Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key
Vehicle lock out can be a stressful and frightening experience that can occur to anyone. To prevent this from happening, always have a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe location.
This article examines the most frequent causes of car lockouts, and provides easy DIY solutions, including using a modified coat hanger to open the doors of your car.
1. You've Forgotten Your Keys
You're running errands, and you forget your keys in the ignition or on the seat. You're stuck outside after your door locks itself. This is the most common reason for vehicle lockouts. It's recommended to keep an extra car key in a secure location.
It may appear like a complete failure, but don't panic. The majority of roadside assistance and auto wreckers offer locksmith services, and are trained to unlock nearly every vehicle quickly. They can also assist you to figure out what went wrong with your car's lock so you can avoid it repeating itself in the future.
Keep your keys in your purse, backpack or bag while you drive. You're less likely to lose the keys if you use this method. You can also search for them in the most common places, but don't attempt to hide them. Thieves know how to be clever and might have already thought of the most common hiding places.
Depending on your car's manufacturer, you may have the option of using an app that turns your smartphone into an electronic key fob. This is particularly useful if you've lost your keys or put them in your vehicle, and it's available for most modern vehicles. Check your automaker's website to determine if they offer an app and how to set it up. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered when you lock your keys inside your car. Roadside assistance usually will cover these scenarios, but the exact terms and amount of coverage might differ.
2. Your transponder keys have failed
There aren't many things more difficult when it comes to modern automobiles than being locked out. With the help of a professional, this problem can be resolved quickly, and without much hassle.
Transponder keys are now a standard feature in most automobiles because they provide greater security and efficiency. Like any electronic device transponder keys can have problems and malfunctions from time to the time. As such, it's important to know the signs that your transponder keys are failing to ensure that it is fixed immediately.
If your transponder keys stop working in the car lock it is a typical indication. This can happen for many reasons. It could be due to the microchip in the key has stopped working, or because there is an issue with the RF signal that is sent between the chip and the computer in your car's system. Another possibility is that the bottom metal part of the key is worn down or dull, which could hinder the signal from the radio.
If this is the situation, try a different key to see whether it works inside the lock of your car. Look for something in the vicinity that could block the signal. If you're having issues with your key, you could call a locksmith who specialises in transponder keys for vehicles to test it and possibly repaired. They can to identify what's causing your transponder's malfunction and the best way to fix the issue. In the majority of cases your locksmith will be in a position to reprogram your key and enable it to function again in your vehicle.
3. Your Car's Lock has been jammed
A blocked or jammed locking mechanism is the reason of many car door lockouts. Over time, dirt and rust can accumulate inside the lock, which causes it to jam. This can make it extremely difficult to open the car door. It can also hinder you from using your key fob to unlock the door.
If you are in this situation it is possible to lubricate your lock using penetrating catalysts or WD-40 in order to unjam it. These products can be purchased at home improvement stores or at auto supply stores. You can apply them to the lock with a flathead or other thin object that you can put in your keyhole to open the mechanism. If you're unable to insert the key or key fob to lubricate the lock by wriggling it back and forth with needle-nosed pliers.
A damaged link between the lock cylinder the post or interior locking switch and car latch is another frequent cause of vehicle locks out. Extreme weather conditions or continuous use of the lock could cause this. Then, you will be unable to open the car door and gain access to your belongings.
To avoid this to avoid this issue, keep a spare car key in a secure location and replace the battery of the key fob frequently to ensure it lasts longer. Certain automakers have applications that you can download to allow remote unlocking of your vehicle when it is locked. Contact your automaker to determine if such an app is available.
4. how to unlock your car 's Key Fob Has Died
Batteries power key fobs for cars and can be depleted of power. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries. If your car's key fob doesn't work at all, it could indicate that something else is not working. Check the manual for your vehicle when you're experiencing this issue.
If your car key fob doesn't work, and you don't have a spare, consider hiring a locksmith to help you get into your vehicle. A lot of locksmiths offer emergency lockouts, and could be capable of helping you gain access to your vehicle without the need to pay an additional tow fee or recovery services.
You can also use a physical key to unlock your vehicle. The driver's door of most newer cars has a hidden slot for keys. It's usually located behind the handle cover. Make use of the mechanical key for opening the door, and then the fob to start the vehicle (if required). Certain manufacturers have backup systems in place that let you start your car using dead keys.
Locked out of your vehicle is never fun and can be particularly frustrating when it happens in an unfamiliar location. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key safe at home, or with a trusted person, and to replace the battery on your key fob frequently. In addition, you can try to increase your ability to find your keys by purchasing a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices emit a unique signature that can be connected to a phone application. This can be very helpful in finding your keys in case they get lost or misplaced.
5. Your car's lock has accumulated dirt
Over time, grime and dirt build up inside the lock of your car, which could cause it to get blocked and stop you from opening the door. To avoid this, you should be sure to lubricate the hinges and locks of your car at least once a year using WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.
A spare key is a good way to avoid a vehicle lockout. You can do this in a variety of ways. You can carry an extra key 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 at your apartment building if it is an apartment complex. In addition you should keep the contact number of your locksmith in your wallet. This will spare you much stress and money in the event you get locked out of your vehicle.
Many automakers also provide roadside assistance services to assist drivers in regaining access to their vehicles following an emergency lockout. This includes GM’s OnStar service that has been in operation for a long time, Mercedes’ Mbrace service and Hyundai BlueLink. If none of these options is available, call a local towing company within your region to resolve the issue.
If you're in search of a professional and reliable towing company, contact Richman Automotive & Towing today!
It's never a great thing to find yourself locked out of your car. There are many quick solutions to this problem. A spare key should be kept on hand and knowing who to contact for assistance is always beneficial and is also helpful. To learn more, please visit us online today. We are happy to answer any of your questions. We look forward working with you. We are also available to give us a an email at (301) 7777-1877.