15 Unexpected Facts About Auto Lock Out You Didn't Know

Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto Locked out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous. There are many ways to help you enter your vehicle without causing damage. The most basic way to prevent a lockout is to have a spare key. 1. You're locked out of your vehicle Being locked out of your vehicle isn't just frustrating however, it can also be risky. You may be locked out for various reasons, and it's crucial to understand the reasons. If you know what to look out for this will help avoid future problems. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to break into their security. This is a good thing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your car even if your keys are still in it. 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 activated to close your doors if you try to open them. It's better to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this situation than to attempt to open the lock using improvised tools such as a string or hanger. A professional locksmith will have the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and can often provide you with the fastest solution. Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities could build up inside your lock, which can cause it to become jammed. This can also happen if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or other event. This can make your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective and you will not be able to get back into the vehicle. Certain automakers offer a specific application that you can download to unlock your car in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are helpful but should only be utilized as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. 2. Lost Keys One of the most common reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them in a hurry, or when you're distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout by having an extra key or backup. If you have an extra key, make sure that it's kept in a safe place that only you or someone you trust can access. You can keep an electronic key keeper in your car 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 make use of a smartphone application that tracks the location your car's keyfob. You may have lost your car keys because they were stolen. You should always file a report with the police if this is the case. This will create a record on paper that could aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft. Your car's locks can become more difficult to open because of 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 these can damage the door locks, which can lead 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 lead to broken pieces of the key getting stuck inside your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove these with some basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of your key with minimal damage to the car lock mechanism. If only a small portion of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock and is removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the broken part is lodged deep inside the lock, a flathead or other small tool is required. locked out of my car help to remember that the extraction process could require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you may accidentally push the broken key further into the lock, causing even more damage. You can use the small saw-blade which you can buy at most hardware stores to remove broken keys. This procedure must be carried out with extreme precision and care to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If the other methods don't work then you might need to drill the lock cylinder to get it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do it from an area that is safe, such as a gas station, restaurant or convenience store. If you must resort to this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't stay on a deserted street, parking deck or lot where you could be targeted by thieves. The locksmith should meet you in a safe location if you are able to. 4. Key fob or transponder damaged Like any electronic device, car key fobs and transponders have the potential to fail as time passes. This can cause a serious issue for car owners since they won't be in a position to start their vehicle or unlock their door. If this happens, it's crucial to get in touch with a professional locksmith to resolve the issue. If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn your engine on, this is a indication that it's malfunctioning. This can be caused by many reasons, including an unresponsive battery or an issue with the key fob chip. You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this isn't working you, you might need to visit a local auto repair shop or dealership to get the chip or fob replaced. Physical damage can also be the cause of a malfunctioning fob. This could be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn out contacts, or any other issue that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. It's important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as you can in order to avoid having it result in other issues with your vehicle. It's an awful experience to be locked out of your car, so it's important to ensure that this doesn't happen again. The best way to avoid this situation is accomplished by creating an established routine that requires you to double-check that you have your keys before you exit your vehicle. In addition you can make it easier to return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key secure and easily accessible. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these issues with keys or locks. 5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside It's easy to forget your keys in your car while you're on the move during a busy day. Stay calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your car. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling the actions you took. It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys available to prevent locking them inside. This could involve storing 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 a lockout kit. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle remotely, but these typically require the purchase of a subscription. Another option is calling a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. They can assist you for a flat fee, Moody notes. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to their owners. Calling the local authorities is an alternative if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside assistance plan. Be sure to contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You may be fined or be subject to legal action if you misuse emergency services. It is important to assess the urgency before you seek help, since this will help you determine the best solution. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future. Make sure to check everything prior to getting back in and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you ensure that you remember to lock your windows or doors and ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout its journey.