Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It could be more than a nuisance. It can be dangerous.

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

1. You're locked out of your vehicle

Being locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating, but it can be dangerous. You could be locked out for a variety of reasons, and it's crucial to understand the reasons. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid further issues.

The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that are able to detect any attempt to breach their system. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it can sometimes deny you access to your vehicle even when your keys are inside it. This can occur when you juggle your phone, coffee, and briefcase as you enter the driver's side door. This can trigger the key fob to automatically shut your doors when you attempt to open them.

If you are in this type of situation, it's best to call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as a hanger or string to open your lock. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide a quick fix.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities can accumulate in your lock, causing it to become jammed. This could also happen when the door is damaged in an accident or another event. This could render your key fob or other security devices ineffective, and you won't be able to reenter the car door lockout.

Certain automakers have a downloadable app you can use to unlock car door without key your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM provides this service through its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be used after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Keys are lost 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 thing 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, make sure that it's kept in a safe place that only you or someone 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 a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can use a smartphone app that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.

Another possibility is that you have lost your car key because it was stolen. If this is the case, you should always submit a police report which will create a paper trail and may help your insurance company to provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.

Your car's locks can become more difficult to open due to rust or natural wear. This is especially true with older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers, however, these could damage the door locks, resulting in expensive repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand a lot of force however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at least get rid of the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of your broken key is protruding from the lock, you can usually extract it with needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or other tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. It's important to be aware that the extraction process may take several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient you could accidentally locked keys in car push the broken key into the lock, causing further damage.

A more extreme home-grown method for removing broken keys is to use a small saw blade which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail you may have to drill the lock cylinder in order to open my car (why not find out more) it. 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. Do not stand in an empty street, parking deck or lot where you could be targeted by thieves. If possible, call the locksmith via your mobile while you're in a safe location and ask whether they'll meet you there to assist with the removal.

4. Damaged transponder or key fob

Like any electronic device car key fobs and transponders have the potential to fail over time. This could be a major issue for car owners who no longer be able to start their vehicles or even open their doors. If this happens, it's crucial to contact an expert locksmith to resolve the problem.

When your key fob or transponder fails to turn your engine on, it is a sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by various factors, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.

To resolve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this doesn't help you, you might need to visit a local auto shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

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

It's an awful experience to be locked out of your vehicle, so it's important to make sure this doesn't happen again. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking your keys before exiting 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 easily accessible. If you've had any problems with your key fob or locks call us to make an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. Inadvertently leave keys in your car

If you're in a hurry it's easy to forget your keys in the vehicle. If you are locked out of your car, remain at peace and try to determine why you got into this situation. You can avoid a repeat of the same situation by remembering what you did.

The best way to prevent the risk of accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure you have an extra key in your possession. This could mean storing it somewhere you or someone you trust can access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key at their workplace or at home, or using the lockout kit. Some automakers provide services that allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely. However, these typically require a subscription.

Another option is calling an emergency roadside assistance company like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these assistance programs can often help you out for a fixed fee. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to their owners.

The local authorities are an option if own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. Be sure to only contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It's also important to accurately determine the need for assistance before you call for help, as this will determine which option is most suitable. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check everything prior to getting back inside and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help protect your car from damage during transit in the event that it needs to be transported to a new destination.