Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Getting locked out of your vehicle can be more than an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.

There are many ways to help you enter your vehicle without causing damage. The most basic way to avoid being locked out is to keep an extra key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. You may be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's important to understand the reasons. If you are aware of what to look for this will help avoid any future issues.

Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can detect any attempt at breaching their security system. This is a blessing and a curse as it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your car if your keys are still in the car. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. The key fob may be activated to close your doors if you attempt to open them.

If you find yourself in this type of situation it is recommended to call for roadside assistance rather than trying to juggle the tools you have at hand, such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith will have the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they will often offer an immediate solution.

Over time, filth and other impurities can build inside your lock, causing it to jam. It can also happen when the door is damaged in an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or other security devices useless, and you won't be able to enter the vehicle.

Certain automakers offer a specific app 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 provide similar apps. These tools are useful, but they should only be employed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is one of the most frequent reasons for getting locked out. It is easy for drivers to lose a key or leave it in a place while in a rush or distracted. The good thing is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or a backup plan for accessing your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, make sure that it's kept in a safe place that only you or someone 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 assist you in finding your keys, or make use of a smartphone app that determines the location of your car's key fob.

You may have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. You must always file a report with the police if this is the case. This will create an official record on paper and could help you get compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.

Your car's locks can become more difficult to open due to rust or natural wear. This is particularly in the case of older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car door opener, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can harm your door locks and eventually result in expensive repairs The best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand an enormous amount of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken key fragments becoming stuck inside your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or get rid of the remaining key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.

If a small amount of your key is protruding out of the lock, you'll be able to extract it with the help of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is stuck deep inside the lock the flathead or another small tool is required. Be aware that the extraction process may require multiple attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you may accidentally push the broken key into the lock and cause further damage.

A more drastic homegrown method to remove broken keys is to use a small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. However, this should be handled with extreme care and precision to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If other methods are unsuccessful then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder and pry it open locked car door. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a secure location, like an gas station or convenience store, or restaurants.

If you have to resort to this method, try to locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Avoid staying on a vacant street, parking lot or deck where you may be targeted by burglars. The locksmith should meet you in a safe location if you are able to.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

As with all electronic devices car key fobs and transponders have the potential to fail over time. This could be a major problem for vehicle owners, as it means they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.

If your key fob, or transponder does not turn the engine on, this is a common sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the malfunctioning or dead key chip.

You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason you might be experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by cracks or breaks in the key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that affect the internal function of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as quickly as possible as it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

Being locked out of my vehicle out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's crucial to take precautions to prevent it from happening again in the future. Developing a routine that involves double-checking to ensure you have the keys to your vehicle can help avoid this situation. You can also help you to get into your car by keeping a spare key in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us today to set up an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside

If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. Be calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your car. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting what you did.

The best way to avoid the risk of accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure you have an extra key in your possession. This could involve storing it in a place that you or someone you trust to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their workplace or at home or using the lockout kit. Some automakers also have services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they tend to require the purchase of a subscription.

You can also call a roadside service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these assistance programs will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Some automakers offer these programs to owners at no cost, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be a good alternative. Be sure to contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. If you don't, you could be liable to penalties or legal action for misuse of emergency services. It's also important to accurately evaluate the urgency of the situation prior to when you start calling for assistance and this will determine what solution is the most effective. Do not rush out of your vehicle and double-checking everything before you get in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will help you ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows and ensure that your vehicle is safe during transit.