Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It can be more than an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous.

There are many ways to allow you access to your vehicle without causing any damage. The most basic way to avoid being locked out is to have a spare key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle but also dangerous. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future problems.

Most modern cars have technically advanced security systems that detect any attempt to break their security system. This could be a blessing and curse, as you may not be able to enter your car if keys remain inside. This can happen when you're trying to balance your coffee cup, phone and briefcase as you approach the door of the driver. The key fob may be activated to close your doors if you attempt to open them.

It is recommended to call roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than attempt to open the lock using improvised tools such as hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle lockout service and offer an immediate solution.

Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities may build up inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This can also happen if your door is damaged by an accident or other event. This could render your key fob or other security mechanisms useless, and you won't be able to enter the car.

Some automakers offer a special downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are helpful however they should only be employed only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them in a hurry, or while 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 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 easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to aid you in finding your keys, or you can use a smartphone app that determines the location of your car's key fob.

You might have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. It is recommended to make a report to the police in the case. This will create a record on paper that could assist you in getting compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.

Sometimes your car's locks become damaged due to natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially the case for older models, which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock car keys inside your car like using Slim Jims or coat hangers, but these can damage the door locks, leading to expensive repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure a lot of pressure, prolonged use could cause wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This could result in broken pieces of keys getting stuck inside your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or free up the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.

If only a small part of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock and is removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the broken part is buried deep within the lock it is likely that a flathead or a small tool will be required. Be aware that the removal process could require multiple attempts and patience. If you're too impatient, you could accidentally push the broken key even further into the lock out my car and cause even more damage.

A more extreme home-grown method of removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be bought at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail, you may need to drill the lock cylinder to get it open. This isn't recommended unless are in an area that is secure like a gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you must resort to this method, make sure you locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on a deserted street, parking deck or lot where you might be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you at a secure location if you are able to.

4. Key fob or transponder damaged

Car key fobs, as any electronic device, can malfunction over time. This can be a major problem for vehicle owners as they will no longer be in a position to start their vehicle or open their doors. It is essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

If your key fob or transponder fails to turn the engine on, this is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

To resolve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries inside your fob's key. If this doesn't work, you may have to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason why you may be experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. This could be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible, since it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's crucial to take precautions to prevent it from happening again in the future. Avoiding this problem can be accomplished by creating an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys when you leave your vehicle. It can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare set in an accessible, secure location. If you've had any problems with your key fob or locks, call us today to set up an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys inside

It's easy to lose your keys in your car while you're on the move during a busy day. If you're locked out of your car keys locked in car, stay calm and find out the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by remembering the actions you took.

It is recommended to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to avoid accidentally locking them inside. This could mean storing it somewhere you or someone you trust can access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their home or at work or using a lockout kit. Certain automakers offer services that allow you to unlock your vehicle unlock service remotely. However, they usually require an annual subscription.

Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these services will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs free to owners.

Contacting local authorities is an alternative if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside assistance plan. 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 misusing emergency services. You should also accurately evaluate the urgency before you seek help, since this will determine the best solution. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, make sure you check everything prior to getting back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will ensure that you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked. It can also help keep your car safe from damage during transit if it does need to be transported to a new destination.