Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It could be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are several ways to aid you in getting back in your vehicle without causing damage. Keep the spare car keys in your car. This is the most basic way to avoid a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. You could be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's essential to understand the reasons. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid future issues.

Modern cars have highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to break into their system. This is a good thing and a curse, as it can sometimes deny you access to your car even the keys are in the car. This can occur when you are juggling your phone, coffee and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. This can trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you attempt to open them.

It is recommended to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this kind of situation, rather than try to open the lock using an improvised tool like hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damage to your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.

Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities could build up inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This is also the case if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or some other incident. These circumstances can render your key fob and other security mechanisms ineffective and you'll be unable to reenter your car.

Some automakers have a unique app that you can download to unlock your car in the event of an emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be useful but should only be utilized when all other options are exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Keys are lost is one of the most common reasons for getting locked keys in car uk out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry or while distracted. The good news is that you can prevent this type 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, be sure it's stored in a secure location that only you or someone else you trust has access to. You can keep an electronic key finder in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alert to assist you in finding your keys. You can also use an app on your smartphone that tracks the location your car's keyfob.

Another possibility is that you lost your car keys because it was stolen. If this is the case, you must always file a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the case of an incident of theft.

Sometimes your car's locks develop problems due to natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly in the case of older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car like using Slim Jims or coat hangers but these can damage the door locks, leading to expensive repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure an enormous amount of force but overuse can cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken pieces of keys getting stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often get them out using some basic tools or free the rest of your key without causing damage to your car lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of your key is protruding from the lock, you'll usually extract it with a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit into the lock. It's important to remember that the extraction process could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed even further into the lock. This could cause further damage.

A more drastic homegrown method for removing broken keys involves using the small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work you may have to drill the lock cylinder to open it. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure location, such as the gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.

If you must make use of this method, locate an area where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Do not sit in an empty street, parking lot or deck, where you could be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith from your phone when you're in a secure area and ask them to meet them there to assist in the extraction.

4. Damaged transponder or key fob

Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, may fail in time. This could be a major problem for vehicle lockout owners who no longer be able to start their cars or open their doors. It is essential to contact an expert locksmith to help solve this issue.

One of the most frequent signs that your transponder or key fob is in trouble is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due to various factors, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.

To resolve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries inside your fob key. If this doesn't help, you may need to visit a local auto repair shop or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage may also be a reason for a malfunctioning fob. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. It is recommended to repair or replaced as soon as possible, since it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frightening scenario, and it's important to take precautions to prevent it from happening in the near future. The best way to avoid this situation is done by developing an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys at the time you exit your vehicle. You can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare set in a safe, accessible place. Call us to set up an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these problems with your key fobs or locks.

5. You accidentally locked keys in car left your keys in the lock.

It's easy to lose your keys in your car while you're on the move during the day. If you are locked out of your car, remain calm and figure out the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same scenario by recollecting the actions you took.

It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to prevent locking them inside. This could mean stashing it somewhere you or someone you trust can access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their workplace or at home or using a lockout kit. Some automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely, though these usually require the purchase of a subscription.

You can also call a roadside service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. Moody states that these assistance programs will often assist you for a fixed fee. Some automakers provide these programs to owners for free, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be a good alternative. However, you should only contact emergency services when you or others are 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. You should also accurately determine the urgency prior to making a seek help, since this will determine the most appropriate solution. To avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check every aspect before getting back inside and try to avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you remember to lock any doors or windows and keep your vehicle safe throughout its journey.