Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key
Everyone can feel the strain of a car lockout. To avoid this, always keep a spare key in your vehicle and keep it in a safe location.
This article examines the most common causes of car lockouts, and provides simple DIY solutions, like using an old coat hanger to unlock your car's doors.
1. You Forgot Your Keys
You're preparing to run errands when you forgot your keys in the ignition or on the seat. You're suddenly stuck outside when your door locks by itself. This is among the most common reasons for vehicle lock outs and is a good reason to keep a spare key secure.
Don't get stressed. It might appear as if you've failed but it isn't. Many roadside assistance programs as well as auto wreckers offer locksmith services for vehicles, and they're trained to unlock almost every vehicle quickly. They can also help identify the issue with the lock on your vehicle to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Another method to avoid having your car lockout is by keeping your keys in a purse, backpack or other bag that you carry throughout your journey. This way you're less likely to lose your keys in a hurry. You can also look for them in the most common places, but don't attempt to hide them--thieves are smart and may have considered all the typical places to hide.
Based on the manufacturer of your car depending on the manufacturer of your car, you could be able to utilize an application that turns your smartphone into the key fob. This is particularly useful if you've lost your keys or put them in your vehicle, and it's available for all modern automobiles. Visit the website of your automaker to find out if they've got an app and how to configure it. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine if you're covered in the case that you lock your keys inside the car. Roadside assistance typically will cover these scenarios. However the exact conditions and coverage amounts may vary.
2. Your Transponder Keys have failed
There are few things more difficult in modern cars than being locked out. With the help of an expert, this issue can be solved quickly and without too much hassle.
Transponder keys are now a common feature in many cars, as they offer more security and function. Like all electronic devices, transponder keys aren't without fault and malfunction from time to the time. As such, it's important to recognize the signs that your transponder keys are failing to be able to get it fixed immediately.
If your transponder keys cease to work in the car lock This is a common indication. This could be due to a number of reasons. It could be that the microchip inside the key has stopped working or there is a problem with the RF signal that is sent by the chip to the car's computer. Another possibility is the metal on the bottom of the key becoming worn or dull. This could cause interference with the signal.
If this is the case, try using a different key to see whether it works in the lock of your car. You should also check to make sure that there isn't a nearby object blocking the signal. Finally, if you're still having issues with your key, you could always contact a locksmith who specializes in vehicle transponder keys to have it checked and possibly repaired. They will be able identify the issue that caused your transponder's malfunction and how to fix the issue. In most cases locksmiths are in a position to reprogram your key and make it work again in your vehicle.
3. Your car's lock is jammed
A jammed or blocked locking mechanism is the reason of many lockouts at the car door. Over time dirt, rust and other impurities may build up inside your lock and cause it to become jammed. This could make it difficult or even impossible to open the door of your car and can also block your key fob from unlocking the door after you press its button.
It is possible to lubricate the lock with WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser to unjam. These items can be found at home improvement centers or at auto supply stores. You can attach them to the lock with flatheads or any other thin object that you can put in your keyhole to access the mechanism. If you are unable to insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it in this manner, try moving the mechanism back and forth using needle-nose pliers until it feels free.
A damaged link between the lock's cylinder or interior locking switch/post and the car latch is a common cause of vehicle locks out. This can be caused by extreme weather conditions or due to the continuous use of the lock and could result in you being in a position to not open the door of your car and access your items.
One way to avoid this problem is to always keep a spare key safe and to replace the battery on your key fob frequently to ensure it lasts longer. Certain automakers have apps that can be downloaded to allow remote unlocking of your vehicle when it is locked. Contact your automaker to find out if a solution is available.
4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died
Car key fobs use batteries to operate and sometimes they run out of juice. This problem can be solved by changing the batteries. If your car key fob doesn't work at all, it could indicate that something else is not working properly. Refer to the manual of your vehicle if you're experiencing this problem.
If your car's key fob doesn't work and you don't have a spare, think about hiring a locksmith to assist you in getting into your vehicle. Many of these services provide emergency lockouts and may be in a position to help you gain access to your vehicle without paying for towing or other recovery services.
You can also use a physical key to unlock your car. The driver's side door of many newer vehicles has a hidden slot for keys. It's usually hidden under the handle cover. Make use of the mechanical key to open the door, and the fob to start the vehicle (if needed). Some manufacturers have an automatic backup system in their vehicles that allows you to start your car by using dead fob.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never enjoyable, and it is especially stressful when it occurs in a foreign location. Keep a spare car key at your home or with trusted acquaintances and change the battery on your key fob on a regular basis. In addition, you can try to increase the ability to locate your keys by investing in a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices emit a distinct signature that you can connect to an app on your phone, which can be very useful in locating your keys when they are lost or misplaced.
5. The lock on your car has accumulated dirt
Over time, grime and dirt build up inside your car's lock, which can cause it to become blocked and stop you from opening the door. To avoid this it is recommended that you grease the hinges and locks of your car at least twice a yearly with WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.
unlocking car door service to prevent the possibility of a vehicle lock being lost is to always have an extra key on hand. You can do this by putting an extra key in your wallet or purse, leaving one with a family member or giving a set to your valet if you live in an apartment building. You should also have the number of the locksmith you can contact. This will save you much stress and money in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle.
Many automakers also offer roadside assistance services to enable drivers to access their vehicles following a lockout situation. This includes GM's long-standing OnStar service, Mercedes' Mbrace service, and Hyundai Blue Link. If none of these options are available, call a local towing company in your area to resolve the problem.
Richman Automotive & Towing is the towing company to call to get a reliable and professional service.
You should never be in the situation of being locked out of your vehicle. There are a variety of quick solutions to this issue. It is also helpful to have a spare car key and know who to contact if you need help. Visit us online to learn more. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you! You can also call us at (301) 7777-1877.