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Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be a risk.

There are a variety of methods to help you get into your vehicle without causing any damage. Keep a spare car key in your vehicle. This is the most basic method to avoid a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is crucial to know the reasons. If you know what to look for, this can help prevent future issues.

Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to break into their security. This is a good thing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your car when your keys are in the car. This could happen when you juggle your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you walk towards the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to shut your doors when you open them.

It is better to seek roadside assistance if in this kind of situation, rather than attempt to open the lock with homemade tools like hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they will often provide you with an immediate solution.

Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may build up inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This could also happen if the door is damaged by an accident or other event. This could render your key fob or other security mechanisms useless, and you won't be able to enter the car.

Certain automakers offer a download app that allows you to unlock car keys your car in case of emergency. GM provides this service through its OnStar subscription and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools can be useful but should only be utilized after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

The loss of keys is among the most frequent reasons for locking yourself out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry or when you're distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare or backup key.

If you have an extra key, be sure it's stored in a secure location that only you or someone else you trust has access to. You can also keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also use an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car's keyfob.

Another possibility is that you have lost the car key due to it was stolen. If this is the case, you should always make a police report, which will create an evidence trail on paper and could help your insurance company to provide compensation in the event of a theft.

Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them difficult to open. This is particularly true for older models that require you to manually insert a key into the lock. Although there are DIY ways to unlock a car service your car, such as using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to your door locks and eventually result in costly repairs, so the best option is to wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, overuse can cause wear and tear that eventually weakens the metal. This can result in broken pieces of keys getting stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or remove the rest of the key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If a small amount of your key is protruding from the lock, you'll be able to remove it using the help of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is stuck in the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or other tool that is small enough to fit into 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 could accidentally push the broken key even further into the lock, causing even more damage.

A more extreme home-grown method for removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which can be bought at most hardware stores. This method should be performed with great care and precision to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If other methods fail then you may need to drill into the lock cylinder to cut it open. This is not recommended unless it's feasible to do it in a secure location, such as a gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.

If you have to resort to this method, make sure you find a public place where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not stand in a deserted street or parking deck in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. Request the locksmith to meet you in a secure location if you are able to.

4. Damaged transponder or key fob

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may fail in time. This can cause a serious issue for owners of vehicles as they will no longer be able to start their car or unlock their door. If this happens, it's crucial to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.

One of the most common indications that your key fob or transponder is malfunctioning is when it doesn't start your engine. This can be caused by many reasons, including an unresponsive battery or an issue with the key fob chip.

To solve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries in your fob key. If this fails, you could need to visit an automotive shop or a dealership in your local area to have the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason for experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. It could be due to cracks or damage to the key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other cause that could affect the internal function of your key fob. It is essential to get the key replaced or repaired as soon as possible and also cause other issues with your vehicle.

Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's crucial to take steps to prevent it from happening in the near future. To avoid this issue, it can be accomplished by creating a routine where you double-check that you have your keys when you exit your vehicle. It can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare in an accessible, secure location. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a professional locksmith.

5. Inadvertently leave keys in your car

If you're in a hurry, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. If you get locked out of your car, remain at peace and try to find out the reason you were in this situation. Remembering what you did can assist you in avoiding another similar situation in the future.

It is recommended to keep a spare set of left keys inside car on hand to avoid accidentally locking them inside. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone else you trust has access to or have a trusted friend keep one at their home or work, or make use of the lockout tool. Some automakers also offer services that can unlock your car remotely, but these tend to require a subscription.

You can also contact an emergency roadside service like AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. They can assist you at a cost of a flat rate, Moody notes. Certain automakers offer owners these programs at no cost, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan calling local authorities could be a good alternative. Be sure to only contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be charged with penalties or legal action for misuse of emergency services. It is also essential to evaluate the need for assistance before you call for help in order to determine which solution will be most suitable. To ensure that you don't get locked out of your car in the future. Make sure to check every aspect before getting back in and avoid hurrying when leaving your vehicle. This will allow you to ensure that you don't forget to secure any windows or doors and ensure your vehicle is secure throughout its journey.