Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods that can help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle. This is the simplest way to avoid a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your vehicle
Being locked out of your vehicle isn't just frustrating, but it can be dangerous. You may be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's important to know the causes. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can identify attempts to breach their security. This is both a blessing and a curse as you may not be able access your car if keys remain in the car. This could happen when you're trying to balance your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. The key fob may be activated to shut your doors when you try to open them.
If you're in this type of situation you should call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and provide a quick fix.
Over time, dirt and other impurities build inside the lock and cause it to become jammed. key unlock service could also happen when your door is damaged from an accident or other event. These conditions could cause your key fob to be lost and other security mechanisms useless and you'll be unable to enter your car.
Some automakers offer a special download application that you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are helpful however they should only be utilized only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
The loss of keys is one of the most frequent reasons for locking yourself out. It's easy for a driver to lose a key or leave it in a place while in a rush or distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout if you have an extra key or backup.
If you have an extra key, put it in a safe place where only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or make use of an app on your smartphone that determines the location of the key fob in your car.
You may have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, always file a police report, which will provide a paper trail and may aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the case 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 the user to manually insert a key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car, 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 however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This can result in broken keys that get stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or remove the remaining key without damaging the lock mechanism.
If only a small part of the damaged key is protruding from the lock, it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the broken part is buried deep within the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be needed. Be aware that the removal process could require multiple attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough, you could accidentally push the damaged key into the lock, causing further damage.
You can make use of a small saw-blade is available at many hardware stores to take out broken keys. However, this must be used with extreme care and precision in order to avoid harming the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail you may have to drill the cylinder of the lock to get it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a safe location, such as a gas station, convenience store, or restaurant.
If you are forced to use this method, try to find a public place where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Avoid staying on a vacant parking lot, street or deck where you may be targeted by burglars. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a safe location if it is possible.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
As with all electronic devices car key fobs and transponders have the potential to malfunction over time. This can be a major issue for car owners since they will no longer be in a position to start their vehicle or unlock their door. It's important to call locksmiths to help to solve the issue.
If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn your engine on, it is a sign that it is malfunctioning. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this doesn't work you, you might need to visit a local auto repair shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Physical damage may also be the cause of an unresponsive fob. It could be due to a damaged or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts or any other factor that affects the internal functionality of your key fob. It's important to have this repaired or replaced in the earliest time possible, as it can also cause other issues with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take steps to avoid it from happening in the future. Avoiding this problem can be done by developing a routine where you double-check that you have your keys before you exit your vehicle. You can also make it easier for you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare key in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've been experiencing any problems with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a professional locksmith.
5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside
It's easy to lose your keys in the car when you're rushing through an extremely busy day. If you get locked out of your car, stay at peace and try to determine the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same scenario by recollecting what you did.
The best way to ensure that you don't accidentally locking your keys inside is to make sure you have an extra key in your possession. You can keep it in a location that you or someone else you trust has access to or have a trusted friend keep one at their office or home or make use of the lockout tool. Some automakers provide services that let you unlock your vehicle remotely. However, these typically require an annual subscription.
Another option is to contact an emergency roadside assistance company like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These services can help you out for a flat fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to owners.
If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be an alternative. However, you should only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. Otherwise, you may be subject to fines or legal action for using emergency services in a way that is not safe. It's also important to accurately assess the urgency of the situation before you start calling for assistance, as this will determine which option is the most effective. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check every aspect before getting back in and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help ensure you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked. It can also help protect your car from harm during transportation should it need to be transported to a new destination.