10 Ways To Create Your Auto Lock Out Empire
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Being locked out of your car can be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be a risk.
There are a variety of ways to help you get back into your car without causing any damage. The most fundamental way to prevent a lockout is to have a spare key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle, but it can be risky. You may be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's important to understand the reasons. If locked out of car service are aware of what to look for, this can help prevent future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can detect attempts to breach their security. This is both a blessing and a curse because you may not be able access your car if keys are locked inside. This could happen if you're juggling your coffee cup, phone and briefcase while approaching the driver's door. This can trigger the key fob to automatically shut your doors when you go to open them.
If you are in this type of situation you should contact a roadside assistance service rather than trying to juggle homemade tools such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and can often provide you with an immediate solution.
Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities could accumulate in your lock, causing it to become jammed. It can also happen when the door is damaged in an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or any other security mechanism useless, and you won't be able to enter the car.
Some automakers have a unique application that you can download to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer similar apps. These tools can be useful but should only be used after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It's easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry, or when you're distracted. The good news is that you can avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare key or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, store it in a safe place in a place where only you or a person you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic keyfinder in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of an app on your smartphone that determines the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that you lost your car keys because it was stolen. If this is the case, always file a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the case of a theft.
Your car's locks can become more difficult to open because of rust or natural wear. This is especially in the case of older models where you have to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to your door locks and ultimately cause costly repairs The best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to endure the force of a lot, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can result in broken keys that get stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least get rid of the rest of your key without causing damage to the car lock mechanism.
If only a small part of the broken key protrudes from the lock and is removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the broken part is buried deep within the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be required. It's important to remember that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough, you could accidentally push the damaged key into the lock, causing even more damage.
You can use a small saw-blade that is available at many hardware stores to remove broken keys. This procedure must be carried out with great care and precision to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If other methods are unsuccessful, you might need to drill into the lock cylinder to cut it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure location, such as the gas station or convenience store, or restaurants.
If you are forced to use this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Avoid lingering on an empty street, parking lot or deck where you could be targeted by thieves. If you are able, call the locksmith via your mobile when you're in a secure area and ask them to meet them there to assist with the extraction.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, as any electronic device, can fail over time. This could pose a huge issue for car owners since they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or open their doors. It is essential to contact a locksmith to help you troubleshoot this problem.
If your key fob, or transponder does not turn the engine on, this is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This can be caused by various reasons, such as a dead battery or an issue with the key fob chip.
To troubleshoot this, you should try replacing the batteries in your fob's key. If this doesn't help then you may have to visit a local auto repair shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Physical damage may also be the cause of an unresponsive fob. It could be due to a cracked or damaged key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other factor that could affect the internal function of your key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible as it could cause other problems with your vehicle.
Locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying scenario, and it's important to take precautions to prevent it from happening 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 exit your vehicle. It can also make it easier to get into your car by keeping a spare key in an accessible, secure location. Contact us to make an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these issues with your key fobs or locks.
5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.
When you're rushing around it's easy to lose keys in your car. Keep calm and find out how you were locked out of your vehicle. The information you gather will aid you in avoiding a similar occurrence in the future.
It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys available to ensure that you don't accidentally lock them inside. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone else you trust has access to, have a friend keep one at office or home or employ an instrument for locking out. Some automakers also have services that can unlock your vehicle remotely, but these typically require a subscription.
Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these assistance programs will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to owners.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan calling local authorities could be a viable alternative. Make sure you only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be liable to penalties or legal action for using emergency services in a way that is not safe. It's also important to accurately assess the urgency of the situation before you call for help and this will determine which solution will be the most effective. Do not rush out of your vehicle. checking everything before you go in to avoid being locked out again in the future. This will help you to ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows, and help ensure your vehicle is secure while in transit.