Vehicle Lock Out – Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key
Vehicle lock out is a stressful experience that can happen to anyone. To avoid this, keep a spare car key in a safe location.
This article explores some common causes of car lockout and suggests some easy DIY techniques, like using a modified coat hanger made of wire to unlock the door of your car.
1. You’ve Forgotten Your Keys
You’re preparing to run errands when you forgot your keys in the ignition or on the seat. Before you know it, your door locks automatically and you’re locked outside. This is the most common reason for vehicle lockouts. It’s a good idea to keep the spare car key in a secure location.
Don’t panic. It may seem like you’ve failed, however it isn’t. Most roadside assistance programs and auto wreckers provide locksmith services for cars, and they’re trained to open almost any car quickly. They can also assist you to determine what went wrong with the lock on your vehicle so you can avoid it occurring again in the future.
Another way to prevent a vehicle lock out is by keeping your keys in a purse, backpack or bag that accompanies you on all drives. You’re less likely to lose the keys if you take this precaution. You can also look for them in common places, but don’t try to hide them. Thieves are clever and might have thought of all the usual places to hide.
Based on the manufacturer of your car depending on the manufacturer of your car, you could be able to utilize an app that converts your smartphone into a key fob. This is especially useful when you’ve lost your keys or have left my keys in the car them in the car and is compatible with all modern automobiles. Check the website of your car maker to determine if they have an application, and then how to open car door without key to install it. Also, you should contact your insurance company to determine if you’re covered in the case that you lock your keys in the car. Roadside assistance usually is covered in these instances, however exact terms and coverage amounts might differ.
2. Your transponder keys are not working.
In the world of modern automobiles there’s nothing more frustrating than getting locked out of your vehicle. With the assistance of a professional, this problem can be resolved quickly, and without too much hassle.
Transponder keys are a common feature in many automobiles, since they provide greater security and efficiency. But, just like any other electronic device, they can have issues and failures at times. As such, it’s important to know the signs that your transponder key is not working so you can have it repaired immediately.
The most frequent indication that your transponder keys isn’t working is when it stops working in the lock of your car. This can be caused by a variety of factors. It could be because the microchip inside the key has stopped working or because there is an issue with the radio signal that is sent between the chip and your car’s computer system. Another possibility is that the bottom part of the key is worn down or dull, which may hinder the RF signal.
If this is the case, try using an alternative key to see whether it works inside the lock of your car. Examine if there’s something in the vicinity that could block the signal. If you still have problems with your key, call locksmiths that specialize in vehicle-transponder keys. They’ll test it and perhaps fix it. They will be able identify the issue that caused your transponder to fail and how to open a car door without a key to fix the problem. In the majority of instances locksmiths will be able to reprogram your key to ensure it works in your car again.
3. Your car’s lock is jammed
A blocked or jammed locking mechanism is the reason of many car door lockouts. Over time dirt, rust and other impurities could build within the lock, causing it to jam. This can make it very difficult to open your car door. It could also stop you from using your key fob to unlock the door.
If you find yourself in this position you might need to lubricate your lock with a penetrating catalyst or WD-40 in order to unjam it. These products are available at auto supply shops or home improvement centers. They can be put on the lock with a flathead screwdriver or another thin object that you can stick into your keyhole to get at the mechanism behind it. If you’re unable to insert the key or key fob to apply lubrication to the lock by wriggling it back and forth using needle-nosed pliers.
Another common cause of car lockouts is a damaged link between the door handle, lock cylinder or the interior locking post/switch, and the door latch for your car. This is sometimes caused by extreme weather conditions or by the constant use of the lock and could result in you being unable to open the door of your vehicle and gain access to your belongings.
To avoid this problem, you can keep a spare car unlocking service key in a safe location and replace the battery of the key fob frequently to make it last longer. Some automakers also offer download applications that allow you to remotely unlock your car when it’s locked. Be sure to contact your manufacturer to see if they have one available.
4. Your Car’s Key Fob Has Died
Car key fobs use batteries to operate and sometimes they run out of juice. Luckily, you can often solve this issue by replacing the batteries. If your car’s key fob isn’t working in any way, it could indicate something else is wrong. If you are experiencing this issue, you should consult the manual for your vehicle to find out what other steps you could take.
If your car key fob isn’t working and you don’t have a spare, you should consider hiring a locksmith to assist you with accessing your vehicle. Many locksmiths provide emergency lockout services and could be able to help you gain access to your car without having to pay for a tow or other recovery services.
You could also try using a key to open the door of your car. Most newer vehicles have a hidden key slot 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 the fob to start the vehicle (if needed). Some manufacturers have an automatic backup system in their cars that allow you to start your car with a dead fob.
Locked out of your vehicle is never a pleasant experience and is especially stressful when it happens in a strange location. The best way to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key somewhere secure at home or with a trusted friend, and to replace the battery in your key fob regularly. Additionally, you can try to improve your ability to find your keys by investing in a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices emit an unique signature which you can connect to a phone application. This could be extremely useful in locating your keys if they are lost or have been misplaced.
5. The lock of your car has been accumulating dirt
Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate within the lock of your car. This can cause it to become blocked and stop you from opening the door. To prevent this from happening it is essential to keep your locks lubricated and hinges at a minimum of twice every year using either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.
Another way to prevent the possibility of a vehicle lock being lost is to always keep an extra key in your possession. You can do this by carrying a spare key in your purse or wallet and leaving it with a family or friend member or giving a set to your valet if live in an apartment building. Additionally you should keep the number of your locksmith on hand. This will help you avoid much stress and money in the event that you get locked out of your vehicle.
Many automakers also offer roadside assistance services to assist drivers in regaining access to their vehicles in an emergency lockout. This includes GM’s OnStar service, which has been available for years, Mercedes’ Mbrace service and Hyundai BlueLink. If none of these options is available, contact a towing company in your area to fix the issue.
Richman Automotive & Towing is the towing company to call to get a reliable and professional service.
It’s never a good idea to find yourself locked out of your car. Fortunately, there are many quick solutions to this problem. It is also beneficial to have an extra car key and know who to call if you require assistance. Visit us online to find out more. We’ll be glad to answer all of your questions. We look forward working with you. You can also contact us at (301) 7777-1877.