A Step-By-Step Guide To Auto Lock Out From Start To Finish
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It can be more than just an inconvenience. locked keys in my car can be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the most basic method to prevent a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your vehicle isn't just frustrating but also dangerous. There are a variety of reasons you may get locked out, and it is important to understand the causes. Knowing what to look out for will help you avoid further issues.
Modern cars have advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to breach their security. This could be an advantage and a curse, because you may not be able access your car if your keys remain in the car. This can occur when you are juggling your phone, coffee cup and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. The key fob could be activated to shut your doors when you try to open them.
If you are in this type of situation it is recommended to seek help from a roadside service rather than trying to juggle homemade tools such as a hanger or string to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damage to your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.
Over time, filth and other impurities may build into the lock and cause it to become jammed. This can also happen if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or some other incident. This can make your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective, and you won't be able to get back into the car.
Some automakers provide a special application that can be downloaded to unlock your vehicle in an emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be used only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most common reasons for being locked 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. The good thing is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key or a backup plan for accessing your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, put it in a secure place where only you or someone you trust can get to it. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alert to assist you in finding your keys. You can also make use of an application on your smartphone to track the location your car's keyfob.
Another possibility is that you have lost your car keys because it was stolen. It is recommended to submit a claim to the police if this is the situation. This will create a paper record and may aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
Sometimes, your car's locks can become damaged due to natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially in the case of older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can cause damage to your door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to endure the force of a lot, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This could result in broken pieces of the key getting stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can usually get them out using some basic tools or at least free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the car lock mechanism.
If a small portion of the key that was broken is sticking out of the lock, you'll usually remove it using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is stuck deep inside the lock it is likely that a flathead or a small tool will be required. It's important to be aware that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're impatient you may accidentally push the broken key into the lock, causing even more damage.
You can make use of a small saw-blade you can buy at most hardware stores to cut off broken keys. However, this must be done with extreme care and precision in order to avoid harming the lock 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 so from an area that is secure such as a gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you are forced to use this method, try to locate a public space 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. If you are able, call the locksmith on your phone while you're in a safe area and ask them to meet them there to help with the extraction.
4. Key fobs or transponders damaged
Like all electronic devices keys for cars and transponders are also susceptible to fail in time. This could be a major issue for owners of vehicles who no longer be able to start their cars or even open their doors. It's important to call a locksmith to help you to solve the issue.
If your key fob, or transponder isn't turning your engine on, this is a indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, such as the malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your fob. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an auto repair shop in your area or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.
Another reason for experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. This needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible, since it could cause further problems with your vehicle.
Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking your keys before exiting your vehicle will help you avoid this problem. You can also help you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare in an accessible, secure location. If you've experienced any of these issues with your key fob or locks, call us today to set up an appointment with a licensed locksmith.
5. You've accidentally threw 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 are locked out of your car, stay calm and try to determine why you got into this situation. The information you gather will aid you in avoiding an identical situation in the future.
The best way to prevent from accidentally locking your keys in is to make sure you have a spare key available. You can put it in a location that you or someone you trust can easily access or have a friend keep one at their home or work or employ an instrument for locking out. Some automakers also have services that allow you to unlock your vehicle via remote, but they tend to require a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these services can often help you out for a flat rate. Some automakers provide these programs to owners 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 could be a good alternative. However, be sure to only contact emergency services when you or your family members are in danger. You could be penalized or be subject to legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It is also crucial to assess the urgency of the situation prior to when you start calling for assistance in order to determine what solution is the most appropriate. Be careful not to rush out of your car and checking everything before you go in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will allow you to ensure that you don't forget to lock any windows or doors and keep your vehicle safe throughout its journey.