Why Auto Lock Out Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Why keys in car locked out May Get Locked Out of Your Auto Locked out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It could also be a risk. Fortunately, there are many techniques that can help you get back into your car without causing damage. The most basic method to prevent a lockout is to have a spare key. 1. Locked Out of Your Car Being locked out of your vehicle is not just a hassle but also dangerous. You may be locked out for a variety reasons, and it's essential to know the causes. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent future problems. Modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems that can identify attempts to breach their security. This is both a blessing and a curse since you might not be able to access your vehicle if your keys are in the car. This can happen when you juggle your phone, coffee cup and briefcase as enter the driver's side door. This can trigger the key fob to automatically close your doors when you open them. If you are in this kind of situation, it's best to call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use homemade tools such as a hanger or string to unlock your lock. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and can often provide a quick solution. Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities can build up inside your lock, which can cause it to become jammed. It can also happen when the door is damaged in an accident or some other incident. This could make your key fob or other security mechanisms useless and you'll be unable to reenter your vehicle. Some automakers provide a special application that can be downloaded 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 utilized after all other options have been exhausted. 2. Lost Keys One of the most frequent reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It's easy to lose a key or leave it somewhere in a hurry or while distracted. The good news 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 a spare key, make sure it's stored in a secure location that only you or someone you trust access. You can 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 monitors the location of your car's key fob. You might have lost your car keys as they were stolen. You must always file a report with the police if this is the situation. This will result in an official record on paper and could help you get compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft. Sometimes your car's locks develop problems due to natural wear and tear or rust over time, making them more difficult to open. This is particularly the case with older models that require the user 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, they can cause damage to the door locks and eventually result in costly repairs, so the best option is to wait for assistance from the roadside. 3. Broken Keys Keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, but excessive use can cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken key fragments becoming stuck inside your lock. Fortunately, it is possible to remove them using a few basic tools or at least get rid of the rest of your key with minimal damage to the lock mechanism. If only a tiny portion of the key that has been broken protrudes from the lock, it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you might require a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit in the lock. It's important to remember that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're impatient, the broken key could be pushed further into the lock. This can cause further damage. A more extreme home-grown method for removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, this must be done with extreme care and sensitivity to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If all other methods fail, you may need to drill the lock cylinder to get it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do it from an area that is secure, such as a restaurant, gas station or convenience store. If you have to resort to this method, you should find a public place where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not stand in a deserted road or parking deck in which you are likely to be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith from your phone when you're in a secure location and ask if they can meet you there to assist with the extraction. 4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob Like any electronic device, car key fobs and transponders can be prone to fail as time passes. This could be a major issue for car owners who not be able to start their vehicles or open their doors. It's essential to contact locksmiths to help solve this issue. One of the most common indicators that your transponder or key fob is not working is when it doesn't start your engine. This can be caused by various reasons, such as the battery being dead or an issue with the key fob chip. To solve this issue problem, you can try replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this doesn't work you, you might need to visit an auto repair shop in your area or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced. Physical damage can also be the cause of an unresponsive fob. It could be caused by a cracked or damaged key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other cause that can affect the internal functioning of your key fob. This should be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible as it could cause other problems with your vehicle. Getting locked out of your vehicle is a terrifying scenario, and it's important to take steps to avoid it from happening in the future. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking the keys to your vehicle will help you avoid this issue. Also you can help yourself return to your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks call us today to set up an appointment with a licensed locksmith. 5. You've accidentally threw your keys in the lock. It's easy to lose your keys in the car while you're on the move during a busy day. If you are locked out of your car, keep calm and determine the reason you were in this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling what you did. It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys on hand to ensure that you don't accidentally lock them inside. You can put it in a safe place that you or someone you trust has access to or have a trusted friend keep one at their home or work or make use of a lockout tool. Some automakers also offer services that allow you to unlock your car remotely, though these usually require a subscription. Another option is to call an assistance line for roadside emergencies such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. They can help you out for a nominal fee, Moody notes. Some automakers offer owners these programs for free, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace. The local authorities are an option if have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. However, you should only call emergency services when you or someone else is in danger. Otherwise, you may be charged with penalties or legal action for misuse of emergency services. It is important to evaluate the urgency before you need help, as this will determine the most appropriate solution. To avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future, make sure you check every aspect before 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 that your vehicle is safe during transit.