10 Auto Lock Out That Are Unexpected
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 help you get into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the simplest 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 myriad of reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it is important to understand the causes. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future issues.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt to breach their system. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it can sometimes deny you access to your car even when your keys are in the car. This could happen when you're trying to balance your coffee cup, phone and briefcase when you are near the door to the driver. This could trigger the key fob to close your doors when you attempt to open them.
If you find yourself in this type of situation, it's best to contact a roadside assistance service rather than trying to juggle the tools you have at hand, such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damage to your vehicle and offer a quick fix.
Over locked myself out of car , dirt, rust and other impurities could accumulate within your lock, causing it to become jammed. This could also happen when the door is damaged by an accident or another event. This can make your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you will not be able to reenter the vehicle.
Some automakers have a unique application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in case of 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 used when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
Losing your keys is among the most frequent reasons for getting locked out. It is easy for drivers to lose a key or leave it unattended when they're in a hurry or distracted. The good thing is that 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 an extra key, make sure it's in a secure place that only you or someone you trust has access to. You can keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alarm to help you find your keys. You can also utilize a smartphone application that tracks the location your car's keyfob.
Another possibility is that the car key due to it was stolen. You should always submit a claim to the police if this is the case. This will create a record on paper that could help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
The locks on your car can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is especially 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, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can damage your door locks and ultimately result in costly repairs and repairs, so the best option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Although keys are designed to endure a lot of force, overuse can result in wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken keys that get stuck in your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at least remove the remainder of the key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.
If a small amount of the key that was broken is protruding from the lock, you can usually extract it with needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is stuck in the lock, you may require a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit inside the lock. Remember that the extraction may require several attempts and patience. If you are impatient the damaged key may be pushed even further into the lock. This could cause further damage.
A more drastic homegrown method for removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. However, this must be used with extreme care and sensitivity to avoid harming the lock cylinder. If other methods are unsuccessful it is possible to drill into the lock cylinder and break it open. This isn't recommended unless you are in an area that is secure, such as a gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you must resort to this method, you need to find an area where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Don't stay on an empty street or parking lot where you might be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you in a secure place if you can.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
As with all electronic devices, car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to fail as time passes. This can be a big issue for owners of vehicles who no longer be able to start their cars or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's essential to speak with a professional locksmith to troubleshoot the issue.
One of the most obvious indicators that your key fob or transponder is not working is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due to many reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Physical damage may also be a cause of an unresponsive fob. It could be caused by a damaged or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts or any other cause that could affect the internal function of your key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as quickly as you can, as it could lead to other issues with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying situation, and it's essential to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Developing a routine that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys before exiting your vehicle can help avoid this situation. You can also make it easier to get into your car by keeping a spare key in a safe, accessible place. If you've had any problems with your key fob or locks, contact us to schedule an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You've accidentally left your keys inside
When you're rushing around, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. If you're locked out of your car, remain calm and figure out the reason you were in this situation. Remembering what you did can aid you in avoiding an identical situation in the future.
The best way to ensure that you don't accidentally locking your keys inside is to make sure you have a spare key available. You can put it in a place that you or someone else you trust can easily access, have a friend keep one at their office or home, or make use of an instrument for locking out. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your car via remote, but they typically require the purchase of a subscription.
Another option is to call an emergency roadside assistance company such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These can sometimes assist you at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs free to owners.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan calling local authorities may be an alternative. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or others are in danger. You could be fined or be subject to legal consequences if you use emergency services. It is important to determine the urgency prior to making a seek help, since this will help you determine the best solution. Be careful not to rush out of your car and double-checking everything before you get in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will allow you to ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows, and help ensure that your vehicle is safe during transit.