost your car keys because they were stolen. If this is the case, always file a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.
Your car's locks can become more difficult to open due to rust or natural wear. This is especially the case for older models, where you have to manually insert the key into the lock. While there are DIY methods to unlock your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they could cause damage to your door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Although keys are designed to withstand considerable pressure, prolonged use could cause wear and wear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken key fragments becoming stuck inside your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or free up the remaining 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 remove it using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. car lockouts to be aware that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you could accidentally push the broken key further into the lock and cause even more damage.
A more extreme home-grown method for removing broken keys involves using the small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to cut it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe place, such as at a gas station or convenience store restaurant.
If you are forced to use this method, try to locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on a deserted street or parking lot in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you at a secure place if you can.
4. Damaged transponder or key fob
Car key fobs, just like any electronic device, can malfunction over time. This can cause a serious problem for vehicle owners as they will no longer be able to start their car or even open their door. It's essential to contact locksmiths to help solve this issue.
One of the most frequent signs that your key fob or transponder is malfunctioning is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your area to get the chip or key fob replaced.
Physical damage may also be a reason for malfunctioning fob. It could be due to a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or any other issue that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. It is essential to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible and also cause other issues with your vehicle.
Locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying scenario, and it's important to take steps to avoid it from happening in the near future. Avoiding this problem can be achieved by creating a routine where you double-check that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. You can also make it easier to get into your car by keeping a spare set in an accessible, secure location. Call us to set up an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these problems with your keys or locks.
5. You've accidentally left your keys inside
If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave keys in your car. Be calm and try to determine how you got locked out of your car. You can avoid a repeat of the same situation by recalling the actions you took.
The best way to avoid the risk of accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure that you have a spare key on hand. You can keep it in a location that you or someone else you trust can easily access, have a friend keep one at workplace or at home or employ a lockout tool. Some automakers offer services that let you unlock your car remotely. However, these typically require a subscription.
You can also call an emergency roadside service like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these services will often assist you for a fixed fee. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to owners.
Contacting local authorities is an alternative if you don't own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. However, you should only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or even face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It is also crucial to assess the need for assistance before you call for help and this will determine which solution will be the most effective. Do not rush out of your vehicle. making sure you check everything prior to getting in will help you avoid being locked out again in the future. This can help you ensure that you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked. It can also help keep your car safe from damage during transport should it need to be moved to a different location.