The Unknown Benefits Of Auto Lock Out
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods that can help you get back into your car without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid being locked out is to keep a spare key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating however, it can also be dangerous. You may be locked out for various reasons, and it's important to know the causes. Knowing what to look out for can help you prevent future issues.
Most modern cars have technically advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt to breach their security system. This is both an advantage and a curse, because you may not be able access your car if keys are in the car. This could happen when you juggle your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to automatically shut your doors when you open them.
It is better to seek roadside assistance if in this kind of situation, rather than attempt to open the lock using homemade tools like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide an immediate solution.
Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may build up inside your lock, which can cause it to become jammed. This could also happen if the door is damaged due to an accident or another event. These conditions could render your key fob and other security mechanisms ineffective, and you will be unable to get back into your car.
Certain automakers offer a specific application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools can be useful, but should only be utilized when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most common reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It's not difficult for a driver to lose a key or leave it in a place when they are in a hurry or distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout by having a spare or backup key.
If you have an extra key, put it in a secure location that only you or someone you trust will be able to access it. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your vehicle or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alarm to assist you in finding your keys. You can also use an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car's keyfob.
Another possibility is that you have lost the car key due to it was stolen. You should always submit a claim to the police in the situation. This will result in a paper record and may help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
The locks of your car may become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly the case with older models that require the user to manually insert a key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can cause damage to the door locks and eventually result in expensive repairs, so the best option is to wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand the force of a lot but overuse can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken pieces of keys getting stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can usually remove them using a few basic tools or at least free the rest of your key with little damage to your car lock mechanism.
If only a small portion of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the piece that fell off is stuck in the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. It's important to keep in mind that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient you could accidentally push the broken key further into the lock, causing further damage.
A more extreme home-grown method to remove broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be purchased at most hardware stores. This procedure must be carried out with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If all other methods fail then you might need to drill the lock cylinder in order to pry it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure place, such as at a gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.
If you have to use this method, you need to find a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Do not stand in a deserted street or parking deck where you might be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a safe place if you can.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Like any electronic device, car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to fail over time. This can be a big issue for car owners, as it means they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or open their doors. If this happens, it's crucial to speak with a professional locksmith to troubleshoot the problem.
When your key fob or transponder isn't turning your engine on, it is a indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, such as malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this doesn't work then you may have to visit an auto repair shop in your area or dealership to get the chip or fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This can be caused by cracks or breaks in the key shell, worn out contacts, or other issues that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. It's important to have the key replaced or repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid having it cause other issues with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying scenario, and it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking the keys to your vehicle can help avoid this situation. Also you can help yourself get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and accessible. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You may accidentally leave your keys inside
If you're in a hurry it's easy to lose your keys in the vehicle. If you are locked out of your car, stay calm and try to figure out the reason you were in this situation. Recalling what happened can help you avoid an identical situation in the future.
unlock cars service to ensure that you don't from accidentally locking your keys in is to ensure you have a spare key on hand. This could mean stashing it in a place that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work or using the lockout kit. Certain automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they tend to require an annual subscription.
You can also call an emergency roadside service like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. These can sometimes assist you for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Some automakers provide owners these programs for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
Contacting local authorities is an option if own a spare key, or have a roadside service plan. 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 fines 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 start calling for assistance in order to determine which solution will be the most effective. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future. Make sure to check everything before you get back in and avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This can help you ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help protect your car from harm during transportation if it does need to be moved to a different location.