5 Auto Lock Out Projects That Work For Any Budget

Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

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

There are several techniques to allow you access to your vehicle without causing damage. The most basic method to avoid a lockout is to have an extra key.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your car is not just a hassle but also risky. There are a myriad of reasons why you might be locked out, and it is crucial to know the reasons. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent future issues.

Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to breach their system. This could be an advantage and a curse, since you might not be able access your vehicle if your keys remain inside. This can happen when you juggle your phone, cup of coffee and briefcase as walk towards the driver's door. This could trigger the key fob to automatically lock your doors as you go to open them.

It is better to seek roadside assistance if you are in this kind of situation, rather than attempt to open the lock with an improvised tool like hangers or strings. A professional locksmith can help you avoid damaging your vehicle and offer an immediate solution.

Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities could accumulate within your lock, causing it to jam. This could also happen if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or some other incident. This can render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective, and you won't be able to reenter the car.

Certain automakers offer a downloadable app you can use to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency. GM offers this service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai offer similar apps. These tools can be helpful, but they should only be employed as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

One of the most common reasons for being locked out is losing your keys. It is easy to lose keys or leave them in a hurry, or when you're distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout if you've got an extra key or backup.

If you have an extra key, make sure it's in a secure place that only you or someone else you trust has access to. You can keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to swiftly and easily locate your keys. The devices emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or make use of a smartphone app that determines the location of your car's key fob.

You may have lost your car keys as they were stolen. It is recommended to make a report to the police if this is the situation. This will create a paper record and may aid you in obtaining compensation from your insurance company in the case of theft.

Your car's locks can become more difficult to open due to rust or normal wear. 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 your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, these can cause damage to your door locks and ultimately result in expensive repairs and repairs, so the ideal option is to wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are made to withstand a lot of force but overuse 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 at the very least get rid of the remaining key without causing any damage to the lock mechanism.

If a small portion of your key is sticking out of the lock, you'll usually extract it with the help of needle nose pliers. If the piece that fell off is stuck in the lock, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver or another tool that's small enough to fit into the lock. It's important to be aware that the process of extracting it could require several attempts and patience. If you're impatient you could accidentally push the broken key lockout service even further into the lock, causing even more damage.

You can use a small saw-blade that you can buy at most hardware stores to cut off broken keys. However, this should be used with extreme care and precision to avoid harming the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail you may have to drill the lock cylinder to pry it open. This isn't recommended unless you can do so from an area that is secure such as gas station, restaurant or convenience store.

If you have to resort to this method, try to locate a public space where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not sit in an empty parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. Request the locksmith to meet you in a secure location if it is possible.

4. Damaged transponder or key fob

Car key fobs, as any other electronic device, may malfunction over time. This can be a big problem for vehicle owners who not be able to start their vehicles or even open their doors. If this happens, it's important to speak with a professional locksmith to resolve the problem.

If your key fob, or transponder isn't turning your engine on, it is a common indication that it's malfunctioning. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a dead or malfunctioning key chip.

To troubleshoot this, you should try replacing the batteries in your fob key. If this doesn't work then you may have to visit a local auto shop or dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage could also be a reason for malfunctioning fob. It could be due to a damaged or cracked key shell, worn-out contactors, or any other cause that can affect the internal functioning of your key fob. It is recommended to repair or replaced as soon as you can, as it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

Locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's crucial to take steps to avoid it from happening in the near future. Avoiding this problem can be accomplished by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys when you leave your vehicle. Also, you can make it easier to return to your car in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and easily accessible. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. Accidentally Leave Your Keys Inside

It's easy how to unlock your car lose your keys in the car when you're rushing through the day. If you get locked out of your car, remain at peace and try to determine why you got into this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling what you did.

The best way to prevent accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure you have an extra key in your possession. You can store it in a safe place where you or someone who you trust is able to access easily or have a trusted friend keep one at their workplace or at home, or make use of the lockout tool. Some automakers provide services that let you unlock your car remotely. However, they usually require a subscription.

Another option is to call a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services can often come to your aid at a cost of a flat fee. Certain automakers, like GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs for free to their owners.

Contacting local authorities is an option if have a spare key or have a roadside assistance plan. Be sure to contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. You could be penalized or be subject to legal action if you make a mistake when using emergency services. You should also accurately assess the urgency before you seek help, since this will determine the best solution. Do not rush out of your car and making sure you check everything prior to getting in to avoid being locked out again in the future. This can help you ensure you don't leave any doors or windows unlocked, and will help keep your car safe from damage during transport in the event that it needs to be moved to a new location.