Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Being locked out of your vehicle can be more than an inconvenience. It could also be a risk.
There are many ways to help you enter your vehicle without causing any damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the most basic way to avoid being locked out.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your car is not only frustrating, but it can be risky. You could be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's important to know the causes. If you are aware of what to look for it will help you avoid future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to breach their system. This is a blessing but also a curse, since it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your car the keys are in it. This can happen when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.
It is recommended to call roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than try to open the lock with homemade tools like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they will often provide a quick solution.
Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities can build up inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This can also happen when your door is damaged by an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective, and you won't be able to enter the vehicle.
Some automakers offer a special downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be useful however they should only be used when all other options are exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is the loss of your keys. 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 or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.
If you have a spare key, make sure it's in a secure place that only you or someone else you trust has access to. You can also keep an electronic key keeper in your car or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also utilize a smartphone application that tracks the location your car's keyfob.
You might have lost your car keys as they were stolen. You should always file a report with the police in the situation. This will result in a record on paper that could aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.
Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly in the case of older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. While there are DIY methods to unlock your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can harm your door locks and ultimately cause expensive repairs, so the best option is to wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
While keys are designed to withstand considerable pressure, prolonged use could result in wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken pieces of keys getting stuck inside your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at the very least get rid of the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If a small amount of your key is sticking out of the lock, you'll usually extract it with needle nose pliers. If the broken part is buried deep within the lock, a flathead or other small tool is required. G28 to remember that the extraction process could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed deeper into the lock. This can cause further damage.
A more extreme home-grown method to remove broken keys involves using the small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. However, this must be done with extreme care and sensitivity to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If the other methods don't work then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder and break it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a secure location, like a gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.
If you must resort to this method, you should find a public place where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on an empty street, parking deck or lot where you might be targeted by thieves. If you are able, call the locksmith on your phone while you're in a safe location and ask whether they'll meet you there to assist with the extraction.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, as any electronic device, can fail over time. This can be a major issue for car owners since they won't be capable of starting their car or unlock their door. If this happens, it's essential to get in touch with a professional locksmith to troubleshoot the problem.
If your key fob, or transponder isn't turning your engine on, this is a sign that it is malfunctioning. This could be due to various factors, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this fails, you could have to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason you might be experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. This could be caused by cracks or damage to the key shell, worn-out contactors, or any other cause that can affect the internal functioning of your key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible, since it could cause further issues with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frightening scenario, and it's crucial to take steps to avoid it from happening again in the future. Avoiding this problem can be done by developing an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. In addition you can help yourself get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere secure and easily accessible. If you've had any problems with your key fob or locks, call us today to set up an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.
It's easy to lose your keys in the car while you're on the move during a busy day. Be calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your vehicle. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting what you did.
It is best to have an extra set of keys on hand to ensure that you don't accidentally lock them inside. You can store it in a location that you or someone else you trust can easily access or have a trusted friend keep one at home or work, or use the lockout tool. Certain automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your car via remote, but they usually require a subscription.
Another option is to call a roadside assistance service like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. They can help you out at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs for free to their owners.
Contacting local authorities is an option if own a spare key, or have a roadside service plan. Make sure you only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be subject to fines or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is important to determine the urgency prior to making a need help, as this will determine the most appropriate solution. Do not rush out of your vehicle and double-checking everything before you get inside will prevent being locked out again in the future. This will ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked and can keep your car safe from harm during transportation if it does need to be moved to a new location.