10 Auto Lock Out Tricks All Experts Recommend
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Locked out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous.
There are many ways to help you get into your vehicle without causing any damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to keep an extra key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
It is risky to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it's crucial to know the reasons. If you are aware of what to look for this will help avoid any future issues.
Modern cars have advanced security systems that can detect attempts to breach their system. This could be an advantage and a curse, because you may not be able to enter your vehicle if your keys are locked in the car. This could happen if you are juggling your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to automatically lock your doors as you go to open them.
If you find yourself in this situation it is recommended to contact a roadside assistance service rather than trying to juggle the tools you have at hand, such as string or hangers to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and can often provide an immediate solution.
Over time, filth, rust and other impurities can build into the lock and cause it to become jammed. It can also happen when the door is damaged due to an accident or other event. These circumstances could make your key fob or other security mechanisms useless, and you will be unable to get back into your car.
Certain automakers offer a downloadable app you can use to unlock your vehicle in the event of 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 used when all other options are exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most frequent causes for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It's easy for a driver to lose their keys or leave it somewhere when they're in a hurry or distracted. The good news is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key or an alternate plan for accessing your vehicle.
If you have an extra key, be sure that it's kept in a safe place that only you or someone you trust can access. You can also keep a key finder on your keychain or in your car to locate your keys quickly and easily. The devices emit an alert to help you locate 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 because they were stolen. If this is the case, you should always submit a police report which will leave a paper trail and may help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of a theft.
Your car's locks can become more difficult to open because of rust or natural wear. This is particularly the case for older models, which require you to manually insert the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock my car service your car, such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but these can damage the door locks, which can lead to expensive repairs.
3. Broken Keys
Keys are designed to withstand the force of a lot, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can result in broken key fragments becoming stuck inside your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or at the very least free up the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.
If a small amount of your broken key is sticking out of the lock, you'll be able to extract it with needle nose pliers. If the portion that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you may require an flathead screwdriver or some other tool that is small enough to fit inside the lock. It's important to keep in mind that the process of extracting it could require several attempts and patience. If you're not patient enough you may accidentally push the damaged key into the lock and cause even more damage.
You can make use of the small saw-blade which is available at many hardware stores to take out broken keys. However, this must be done with extreme care and sensitivity to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If the other methods don't work, you may need to drill the cylinder of the lock to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do it from an area that is safe, such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.
If you must use this method, find an area where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty street, parking lot or deck where you may be targeted by burglars. If you are able, call the locksmith on your phone while you're in a secure location and ask whether they'll meet you there to assist in the extraction.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Like all electronic devices keys for cars and transponders have the potential to malfunction as time passes. This can be a major issue for owners of vehicles as they won't be capable of starting their car or even open their door. If this happens, it's important to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.
If your key fob or transponder isn't turning the engine on, this is a common sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by a number of factors, including malfunctioning or dead key chip.
You can resolve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this doesn't work then you may have to visit a local auto repair shop or dealership to get 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 cracks or service breaks in the key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal function of the key fob. It's important to have it repaired or replaced in the earliest time possible and also result in other issues with your vehicle.
It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your car, so it's important to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Developing a routine that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys before exiting your vehicle will help you avoid this situation. In addition you can help yourself get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and accessible. Contact us to schedule an appointment with locksmiths if you've had any of these issues with keys or locks.
5. Inadvertently leave keys in your car
It's easy to forget your keys in the car while you're on the move during an extremely busy day. If you are locked out of your car, remain calm and find out how you ended up in this situation. The information you gather will aid you in avoiding a similar occurrence in the future.
It is best to have a spare set of keys in your possession to avoid accidentally locking them inside. This could mean storing it somewhere that you or someone you trust can access quickly, or having a friend keep a spare key in their home or at work, or using a lockout kit. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they typically require an annual subscription.
Another option is calling a roadside assistance service like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. These services can assist you at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace offer these services for free to owners.
The local authorities are an option if you don't have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. However, you should only call emergency services when you or others are in danger. Otherwise, you may be charged with fines or legal action for misusing emergency services. It's also important to accurately assess the need for assistance before you begin calling for help and this will determine what solution is the most appropriate. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, countercheck everything prior to getting back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you ensure that you remember to lock any windows or doors and ensure your vehicle is secure while in transit.