Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Locked out of your car could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are several ways to assist you in getting back into your car without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the most basic way to avoid being locked out.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons you may get locked out, and it's crucial to know the reasons. If you know what to look out for this will help avoid any future issues.

Most modern cars have technically advanced security systems that detect any attempt at breaching their system. This could be a blessing and a curse since you might not be able access your vehicle if your keys are locked in the car. This can occur when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you enter the driver's side door. The key fob could be activated to lock your doors when you attempt to open them.

It is better to seek roadside assistance if in this situation than to try to open car the lock using homemade tools like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they will often provide a quick solution.

Over time, filth, rust and other impurities may build up in your lock and jam it. It can also happen when the door is damaged in an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or any other security mechanism useless, and you won't be able to get back into the vehicle.

Some automakers provide a special app that you can download to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM provides this service to unlock car as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools can be helpful but should only be employed after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most common reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. 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, you can avoid this kind 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 secure place that only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your vehicle or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or use a smartphone app that determines the location of your car's key fob.

Another possibility is that you lost the car key due to it was stolen. If this is the case, always file a police report, which will provide a paper trail and may aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the event of a theft.

Sometimes your car's locks develop problems due to 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 methods for unlocking your car opening service using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they could cause damage to your door locks and ultimately cause expensive repairs and repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand the force of a lot, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can usually remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the car lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of the key that was broken is protruding out of the lock, you'll usually extract it with a pair of needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is stuck in the lock, you may require an flathead screwdriver or some other tool that is small enough to fit inside the lock. It's important to keep in mind that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed further into the lock. This can cause further damage.

You can use the small saw-blade which you can purchase at most hardware stores to remove broken keys. This method must be done with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you might need to drill the cylinder of the lock to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do so from an area that is safe like a gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you are forced to use this method, you should locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't linger on a deserted street or parking lot where you could be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a secure location if it is possible.

4. Key fobs or transponders damaged

Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, may fail over time. This can be a big issue for car owners since they'll no longer be able to start their vehicles or even open their doors. It's essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

One of the most common signs that your key fob or transponder is malfunctioning is when it fails to start your engine. This could be due to various factors, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.

To resolve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries in your fob key. If this isn't working then you may have to visit a local auto repair shop or dealership to get the chip or fob replaced.

Another reason why you may be experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as quickly as possible, since it could lead to other problems with your vehicle.

It's an awful experience to be locked out of your vehicle So it's essential to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Avoiding this problem can be achieved by creating a routine where you double-check that you have your Keys in car locked out when you leave your vehicle. You can also help you to get into your car by keeping a spare in a safe, accessible place. Contact us to make an appointment with locksmiths if you've encountered any of these issues with your keys or locks.

5. You may accidentally leave your keys inside

When you're rushing around it's easy to lose keys in your car. Stay calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your car. Recalling what happened can help you avoid another similar situation in the future.

It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to ensure that you don't accidentally lock them inside. This could mean storing it in a place that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their workplace or at home or using the lockout kit. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they usually require an annual subscription.

You can also call a roadside assistance service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. These can sometimes come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to owners.

Calling the local authorities is an alternative if you don't own a spare key, or have a roadside service plan. However, be sure to only contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. If you don't, you could be liable to penalties or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is also essential to assess the urgency of the situation before you call for help and this will determine which solution will be the most appropriate. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, make sure you check every aspect before getting back inside and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help 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 new destination.