Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

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

There are several techniques to help you get into your vehicle without causing any damage. Keep a spare car key in your car. This is the simplest way to avoid a lockout.

1. You're locked out of your vehicle

It is risky 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. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future problems.

Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that detect any attempt to break their security system. This could be a blessing and a curse as you may not be able to access your car if keys remain inside. This can happen when you juggle your phone, coffee and briefcase as you enter the driver's side door. The key fob can be triggered to close your doors if you try to open them.

If you're in this situation, it's best to contact a roadside assistance service rather than trying to juggle homemade tools such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damage to your vehicle and offer a quick fix.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities build into the lock and cause it to become jammed. This can also occur if the door is damaged by an accident or another event. These conditions can make your key fob or other security devices ineffective and you'll be unable to reenter your vehicle.

Certain automakers offer a downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools are useful, but they should only be employed as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is among the most common reasons for being locked out. It's easy for a driver to lose their keys or leave it in a place when they are in a hurry or distracted. The good news is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or an alternate plan for accessing your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, make sure it's stored in a secure place that only you or someone else you trust access. You can also keep an electronic key keeper in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to help you locate your keys, or you can make use of a smartphone app that tracks the location of the key fob in your car.

Another possibility is that the car key due to it was 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.

The locks on your car can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly in the case of older models that require you to manually insert the key into the lock. While there are DIY methods to unlock your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they could damage your door locks and ultimately result in expensive repairs, so the best option is to wait for assistance from the roadside.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand a lot of pressure, prolonged use could result in wear and tear that eventually weakens metal. This could result in broken pieces of the key getting stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using some basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of the key that was broken is protruding from the lock, service you can usually extract it with the help of needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is stuck in the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit inside the lock. Be aware that the removal process could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient you may accidentally push the damaged key into the lock, causing further damage.

A more radical home-grown method of removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that is available at many hardware stores. However, this should be used with extreme care and sensitivity to keep the cylinder of the lock the key in the car from being damaged. If the other methods don't work you may have to drill the lock cylinder in order to open it. This isn't recommended unless are in an area that is safe like gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you must use this method, locate a place where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid staying on a vacant parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith from your phone when you're in a secure area and ask them to meet them there to help with the removal.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Like all electronic devices, car key fobs and service transponders have the potential to malfunction as time passes. This can be a big problem for vehicle owners, as it means they'll not be able to start their vehicles or even open their doors. It's essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

If your key fob or transponder isn't turning the engine on, this is a common indication that it's malfunctioning. This can occur for various reasons, including the battery being dead or an issue with the key fob chip.

To solve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries in your key fob. If this isn't working, you may need to visit a local auto shop or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Another reason for experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. It could be due to broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. It is crucial to have this repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as it can also result in other issues with your vehicle.

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your car, so it's important to prevent this from happening again. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking to ensure you have the keys to your vehicle can help how do you unlock a car without a key avoid this issue. It can also help you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare key in an accessible, secure location. If you've experienced any problems with your key fob or locks call us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You've accidentally threw your keys inside

It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're rushing through an extremely busy day. Keep calm and identify the reason you locked yourself out of your vehicle. The information you gather will assist you in avoiding another similar situation in the future.

The best way to avoid accidentally locking your keys inside is to make sure you have an extra key in your possession. This could mean stashing it somewhere you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key in their home or at work or using an alarm kit. Certain automakers also offer services that can unlock your vehicle remotely, though these tend to require an annual subscription.

Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These services can assist you for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to their owners.

Contacting local authorities is an alternative if you don't own a spare key, or have a roadside service plan. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or others are in danger. Otherwise, you may be charged with penalties or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is also crucial to determine the need for assistance before you call for help in order to determine which option is the most effective. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, make sure you check everything before you get back in and avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will help ensure you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked, and will help keep your car safe from damage during transport if it does need to be moved to a new location.