Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Being locked out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are many ways to aid you in getting back in your vehicle without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to keep an extra key.

1. You're locked out of your vehicle

Being locked out of your car is not only frustrating, but it can be risky. 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 it will help you avoid future problems.

The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that can detect any attempt to break their system. This is both a blessing but also a curse, since it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your vehicle even the keys are inside it. This could happen when you are juggling your phone, cup of coffee, and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to automatically lock your doors as you go to open them.

If you're in this type of situation, it's best to contact a roadside assistance service instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as a hanger or string to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith will have the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and can often provide you with the fastest solution.

Over time, filth and other impurities may build inside your lock and jam it. This can also happen if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or another event. This could render your key fob or other security devices ineffective, and you won't be able to get back into the car.

Certain automakers have a download application that you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer similar apps. These tools can be helpful, but should only be utilized after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most common causes for being locked myself out of my car out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them somewhere in a hurry or while distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout if you have an extra key or backup.

If you have an extra key, put it in a secure place in a place where only you or a person 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. These devices emit an alarm to help you locate your keys. You can also use an application on your smartphone to track the location of your car's keyfob.

Another possibility is that your car key because it was stolen. It is recommended to submit a claim to the police in the case. This will result in a paper record and may help you get 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 more difficult to open. This is especially true with older models that require you to insert a key manually into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but these can damage the door locks, leading to costly repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure 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, it is possible to remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of your key with minimal damage to your car lock mechanism.

If only a small part of the broken key protrudes from the lock it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is stuck in the lock, you might require a flathead screwdriver or other tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. It's important to keep in mind that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient, you could accidentally push the damaged key further into the lock, causing even more damage.

A more radical home-grown method for removing broken keys involves using the small saw blade that can be purchased at most hardware stores. This procedure must be carried out with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock 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 safe place, such as at an gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.

If you are forced to use this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not sit in an empty parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. If you can, contact the locksmith from your phone while you're in a safe location and ask to meet them there to assist in the removal.

4. Key fob or transponder damaged

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may malfunction as time passes. This can be a big issue for car owners who not be able to start their cars or open their doors. It is essential to contact a locksmith to help you to solve the issue.

One of the most frequent indications that your transponder or key fob is not working is when it doesn't start your engine. This could be due to various reasons, such as the battery being dead or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

To solve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries inside your fob key. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or dealership in your area to get 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 can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or other factors that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible as it could cause further problems with your vehicle.

It's a nightmare to be locked car out of your car, so it's important to make sure this doesn't happen again. 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. In addition you can make it easier to get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us today to set up an appointment with a certified locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.

It's easy to forget your keys in your car while you're on the move during the day. Be calm and try to determine how to open the car door without key you got locked out of your vehicle. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting the actions you took.

It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys in your possession to prevent locking 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 trusted friend keep a spare key in their workplace or at home or using the lockout kit. Certain automakers also offer services that can unlock your vehicle remotely, but these tend to require an annual subscription.

Another option is to call a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These services can come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to their owners.

Calling the local authorities is an alternative if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or others are in danger. Otherwise, you may be liable to fines or legal action if you are misusing emergency services. You must also be able to accurately evaluate the urgency before you seek help, since this will determine the most appropriate solution. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, countercheck everything prior to getting back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you remember to lock any doors or windows, and help ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout its journey.