How To Tell If You're In The Right Place For Auto Lock Out
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than just an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous.
There are a variety of ways to assist you in getting back into your car without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle. This is the simplest way to prevent a lockout.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. You could be locked out for various reasons, and it's important to understand the reasons. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid future issues.
Most modern cars have technically advanced security systems that detect any attempt at breaching their security. This is both a blessing and a curse because you may not be able to access your vehicle if your keys are locked in the car. This can happen when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee, and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to close your doors when you attempt to open them.
It's better to call roadside assistance if in this type of situation rather than attempt to open the lock using homemade tools like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide the fastest solution.
Over time, filth and other impurities build inside your lock, causing it to jam. This is also the case if your door is damaged from an accident or some other incident. 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 case of emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be utilized when all other options are exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
The loss of keys is among the most common reasons for getting locked out. It is easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry or while distracted. The good news 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, keep it in a secure place where only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic key keeper in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alarm to assist you in finding your keys. You can also make use of an application on your smartphone to track the location your car's keyfob.
Another possibility is that your car keys because it was stolen. You must always submit a claim to the police in the situation. This will result in an official record on paper and could assist you in getting 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 particularly true for older models that require the user to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can damage the door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs The best thing to do is wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are made to withstand a lot of force but overuse can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at the very least get rid of the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If a tiny portion of your key is protruding out of the lock, you'll be able to remove it using needle nose pliers. If the piece that fell off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or other tool that's small enough to fit in the lock. Be aware that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient you could accidentally push the broken key even further into the lock, causing even more damage.
You can make use of a small saw-blade that is available at many hardware stores to cut off broken keys. This method must be done with great care and precision to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you might need to drill the lock cylinder to open it. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a secure location, such as an gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.
If you have to resort to this method, locate a place in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Do not stand in an empty street or parking lot where you might be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you at a secure location if you are able to.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Like all electronic devices, car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to malfunction over time. This can be a big issue for car owners since they'll not be able to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. It is essential to contact an expert locksmith to help solve this issue.
One of the most frequent indications that your key fob or transponder is in trouble is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due to various reasons, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries in your fob. 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. It is recommended to repair or replaced as soon as possible as it could cause other problems with your vehicle.
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle It's crucial to prevent this from happening again. Avoiding this problem can be done by developing a routine where you 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 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 accidentally left your keys in the lock.
If you're in a hurry it's easy to lose your keys in the vehicle. If you are locked out of your car, keep calm and determine how you ended up in this situation. Remembering what you did can assist you in avoiding a similar occurrence in the future.
It is best to have a spare set of keys in your possession to prevent locking them inside. This could mean storing it in a place that you or someone you trust to access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work or using an alarm kit. Some automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your car via remote, but they usually require an annual subscription.
You can also call a roadside assistance service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. Moody says that these services are often able to come to your aid for a fixed fee. Some automakers offer these programs to owners for free, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
The local authorities are an option if own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. However, be unlock keys in car to only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. If you don't, you could be charged with fines or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is important to evaluate the urgency before you seek help, since this will determine the best solution. To avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck everything before you get back inside and try to avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This can help you ensure that you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked and can keep your car safe from harm during transportation in the event that it needs to be moved to a different location.