Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Locked out of your vehicle can be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are many ways to aid you in getting back in your vehicle without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid being locked out is to have a spare key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid further issues.
Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that are able to detect attempts to breach their security. This is both a blessing and a curse as it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your car when your keys are inside it. This can happen when you're juggling your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase when you are near the door to the driver. The key fob can be triggered to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.
It is better to seek roadside assistance if in this type of situation rather than attempt to open the lock using an improvised tool like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith has the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and can often provide you with an immediate solution.
Over time, dirt and other impurities can build inside your lock, causing it to jam. It can also happen when the door is damaged by an accident or some other incident. These circumstances can make your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you'll be unable to reenter your car.
Certain automakers offer a specific app that you can download to unlock your car in an emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools can be useful, but should only be utilized when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
Losing your keys is one of the most frequent reasons for being locked out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry or when you're distracted. The good news is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key or a backup plan for accessing your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, store it in a secure place in a place where only you or a person you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit a loud alert to aid 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 lost your car key because it was stolen. If this is the case, you should always file a police report, which will leave a paper trail and may help your insurance company to provide compensation in the case of a theft.
The locks of your car may become more difficult to open because of rust or natural wear. This is particularly true for older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. While there are DIY methods for unlocking your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can harm the door locks and eventually cause costly repairs The best thing to do is wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to endure a lot of force, excessive use can lead to wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can result in broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at least free up the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a small part of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock, it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is buried deep within the lock it is likely that a flathead or a small tool will be needed. It's important to be aware that the extraction process may take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient the damaged key may be pushed further into the lock. This will cause more damage.
A more drastic homegrown method for removing broken keys is to use a small saw blade which is available at many hardware stores. G28 Car Keys should be performed with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods are unsuccessful then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to cut it open. This isn't recommended unless can do it from a safe location, such as a gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you must make use of this method, locate a place where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid staying on a vacant street, parking lot or deck where you could be targeted by burglars. If possible, call the locksmith on your phone while you're in a secure location and ask if they can meet you there to assist with the removal.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, as any other electronic device, could malfunction in time. This could be a huge problem for vehicle owners as they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the issue.
If your key fob or transponder isn't turning your engine on, it is a typical sign that it is malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, including an unresponsive battery or an issue with the key fob chip.
You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an auto shop or dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by cracks or breaks in the key shell, worn out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal function of the key fob. It's important to have this repaired or replaced in the earliest time possible in order to avoid having it cause other issues with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frightening situation, and it's essential to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking your keys when you leave your vehicle will help you avoid this situation. It can also help you to get into your car by keeping a spare set in a safe, accessible place. Contact us to make an appointment with locksmiths if you've had any of these problems with keys or locks.
5. You've accidentally threw your keys inside
If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. Be calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your vehicle. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting what you did.
It is best to have an extra set of keys in your possession to avoid accidentally locking them inside. This could involve storing it in a place that you or someone you trust to access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key in their workplace or at home, or using an alarm kit. Some automakers provide services that let you unlock your car remotely. However, 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 help you out for a fixed fee. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs free to owners.
Contacting local authorities is an option if have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or even face legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It's also important to accurately determine the urgency of the situation before you call for help and this will determine what solution is the most effective. Do not rush out of your vehicle and making sure you check everything prior to getting in to avoid being locked out again in the future. This will allow you to ensure that you don't forget to lock your windows or doors and ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout its journey.