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Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It could be more than a nuisance. keys in car locked out could be dangerous.
Fortunately, there are several methods that can assist you in getting back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle. This is the most basic way to avoid being locked out.
1. You're locked out of your car
It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are many reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it's important to understand the causes. If you know what to look out for it will help you avoid future problems.
Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can identify attempts to break into their system. This is both an advantage and a curse, since you might not be able to access your car if your keys are locked inside. This can happen when you have to juggle your phone, cup of coffee, and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. This could trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you open them.
It is better to seek roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than try to open the lock with improvised tools such as hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide the fastest solution.
Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may build up within your lock, causing it to jam. This can also occur if the door is damaged in an accident or another event. These conditions could make your key fob or other security devices ineffective, and you will be unable to reenter your vehicle.
Certain automakers offer a download app that allows you to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers this service with its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be helpful but should only be used only as a last resort if all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
The loss of keys is one of the most common reasons for being locked out. It's easy for a driver to lose a key, or leave it in a place when they're in a hurry or distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you have an extra key or backup.
If you have an extra key, be sure that it's kept in a safe location that only you or someone you trust access. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. The devices emit an alert to assist you in finding your keys. You can also use an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car's keyfob.
You may have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, you must always make a police report, which will leave an evidence trail on paper and could help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.
The locks of your car may become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is especially true for older models which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. While there are DIY methods for unlocking your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to the door locks and eventually cause expensive repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
Although keys are designed to withstand considerable force, excessive use can lead to wear and wear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken keys that get stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or remove the rest of the key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.
If a small portion of your key is protruding from the lock, you can usually extract it with a pair of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is lodged deep inside the lock it is likely that a flathead or a small tool is required. Be aware that the extraction process may require multiple attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you could accidentally push the damaged key even further into the lock, causing further damage.
A more radical home-grown method to remove broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. This method should be performed with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail, you may need to drill the lock cylinder to open it. This isn't recommended unless can do it from an area that is safe such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you must use this method, find a location in which you can sit until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty parking lot, street or deck where you may be targeted by thieves. If you are able, call the locksmith on your phone while you're in a safe location and ask if they can meet you there to assist with the extraction.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, just like any other electronic device, could fail in time. This could pose a huge problem for vehicle owners, as it means they'll no longer be able to start their cars or even open their doors. If this happens, it's essential to contact an expert locksmith to resolve the issue.
One of the most frequent indications that your key fob or transponder is malfunctioning is when it fails to start your engine. This can be caused by various reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Another reason you might be experiencing a malfunctioning key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by a cracked or damaged key shell, worn-out contacts or any other factor that could affect the internal function of your key fob. It's important to have this repaired or replaced in the earliest time possible, as it can also lead to other issues with your vehicle.
It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle It's crucial to prevent this from happening again. Implementing a system that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys when you leave your vehicle will help you avoid this problem. It can also make it easier to get into your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe, accessible place. 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 in the lock.
It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're rushing through an extremely busy day. If you get locked out of your car, remain calm and try to find out the reason you were in this situation. The information you gather will aid you in avoiding an identical situation in the future.
It is best to have an extra set of keys on hand to avoid accidentally locking them inside. This could mean stashing it somewhere that you or someone you trust to access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key at their home or at work or using the lockout kit. 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 service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. These can sometimes assist you for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers provide owners these programs for free, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
The local authorities are an option if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. Make sure you only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be penalized or face legal action if you misuse emergency services. It is also crucial to assess the need for assistance before you call for help and this will determine which solution will be the most effective. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check everything prior to getting back in and avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This will help ensure you don't leave any doors and windows unlocked, and will help protect your car from damage during transport in the event that it needs to be transported to a different location.
