Why Is Auto Lock Out So Effective In COVID-19
Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto
Locked out of your car can be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
There are a variety of methods to allow you access to your vehicle without causing any damage. The most fundamental way to avoid being locked out is to have a spare key.
1. You're locked out of your car
It can be dangerous to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is important to understand the causes. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future problems.
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems that can detect attempts to breach their security. This is both an advantage and a curse, because you may not be able to enter your car if keys are locked inside. This can happen when you're trying to balance your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you approach the driver's door. This can trigger the key fob to automatically close your doors when you attempt to open them.
If you find yourself in this situation you should call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use homemade tools such as string or hangers to open your lock. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and provide an immediate solution.
Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities could accumulate inside your lock, which can cause it to jam. This could also happen in the event that your door has been damaged as a result of an accident or other event. This can cause your key fob to be lost and other security mechanisms ineffective and you'll 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 can be useful however they should only be used when all other options are exhausted.
2. Lost Keys
One of the most common reasons for being locked out is the loss of your keys. It's easy for a driver to lose a key, or leave it in a place when they are in a hurry or distracted. It is possible to avoid this kind of lockout if you have a spare or backup key.
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 also keep an electronic key finder in your vehicle or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or you can make use of an app on your smartphone that tracks the location of the key fob in your car.
Another possibility is that you lost your car keys because it was stolen. It is recommended to submit a claim to the police in the case. This will result in an official record on paper and could assist you in getting compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.
The locks of your car may become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. This is particularly in the case of older models that require you 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, resulting in expensive repairs.
3. Broken Keys
Although keys are designed to withstand a lot of force, excessive use can result in wear and wear that eventually weakens the metal. This can lead to broken pieces of keys that are stuck in your lock. You can easily remove them using 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 key is sticking out of the lock, you'll 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. Be aware that the removal process could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient the damaged key may be pushed deeper into the lock. This could cause further damage.
You can use a small saw-blade that you can buy at most hardware stores to take out broken keys. However, it must be handled with extreme care and precision to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If the other methods don't work you may have to drill the lock cylinder to open it. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a safe location, like a gas station or convenience store restaurant.
If you are forced to use this method, make sure you locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Don't linger on a deserted road, parking deck or lot where you might be targeted by thieves. If you can, contact the locksmith from your phone while you're in a safe area and ask them to meet them there to assist in the removal.
4. Key fob or transponder damaged
Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, could fail over time. This can be a major issue for owners of vehicles as they will no longer be able to start their car or open their doors. It is essential to contact a locksmith to help you solve this issue.
One of the most obvious signs that your key fob or transponder is malfunctioning is when it doesn't start your engine. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including a dead battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.
You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your area to have the chip or key fob replaced.
locked keys car for experiencing the problem with your key fob is due to physical damage. This could be caused by cracks or breaks in the key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue that affect the internal function of the key fob. It is crucial to have it repaired or replaced as soon as you can in order to avoid having it lead to other issues with your vehicle.
Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare situation, and it's essential to take precautions to prevent it from happening in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking your keys before exiting your vehicle can help you avoid this problem. In addition you can help yourself get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and easily accessible. Contact us to schedule an appointment with locksmiths if you've had any of these problems with your keys or locks.
5. You've accidentally left your keys in the lock.
It's easy to forget your keys in the car while you're on the move during an extremely busy day. Keep calm and find out how you were locked out of your car. Recalling what happened can help you avoid an identical situation in the future.
It is advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your possession to prevent locking them inside. This could mean storing it somewhere you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a trusted friend keep a spare key at their home or at work, or using the lockout kit. Certain automakers offer services that let you unlock your car remotely. However, these typically require the purchase of a subscription.
You can also contact a roadside service, such as AAA or the roadside assistance program offered by your automaker. These can sometimes come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers provide owners these programs for free, like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.
If you don't have an extra key or roadside assistance plan, calling local authorities can be an alternative. But, make sure you only call emergency services when you or others are in danger. You could be penalized or face legal consequences if you use emergency services. You should also accurately assess the urgency before you call for help, as this will determine the most appropriate solution. To avoid getting locked out of your car in the future, countercheck everything prior to getting back in and avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will help ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked. It can also help keep your car safe from harm during transportation should it need to be moved to a new destination.