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

Everyone can feel the strain of a car lockout. To avoid this ensure you keep a spare car key in a secure place.

This article examines the most common causes of car lockouts and provides some easy DIY methods, such as 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 forget your keys in the ignition or on the seat. Then you're locked outside because your door locks by itself. This is the most common reason for vehicle lockouts. It's an excellent idea to keep the spare car key in a secure place.

Don't panic. It may seem as if you've failed but it's not. Most roadside assistance and auto wreckers provide locksmith services and are trained to open nearly any vehicle swiftly. They can also assist you to determine what went wrong with the car's lock to prevent repeating the same issue in the future.

Keep your keys in your purse, backpack or bag while you travel. That way you're less likely lose your keys in the midst of. You can also look for them in the usual places, but don't try to hide them. Thieves are clever and might have thought of all the usual places to hide.

You might be able to use an application that turns your phone into a key fob, depending on the car's manufacturer. This is especially helpful in the event that you've lost your keys or left them in the vehicle, and it's available for most modern vehicles. Check the website of your automaker to see if it has an application, and how to install it. 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 usually is covered in these instances, however the exact terms and amount of coverage could differ.

2. Your transponder keys are not working.

When it comes to modern vehicles, there are few things more frustrating than being locked out of your car. Luckily, with the help of a professional locksmith, this problem can be resolved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Transponder keys are now a standard feature in most cars because they offer increased security and function. However, like any other electronic device, they are prone to suffer from failures and problems at times. It is therefore important to understand what signs your transponder keys are failing to ensure that it is fixed immediately.

The most typical sign that your transponder key isn't working is when it stops working in your car's lock. This could be due to many different reasons. It could be because the microchip inside the key has stopped working or because there is an issue with the RF signal that is transmitted between the chip and the computer in your car's system. Another possibility is that the bottom part of the key is worn down or dull, which may cause interference with the signal from the radio.

If this is the situation Try another key and see if that works. You should also ensure that there isn't a nearby object blocking the signal. If you're still having issues with your key, contact a locksmith that specializes in vehicle-transponder keys. They'll be able to test it and perhaps fix it. They will be able tell you what's causing the transponder to malfunction and How To Open A Car Door Without A Key to fix the issue. In most cases, a locksmith will be capable of reprogramming your key to ensure it functions in your vehicle again.

3. The lock on your car door opener is stuck

A jammed or blocked locking mechanism is the reason of many car door lockouts. Over time, dirt, rust, and other impurities could build in the lock, causing it to become jammed. This could make it difficult even impossible, to open the car's door and may also prevent your key fob from unlocking the door after you press its button.

You may have to grease the lock with WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser in order to unlock the lock. These products can be bought at home improvement centers or at auto supply stores. They can be sprayed on the lock using a flathead screwdriver, or any other thin object that you could put into the keyhole in order to get at the mechanism behind it. If you're unable to insert the key or key fob to grease the lock this way, try wiggling it back and forth using needle-nosed pliers.

Another reason for vehicle lockout is a broken link between the door handle, lock cylinder, or interior locking post/switch and the door latch for your car. This can be caused by extreme weather conditions or by the constant use of the lock, and could cause you to be in a position to not open the door of your vehicle and gain access to your items.

To avoid this issue, you can keep a spare car key in a safe location and change the battery in the key fob frequently to prolong its life. Some automakers offer apps that you can download to unlock your car remotely when it is locked. Contact your automaker to determine if such an app is available.

4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died

Car key fobs use batteries to function and, sometimes they run out of juice. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries. If your car's key fob doesn't function at all, it could indicate that something else is not working. Refer to the manual of your car in case you're experiencing this issue.

If you've lost your car key and don't have a spare call locksmiths for help. Many locksmiths provide emergency lockout services and could be able to help you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay for a tow or another recovery service.

You could also try using a key to unlock your car's door. Most newer vehicles have a hidden key slot on the driver's side of the door, which is usually located behind the handle cover. Use the mechanical key for opening the door, and the fob to start the vehicle (if required). Certain manufacturers have an automatic backup system in their vehicles that allows you to start your vehicle by using an unresponsive fob.

Being locked out of your vehicle is never enjoyable, and it is especially stressful when it happens in a strange location. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key somewhere secure at home or with a trusted person, and to change the battery in your key fob regularly. You can also try to increase the possibility of locating your keys by investing a Bluetooth tracker. These devices emit a distinctive signature that you can connect to an app on your smartphone, which can be very useful in locating your keys when they get lost or misplaced.

5. Your Car's Lock has Contained Dirt

Over time over time, grime, dirt, and other debris may build up in the locks of your car which can cause them to become jammed and prevent you from opening your door. To prevent this from happening it is crucial to grease your locks and hinges at least once a year with either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

Another method to avoid having the possibility of a vehicle lock being lost is to always keep a spare key on hand. You can do this by carrying the spare key in your wallet or purse and leaving it with a family member or by giving one to your valet if you live in an apartment. It is also advisable to have the number of the locksmith you can contact. This will save you time and stress if you ever need to get locked out of the vehicle.

Many automakers also provide roadside assistance services to help drivers regain access to their vehicles during an emergency lockout. This includes GM’s OnStar service that has been available for years, Mercedes’ Mbrace service and Hyundai BlueLink. If none of these options are available, call a towing company in your area to fix the issue.

If you're in search of a trustworthy and reliable towing service, contact Richman Automotive & Towing today!

It's never a good idea to be in a car lockout situation. There are plenty of quick solutions for this problem. Keep a spare key in your pocket and knowing who you can call for assistance is always beneficial, as well. To learn more, please visit us on the internet today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you! You can also give us a call at (301) the 777-1877.