Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key

A vehicle lockout is a stressful experience that can occur to anyone. To prevent this from happening make sure you keep a spare key in a safe location.

This article examines the most common causes of car lockouts and provides some easy DIY techniques, like using an altered wire coat hanger to unlock your car's door.

1. You forgot your keys

It's a nightmare for any car owner: you're about make errands, but you leave your keys on the seat or in the ignition. Before you know it, your door locks automatically and you're trapped outside. This is one of the most frequent reasons for lockouts in vehicles and is a good reason to always keep a spare key in a place that is safe.

Don't panic. It might appear like you've failed, but it isn't. Most roadside assistance and auto wreckers provide locksmith services and are trained to open nearly every vehicle quickly. They can also assist you to figure out what went wrong with the lock on your vehicle so you can avoid it occurring again in the future.

Keep your keys in your purse, backpack, or bag when you drive. You're less likely forget them when you do this. You can also look for them in the most common spots, but do not try to conceal them. Thieves can be clever and may have already thought of the most commonly used hiding spots.

You might be able to use an application that turns your phone into a key fob, depending on the car's manufacturer. This is a great option for those who have lost their keys, or if they are still in the car. It's available on most modern cars. Visit the website of your car manufacturer to determine if they offer an application and how to open locked car door without key to set it up. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to find out whether you're covered in the case that you lock your keys inside the car. Roadside assistance typically covers these kinds of situations. However the exact details and coverage amounts could differ.

2. Your transponder keys are not working.

There aren't many things that are more than a hassle when it comes to modern vehicles than being locked out. Luckily with the assistance of a professional locksmith, this issue can be solved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Transponder keys have become a standard feature in most automobiles due to their increased security and efficiency. Like any electronic device transponder keys may have issues and malfunction from time to moment. Therefore, it's crucial to understand what signs your transponder keys are failing to be able to get it repaired immediately.

If the transponder keys stop working in the car lock, this is a common sign. This can happen for a number of reasons. It could be that the microchip in the key has stopped working or there is a problem with the RF signal transmitted by the chip to the computer in the car. Another possibility is that the bottom metal part of the key is worn down or dull, which could cause interference with the signal from the radio.

If this is the situation try using a different key to check if it works. Also, ensure that there isn't a nearby object blocking the signal. If you're still experiencing issues with your key, you should contact an expert locksmith who specializes in transponder keys for vehicles. They'll test it and perhaps fix it. They can tell you what's causing the transponder to malfunction and how to get my keys out of my locked car to fix the issue. In most instances locksmiths are able to reprogram the key so that it functions in your vehicle again.

3. Your Car's Lock is Jammed

Many car door lockouts can be attributed to a jammed or blocked lock mechanism. Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities could build within the lock, causing it to become jammed. This could make it difficult, even impossible, to open the door of your car and may also prevent your key fob from unlocking the door after you press its button.

It is possible to grease the lock with WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser to free it from jamming. These products can be purchased at home improvement stores or auto supply shops. They can be applied to the lock with a flathead screwdriver or another thin object that you can put into the keyhole in order to get at the mechanism behind it. If you cannot insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it in this manner, try moving the mechanism back and forth with needle-nose pliers until it feels free.

Another reason that causes vehicle lockouts is a broken link between the door handle, lock cylinder or the interior locking switch/post/switch and the door latch for your car. Extreme weather conditions, or constant use of the lock can cause this. Then, you will be unable open the car door and gain access to your belongings.

To avoid this To avoid this, keep the spare car key in a safe place and replace the battery in your key fob on a regular basis to make it last longer. Some automakers offer applications that you can download to unlock your car remotely when it is locked. Check with your manufacturer to determine if such an app is available.

4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died

Batteries power car key fobs and can be depleted of power. Luckily, you can often solve this problem by simply replacing the batteries. If your car key fob isn't working at all, it could be a sign something else is wrong. If you're having this issue, check the manual for your vehicle to see what other steps you could take.

If your car key fob isn't working and you don't have a spare, think about hiring a locksmith to help you get into your vehicle. A lot of locksmiths offer emergency lockouts, and could be in a position to help you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay a tow service or other recovery services.

You could also try using a physical key to open the door of your car. The majority of newer cars come with a key slot hidden on the driver's side of the door, which is typically located behind the handle cover. Make use of the mechanical key for opening the door, and then the fob to start the vehicle (if needed). Some manufacturers have an automatic backup system in their cars that allow you to start your vehicle with a dead fob.

It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially when it happens in a strange area. Keep an extra car key at home or with trusted friends and change the battery of your key fob on a regular basis. In addition, you could attempt to improve the ability to locate your keys by purchasing a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices emit a distinct signature that can be connected to an app on your phone, which can be very useful in finding your keys if they are lost or are not found.

5. Your Car's Lock has Contained Dirt

Over time dirt, grime and other debris can accumulate within the locks of your car and cause them to jam and block the ability to open your door. To prevent this from happening, it is important to lubricate your locks and hinges at a minimum of twice every year using either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

Another method to avoid having the loss of your vehicle lock is to always have an extra key in your possession. You can do this in a few ways. You can keep a spare in your wallet or purse. You can also leave it with a family member or friend. You could also give a set to the valet of your apartment if it's an apartment complex. Additionally you should keep the contact number of your locksmith handy. This will help you avoid much stress and money in the event you get locked out of your vehicle.

Many automakers also provide roadside assistance to assist drivers in regaining access to their vehicles in an incident of lockout. This includes GM's OnStar service, which has been available for years, Mercedes’ Mbrace service and Hyundai BlueLink. However, if none of these options are available, you should call a local towing company to solve the issue.

If you're looking for a reliable and professional towing service, call Richman Automotive & Towing today!

It is not a good idea to be in the situation of being locked myself out of car (navigate to this website) out of your car. There are plenty of quick solutions to this issue. Keep a spare key in your pocket and knowing who to call for help is always helpful, as well. To learn more, please visit us online today. We're happy to answer any of your questions. We look forward working with you. You can also contact us at (301) 777-1877.