Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Being locked out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.

There are several techniques to help you enter your vehicle without causing any damage. The most fundamental way to prevent a lockout is to have a spare key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is not just a hassle however, it can also be dangerous. There are many reasons you may get locked out, and it is crucial to know the reasons. If you are aware of what to look for, this can help prevent any future issues.

Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that detect any attempt to breach their system. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your vehicle even when your keys are in the car. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you enter the driver's side door. The key fob may be triggered to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.

It is recommended to call roadside assistance if you are in this situation than to attempt to open the lock with improvised tools such as a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damage to your vehicle and offer the fastest solution.

Over time, dirt and other impurities may build inside your lock and jam it. It can also happen if the door is damaged by an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or car Lock out other security devices useless, and you won't be able to get back into the car.

Certain automakers offer a specific app that you can download to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be helpful, but they should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It's easy to lose keys or leave them somewhere in a hurry or when you're distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout if you have an extra or backup key.

If you have an extra key, keep it in a secure place in a place where only you or a person you trust will be able to access it. You can keep a keyfinder on your keychain or in your car to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices emit an alarm to assist you in finding your keys. You can also make use of an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car's keyfob.

You might have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, you should always make a police report, which will provide an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the case of a theft.

The locks of your car may become more difficult to open due to rust or natural wear. This is particularly true for older models that require the user to manually insert a key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car lock out, like this,, such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers, but these can damage the door locks, leading to costly repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, excessive use can lead to wear and tear that eventually weakens metal. This can lead to broken pieces of keys getting stuck inside your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or remove the remaining key without damaging the lock mechanism.

If only a small part of the broken key protrudes from the lock, it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit into the lock. Be aware that the removal process could require multiple attempts and patience. If you're too impatient, you could accidentally push the damaged key into the lock, causing further damage.

A more extreme home-grown method for removing broken keys locked in car in ignition is to use a small saw blade that can be purchased at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods are unsuccessful it is possible to drill into the lock cylinder to cut it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a safe location, such as an gas station or convenience store, or restaurants.

If you must make use of this method, you need to find a location in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty parking lot, street or deck where you could be targeted by burglars. If you can, contact the locksmith on your phone while you're in a secure area and ask them if they can meet you there to assist with the removal.

4. Key fob or transponder damaged

Like any electronic device, car key fobs and transponders have the potential to fail over time. This could pose a huge problem for vehicle owners who no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or open their doors. If this happens, it's important to contact an expert locksmith to troubleshoot the problem.

If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn your engine on, this is a common indication that it's malfunctioning. This can be caused by many factors, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.

You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key 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 is recommended to repair or replaced as soon as possible as it could cause further problems with your vehicle.

Getting locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take precautions to prevent it from happening again in the future. Developing a routine that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys when you leave your vehicle will help you avoid this situation. You can also make it easier to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've experienced any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us to schedule an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.

When you're rushing around it's easy to lose keys in your car. If you get locked out of your car, stay calm and determine how you ended up in this situation. Recalling what happened can assist you in avoiding another similar situation in the future.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys on hand to prevent locking them inside. This could mean stashing it somewhere you or someone you trust to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work, or using an alarm kit. Some automakers offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via the internet. However, these typically require the purchase of a subscription.

Another option is to call an assistance line for roadside emergencies like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These can sometimes help you out at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Some automakers provide owners these programs for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan calling local authorities may be a good alternative. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or your family members are in danger. You could be fined or face legal consequences if you use emergency services. It's also important to accurately assess the need for assistance before you start calling for assistance and this will determine which option is the most appropriate. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your car in the future. Make sure to check everything prior to getting back inside and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you remember to secure any doors or windows and ensure that your vehicle is safe during transit.