15 Amazing Facts About Auto Lock Out That You'd Never Been Educated About
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Being locked out of your vehicle can be more than an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.
There are several techniques to help you get into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle. This is the most basic method to avoid a lockout.
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 crucial to be aware of the causes. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that detect any attempt to breach their security. This is both a blessing and a curse, as it can sometimes deny you access to your vehicle even when your keys are in the car. This can happen when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as walk towards the driver's door. The key fob could be activated to close your doors if you attempt to open them.
It's better to call roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than attempt to open the lock using homemade tools like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and offer the fastest solution.
Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities could accumulate inside your lock, which can cause it to become jammed. This can also occur when the door is damaged by an accident or another event. This can render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you will not be able to reenter the car.
Certain automakers offer a download application that you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be utilized after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most common reasons for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It is easy for drivers to lose a key, or leave it unattended while in a rush or distracted. The good thing is that 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 an extra key, store it in a secure location that only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or use a smartphone app that monitors the location of your car's key fob.
You may have lost your car keys as they were stolen. You should always file a report with the police in the situation. This will result in 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 can develop problems due to natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially true with older models that require you to insert a key manually into the lock. While there are DIY methods to unlock your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can harm your door locks and eventually result in costly repairs The best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand considerable force, excessive use can lead to 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 remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.
If a tiny portion of your broken key is protruding out of the lock, you can usually remove it using the help of needle nose pliers. If the broken part is buried deep within the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be needed. Be aware that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you are impatient, the broken key could be pushed deeper into the lock. This will cause more damage.
A more drastic homegrown method for removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme 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 and cut it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe location, such as an gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.
If you must 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 parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. The locksmith should meet you in a secure location if it is possible.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Car key fobs, as any other electronic device, could malfunction in time. This can be a major problem for vehicle owners as they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or open their doors. It's essential to contact an expert locksmith to help troubleshoot this problem.
If your key fob or transponder fails to turn the engine on, this is a indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.
To solve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries in your fob's key. If this doesn't work you, you might need to visit a local auto shop or dealership to get the chip or fob replaced.
Physical damage can also be the cause of a malfunctioning fob. This could be caused by cracks or breaks in the key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as soon as you can, as it could cause further issues with your vehicle.
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle, so it's important to prevent this from happening again. Avoiding this problem can be achieved by creating an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys at the time you leave your vehicle. In addition you can help yourself return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key secure and easily accessible. If you've experienced any problems with your key fob or locks, contact us to schedule an appointment with a certified locksmith.
5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.
When you're rushing around, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. If you're locked out of your car, keep calm and try to find out why you got into this situation. Remembering what you did can aid you in avoiding a similar occurrence in the future.
It is best to have a spare set of keys available to prevent locking them inside. This could involve storing it somewhere you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key in their home or at work, or using the lockout kit. Some automakers offer services that allow you to unlock your car via the internet. However, they usually require a subscription.
Another option is to contact an assistance line for roadside emergencies such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these assistance programs will often come to your aid at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to their owners.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be an alternative. However, be sure to only contact emergency services when you or others are in danger. You may be fined or face legal action if you misuse emergency services. It is also crucial to assess the need for assistance before you call for help, as this will determine what solution is the most effective. Do not rush out of your car and making sure you check everything prior to getting in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This can help you ensure you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked. It can also help protect your car from damage during transport should it need to be transported to a new destination.