Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

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

Fortunately, there are several methods that can help you get back into your car without causing any damage. Keep an extra Car door Opener Service key in your car. This is the simplest way to prevent a lockout.

1. You're locked out of your car

It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons you may get locked out, and it's essential to be aware of the reasons. If you are aware of what to look for it will help you avoid future issues.

Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to break into their system. This is both a blessing and a curse, as it could sometimes block your access to your car even if your keys are still in it. This can occur when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as enter the driver's side door. This can trigger the key fob to automatically close your doors when you open them.

If you are in this situation you should seek help from a roadside service instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as hangers or strings to open your lock. A professional locksmith will have the right tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they will often provide you with the fastest solution.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities could accumulate inside your lock, which can cause it to become jammed. This could also happen when your door is damaged from an accident or other event. This could render your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective and you will not be able to reenter the car.

Certain automakers offer a specific app that you can download to unlock car keys inside your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools are useful but should only be utilized when all other options are exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is losing your keys. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry or when you're distracted. The good news is, you can avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or an alternate plan for accessing your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, put it in a safe place that only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can keep an electronic key finder in your vehicle or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also use a smartphone application that tracks the location of your car's keysfob.

Another possibility is that you have lost the car key due to it was stolen. You must always make a report to the police if this is the situation. This will create a paper record and may help you get compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.

Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly the case for 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 however, these could damage the door locks, Car Door Opener Service resulting in expensive repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken pieces of keys getting stuck inside your lock. Fortunately, you can usually remove them using a few basic tools or free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the lock mechanism.

If only a small portion of the broken key protrudes from the lock and is removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the piece that fell off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit in the lock. Be aware that the extraction process may require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed further into the lock. This will cause more damage.

You can make use of a small saw-blade that is available at many hardware stores to take out broken keys. This method must be done with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If all other methods fail, you may need to drill the cylinder of the lock to pry it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe place, such as at the gas station or convenience store restaurant.

If you must make use of this method, locate a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Do not stand in an empty street, parking deck or lot in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you in a safe location if you are able to.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may malfunction over time. This could be a major issue for car owners who no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or even open their doors. It is essential to contact locksmiths to help solve this issue.

When your key fob or transponder does not turn your engine on, it is a typical sign that it is malfunctioning. This can occur for various reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

To solve this issue, you should try replacing the batteries in your fob's key. If this fails, you could need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Physical damage may also be the cause of malfunctioning fob. This can be caused by a cracked or damaged key shell, worn-out contacts or any other cause that affects the internal functionality of your key fob. It is crucial to have the key replaced or repaired as soon as you can, as it can also result in other issues with your vehicle.

It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle, so it's important to make sure this doesn't happen again. Avoiding this problem can be achieved by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys when you exit your vehicle. It can also help you to get into your car by keeping a spare set in an accessible, secure location. Contact us to make an appointment with locksmiths if you've encountered any of these issues with keys or locks.

5. You accidentally left your keys inside

If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. If you are locked out of your car, keep calm and try to determine why you got into this situation. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting what you did.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys on hand to prevent locking them inside. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone else you trust can easily access, have a friend keep one at their office or home, or make use of a lockout tool. Certain automakers also offer services that can unlock your car remotely, though these tend to require an annual subscription.

Another option is to contact an emergency roadside assistance company such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These services can come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services free to owners.

The local authorities are an option if own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. Be sure to contact emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or face legal consequences if you use emergency services. You must also be able to accurately assess the urgency before you call for help, as this will determine the best solution. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck everything prior to getting back in and try to avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This will help ensure that you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked and can protect your car from harm during transportation in the event that it needs to be moved to a new location.