Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.

There are a variety of ways to help you get back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your car. This is the most basic method to prevent a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being i locked my keys in my car out of your car is not just a hassle however, it can also be risky. 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 any future issues.

Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to breach their security. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it can sometimes deny you access to your car the keys are in the car. This can happen when you're trying to balance your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to automatically close your doors when you attempt to open them.

If you are in this kind 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 unlock your lock. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.

Over time, filth, rust and other impurities build up in your lock and jam it. This could also happen if the door is damaged by an accident or other event. These conditions could cause your key fob to be lost and other security mechanisms ineffective, and you will be unable to get back into your vehicle.

Certain automakers offer a specific application that can be downloaded to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai offer similar apps. These tools can be useful, but should only be employed when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most frequent causes for being locked out of car service out is losing your keys. It's not difficult for a driver to lose a key, or leave it somewhere while in a rush or distracted. You can prevent this kind of lockout if you've got an extra or backup key.

If you have an extra key, make sure that it's kept in a safe location that only you or someone else you trust can access. You can keep a keyfinder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. The devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also utilize an application on your smartphone to track the location of your car's keysfob.

You might have lost your car keys because they were stolen. If this is the case, you must always make a police report, which will provide an evidence trail on paper and could aid your insurance company in providing 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 the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car, such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but they can cause damage to the door locks, which can lead to expensive repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand a lot of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or remove the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of your key is protruding from the lock, you'll usually extract it with needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is lodged deeper inside the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or other tool that's small enough to fit in the lock. Be aware that the removal process could require several attempts and patience. If you are impatient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed further into the lock. This will cause more damage.

A more drastic homegrown method of removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. This method should be performed with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work, you may need to drill the lock cylinder in order to open it. This isn't recommended unless can do so from an area that is safe like a restaurant, gas station or convenience store.

If you must resort to this method, make sure you locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not sit in an empty parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you in a secure location if you are able to.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, could fail over time. This can cause a serious issue for owners of vehicles as they won't be able to start their car or even open their door. It is essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

One of the most common signs that your transponder or key fob is malfunctioning is when it fails to start your engine. This can occur for many reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or an issue with the key fob chip.

You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason why you may be experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This can be due to a cracked or damaged key shell, worn-out contactors, or any other issue that could affect the internal function of your key fob. It's important to have this repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid having it cause other issues with your vehicle.

Locked out of your vehicle can be a frightening scenario, and it's crucial to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking the keys to your vehicle can help avoid this problem. Also you can make it easier to return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere secure and easily accessible. If you've had any problems with your key fob or locks call us today to set up an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys inside

It's easy to forget your keys in your car while you're on the move during an extremely busy day. If you get locked out of your car, remain at peace and try to find out why you got into this situation. Remembering what you did can help you avoid an identical situation in the future.

The best way to prevent accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure that you have a spare key available. This could mean stashing it somewhere that you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key at their workplace or at home or using an alarm kit. Certain automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your car remotely, but these tend to require a subscription.

Another option is to call an emergency roadside assistance company like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody states that these assistance programs are often able to assist you at a cost of a flat fee. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs free to owners.

If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be a viable alternative. However, you should only call emergency services if you or your family members are in danger. You could be penalized or face legal action if you misuse emergency services. You should also accurately assess the urgency before you seek help, since this will determine the most appropriate solution. Avoid rushing out of your vehicle. making sure you check everything prior to getting in will help you avoid being locked out again in the future. This will help you to ensure that you don't forget to lock any doors or windows, and help keep your vehicle safe during transit.