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Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
It can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods to help you get into your vehicle without causing any damage. The most basic method to avoid a lockout is to have a spare key.
1. Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle, but it can be dangerous. There are a variety of reasons that could cause you to be locked out, and it is important to understand the causes. If you know what to look for this will help avoid any future issues.
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems that are able to detect attempts to breach their system. This could be a blessing and a curse since you might not be able to enter your car if your keys are inside. This can happen when you're juggling your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you approach the door to the driver. The key fob may be triggered to shut your doors when you try to open them.
It's better to call roadside assistance if you find yourself in this type of situation rather than attempt to open the lock using improvised tools such as a string or hanger. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and offer a quick fix.
Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities may build up in your lock, causing it to jam. This could also happen when your door is damaged from an accident or other event. This could make your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective and you'll be unable to get back into your car.
Certain automakers offer a specific application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also offer similar apps. These tools are useful, but they should only be used as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most common reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose a key or leave it somewhere in a hurry or when you're 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 location in a place where only you or a person you trust can access it. You can also keep a key finder 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 a smartphone app that tracks the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that you lost your car keys because it was stolen. If this is the case, you must always file a police report, which will provide a paper trail and may aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the case of a theft.
Sometimes your car's locks develop problems 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. While there are DIY methods for unlocking your car using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to your door locks and eventually result in costly repairs and repairs, so the ideal option is to wait for roadside assistance.
3. Broken Keys
While keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, excessive use can cause wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken key fragments becoming stuck in your lock. You can remove them with some basic tools, or remove the rest of the key without damaging the lock mechanism.
If a small portion of your key is protruding from the lock, you can usually remove it using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the broken piece is stuck deep inside the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be needed. Remember that the extraction may require several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient, 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 a small saw blade which can be bought at most hardware stores. This method must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. If other methods fail then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder and pry it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure place, such as at an gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.
If you are forced to resort to this method, you need to find a location where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Avoid staying on a vacant street, parking lot or deck where you may be targeted by thieves. If you are able, call the locksmith from your phone when you're in a secure location and ask whether they'll meet you there to assist in the removal.
4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob
Car key fobs, as any other electronic device, could malfunction in time. This can be a major problem for vehicle owners as they won't be able to start their car or open their doors. It's essential to contact an expert locksmith to help solve this 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 battery being dead or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
To troubleshoot this, you should try replacing the batteries inside your key fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an automotive shop or dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
Physical damage can also be a reason for an unresponsive fob. It could be due to broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal function of the key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible as it could cause further problems with your vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare situation, and it's essential to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Developing a routine that involves double-checking your keys before exiting your vehicle will help you avoid this problem. Additionally, you can help yourself get back inside your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a locksmith if you've experienced any of these problems with your key fobs or locks.
5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside
It's easy to lose your keys in the car when you're running through an extremely busy day. If you're locked out of your car, keep at peace and try to determine why you got into this situation. You can avoid repeating the same scenario by recollecting the actions you took.
It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys in your possession to prevent locking them inside. You can keep it in a safe place where you or someone who you trust is able to access easily or have a friend keep one at office or home or use an instrument for locking out. Certain automakers also offer services that can unlock your car remotely, though these typically require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also contact an emergency roadside service like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. Moody states that these services will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs for free to owners.
Calling the local authorities is an option if you don't own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. Make sure you only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be fined or be subject to legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. It's also important to accurately determine the need for assistance before you call for help and this will determine which solution will be the most appropriate. Avoid rushing out of your vehicle and checking everything before you go inside will prevent being locked out in the future. open locked car will ensure that you do not leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help keep your car safe from harm during transportation in the event that it needs to be moved to a new location.
