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Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Locked out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.

There are many ways to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to keep an extra key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car isn’t just frustrating but also dangerous. There are a myriad of reasons why you might be locked car keys in car out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent future issues.

Modern vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can identify attempts to break into their security. This can be both a blessing and a curse since you might not be able access your vehicle if your keys are locked inside. This could happen when you are juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase when you are near the driver’s door. This can trigger the key fob to lock your doors as you attempt to open them.

It’s better to call roadside assistance if in this situation than to attempt to open the lock using an improvised tool like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damage to your vehicle and offer the fastest solution.

Over time, filth, rust and other impurities build up in your lock, causing it to jam. This can also happen if your door is damaged from an accident or other event. These circumstances could make your key fob or other security devices ineffective, and you will be unable to get back into your vehicle.

Some automakers have a unique application that you can download to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM provides this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, auto lock out Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools can be useful but should only be utilized when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most common causes for being locked out is losing your keys. It’s easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry or while distracted. The good news is that you can prevent this type of lockout by having a spare key in your possession or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, be sure it’s in a secure place that only you or someone else you trust can access. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. These devices emit an alarm to help you locate your keys. You can also utilize an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of your car’s keyfob.

Another possibility is that you lost your car key because it was stolen. If this is the case, you should always file a police report, which will create an official trail of evidence and aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the case of an incident of theft.

The locks on your car can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly the case with older models that require the user to manually insert the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car such as using Slim Jims or coat hangers but these can damage the door locks, leading to costly repairs.

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 pieces of keys getting stuck in your lock. You can get them out using some basic tools, or get rid of the remaining key without causing damage to the lock mechanism.

If only a tiny portion of the damaged key is protruding from the lock and is removed using a pair of needle nose pliers. If the part that broke off is buried deeper within the lock, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver or other tool that is small enough to fit inside the lock. Be aware that the extraction process may require multiple attempts and patience. If you’re impatient you may accidentally push the damaged key into the lock and cause even more damage.

You can make use of a small saw-blade you can buy at most hardware stores to remove broken keys. However, this must be used with extreme care and sensitivity to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If other methods are unsuccessful, you might need to drill into the lock cylinder to pry it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a secure location, like the gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.

If you have to make use of this method, locate a place where you can wait until the locksmith arrives. Don’t linger on a deserted street, parking deck or lot where you could be targeted by thieves. The locksmith should meet you in a safe place if you can.

4. Key fobs or transponders damaged

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, may malfunction as time passes. This can be a big issue for owners of vehicles since they’ll not be able to start their cars or open their doors. If this happens, it’s important to speak with a professional locksmith to troubleshoot the issue.

One of the most obvious indicators that your transponder or key fob is malfunctioning is when it fails to turn on your engine. This could be due to many reasons, such as the malfunctioning or dead key chip.

To resolve this issue it is suggested to replace the batteries inside your key fob. If this doesn’t work, you may have to visit an auto lock out (kingranks.com) shop or dealership in your area to get the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason why you may 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 as soon as you can and also lead to other issues with your vehicle.

It’s an absolute nightmare to be locked car out of your vehicle, so it’s important to prevent this from happening again. Establishing a routine that includes double-checking to ensure you have your keys before exiting your vehicle can help you avoid this problem. In addition, you can help yourself get back inside your vehicle in the future by keeping a spare key secure and easily accessible. If you’ve experienced any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a certified locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys inside

When you’re running around it’s easy to forget your keys in the vehicle. Be calm and try to find out how you were locked out of your car. Remembering what you did can help you avoid a similar occurrence in the future.

It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys on hand to prevent locking them inside. You can store it in a location that you or someone you trust can easily access or have a trusted friend keep one at their workplace or at home, or use a lockout tool. Some automakers provide services that allow you to unlock your car remotely. However, these usually require the purchase of a subscription.

Another option is calling an assistance line for roadside emergencies like AAA or your automaker’s roadside assistance program. Moody states that these services will often assist you at a cost of a flat fee. Certain automakers provide these programs to owners at no cost, such as GM’s OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

The local authorities are an alternative if you don’t own a spare key, or have a roadside service plan. Make sure you only call emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. Otherwise, you may be liable to penalties or legal action for using emergency services in a way that is not safe. It is important to determine the urgency prior to making a call for help, as this will determine the best solution. Be careful not to rush out of your vehicle and making sure you check everything prior to getting in will help you avoid being locked out in the future. This will help you to ensure that you don’t forget to secure any windows or doors and ensure your vehicle is secure while in transit.