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Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Locked out of your car can be more than an inconvenience. It could also be a risk.
There are a variety of methods to allow you access to your vehicle without causing any damage. Keep a spare car key in your vehicle. This is the most basic way to avoid a lockout.
1. You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your vehicle is not just a hassle but also risky. You may be locked out for a variety of reasons, and it's essential to understand the reasons. If you know what to look for it will help you avoid future issues.
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to break into their system. This is a good thing but also a curse, since it can sometimes deny you access to your vehicle even when your keys are in it. This can happen when you are juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase when you are near the door of the driver. This could trigger the key fob to automatically shut your doors when you go to open them.
It is recommended to call roadside assistance if in this situation than to try to open the lock with homemade tools like a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.
Over time, dirt and other impurities can build up in your lock and jam it. It can also happen if the door is damaged due to an accident or other event. This can make your key fob or other security devices ineffective and you will not be able to reenter the vehicle.
Some automakers have a unique application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools are useful, but should only be utilized when all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them in a hurry, or while distracted. You can prevent this kind of lockout if you have an extra key or backup.
If you have an extra key, put it in a secure place where only you or someone you trust will be able to access it. You can keep a keyfinder on your keychain or in your vehicle to locate your keys quickly and easily. These devices sound an alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of an app on your smartphone that determines the location of your car's key fob.
You may have lost your car keys because they were stolen. It is recommended to submit a claim to the police in the situation. This will result in a paper record and may help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.
Your car's locks can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is especially true with older models that require the user to insert a key manually into the lock. Although there are DIY methods for unlocking your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they can damage your door locks and ultimately cause costly repairs The best thing to do is wait for assistance from the roadside.
3. Broken Keys
While keys are designed to endure a lot of pressure, prolonged use could lead to wear and tear that eventually weakens metal. This can result in broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. Fortunately, it is possible to remove them using a few basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of your key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If only a small portion of the damaged key is protruding from the lock it can be removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit inside the lock. It's important to be aware that the extraction process could require several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient, you could accidentally push the broken key further into the lock, causing even more damage.
You can use a small saw-blade that is available at many hardware stores to remove broken keys. This method should be performed with extreme care and precision to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If other methods fail it is possible to drill into the lock cylinder and pry it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a safe location, such as an gas station or convenience store restaurants.
If you have to resort to this method, locate a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Do not stand in a deserted street or parking deck where you might be targeted by thieves. If possible, call the locksmith via your mobile while you're in a safe location and ask if they can meet you there to help with the extraction.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
As with all electronic devices car key fobs and transponders have the potential to malfunction over time. This could pose a huge issue for owners of vehicles who no longer have the ability to start their cars or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's important to contact an expert locksmith to solve the issue.
If your key fob or transponder does not turn your engine on, it is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to many factors, including the malfunctioning or dead key chip.
To solve this issue, you should try replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Physical damage can also be a reason for a malfunctioning fob. This can be due to a damaged or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts or any other cause that can affect the internal functioning of your key fob. It is crucial to have this repaired or replaced as soon as you can in order to avoid having it lead to other issues with your vehicle.
It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle, so it's important to prevent this from happening again. Implementing a system that involves double-checking the keys to your vehicle can help avoid this situation. You can also help you to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare in an easily accessible, safe location. Contact us to make an appointment with locksmiths if you've had any of these issues with keys or locks.
5. You may accidentally leave your keys inside
It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're rushing through a busy day. Stay calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your vehicle. The information you gather will aid you in avoiding another similar situation in the future.
The best way to ensure that you don't from accidentally locking your keys in is to ensure you have a spare key on hand. You can store it in a place where you or someone who you trust is able to access easily or have a trusted friend keep one at workplace or at home, or employ an instrument for locking out. Some automakers offer services that let you unlock your vehicle remotely. However, they usually require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside assistance service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. Moody states that these assistance programs will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to owners.
If next don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan calling local authorities may be an alternative. However, you should only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or face legal consequences if you use emergency services. It's also important to accurately determine the urgency of the situation prior to when you call for help, as this will determine which option is the most appropriate. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your vehicle in the future. Make sure to check everything before you get back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you don't forget to lock your doors or windows, and help keep your vehicle safe while in transit.
