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 and keep it in a safe location.

This article examines the most common causes of car lockout and offers some simple DIY methods, such as using a modified wire coat hanger to unlock the door of your car.

1. You Forgot Your Keys

It’s a nightmare for any car owner: you’re about run errands, and you forget keys on the seat or in the ignition. You’re stuck outside after your door locks by itself. This is among the most frequent reasons for vehicle lock outs and is a good reason to always keep a spare key secure.

It might appear like a complete failure, but don’t be worried. The majority of roadside assistance and auto wreckers provide locksmith services and are trained to open nearly any car quickly. They can also assist you to determine what went wrong with the lock on your vehicle so that you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Another way to avoid a vehicle lockout is to keeping your keys in a purse, backpack or other bag that you carry on all drives. You’re less likely forget them if you use this method. You can also search for them in the most common spots, but do not attempt to hide them. Thieves can be clever and might have already thought of the most popular hiding spots.

You could be able use an application that can turn your smartphone in the role of a key fob, based on the manufacturer of your car. This is especially helpful when you’ve lost your keys or put them in your vehicle, and it’s available for most modern automobiles. Visit the website of your automaker to determine if they offer an application and how to open car keys locked inside to install it. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine if you’re covered in the event that you lock your keys inside the car lockout service. Roadside assistance usually covers these kinds of situations. However the exact terms and coverage amounts can vary.

2. Your transponder keys are not working.

There are few things more frustrating when it comes to modern vehicles than being locked out. Luckily with the assistance of a skilled locksmith, this problem can be resolved quickly and without a lot of hassle.

Transponder keys are now a standard feature in most cars because they offer increased security and efficiency. However, like any other electronic device, they can suffer from failures and problems from time to time. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs that your transponder key is failing to be able to get it serviced right away.

The most common sign that your transponder key isn’t working is when it stops working in your car’s lock. This could be due to various reasons. It could be because the microchip in the key has stopped working or there is a problem between the RF signal sent by the chip to the computer in the car. 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 a different key and see if that works. Look for something in the vicinity that could be blocking the signal. If you still have problems with your key, you should contact an expert locksmith who specializes in vehicle-transponder keys. They’ll be able to test it and perhaps fix it. They will be able identify the issue that caused your transponder’s malfunction and the best way to fix the problem. In most cases locksmiths are able to reprogram your key to ensure it can work in your car again.

3. Your car’s lock is blocked

A blocked or jammed locking mechanism is the reason of many lockouts at the car door. Over time, dirt and rust build up within your lock, causing it to become jammed. This can make it difficult to open the car door. It can also hinder you from using your key fob to unlock the door.

You may need to grease the lock with WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser in order to free it from jamming. These products can be bought at home improvement centers or auto supply shops. They can be sprayed on the lock with a flathead screwdriver, or any other small object that you can insert into the keyhole to access the mechanism behind it. If you are unable to insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it by this method, try wriggling the mechanism back and forth with needle-nose pliers until it feels free.

Another reason that causes car lockouts is a damaged link between the door handle, lock cylinder or interior locking post/switch and the door latch of the car. This is sometimes caused by extreme weather conditions or by the constant use of the lock and can result in your being incapable of opening the door of your car and gain access to your belongings.

To avoid this problem, you can keep an extra car key in a safe location and change the battery on your key fob regularly to make it last longer. Certain automakers have applications that can be downloaded to allow remote unlocking of your vehicle when it is locked. Check with your manufacturer 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 are not able to provide juice. This problem can be solved by simply replacing the batteries. If your car’s key fob doesn’t work in any way, it could be an indication that something else is wrong. If you are experiencing this issue, consult the manual for your car to see what other steps you can take.

If you’ve lost your car key and don’t own a spare contact locksmiths for help. Many locksmiths provide emergency lockout assistance and may be able to help gain access to your car without the need to pay for a tow or another recovery services.

You can also utilize a physical key to unlock your car. Most modern vehicles have a key slot hidden on the driver’s side of the door, which is typically hidden behind the handle cover. Use the mechanical key to open the door, and use the fob to press the start button (if required). Some manufacturers have an emergency system built into their car that allows you to start your car with a dead fob.

It’s never fun being locked out of your car and especially when it happens in a strange place. The best way to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key secure at home or with a trusted friend, and to replace the battery on your key fob frequently. In addition, you can attempt to improve your ability to find your keys by investing in a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices emit an unique signature that can be connected to a smartphone app. This can be extremely helpful in finding your keys if they’ve been lost or misplaced.

5. The lock of your car has been accumulating dirt

Over time, dirt, grime, and other debris can accumulate in your car lock out‘s locks and cause them to jam and block the ability to open locked car your door. To prevent this from happening it is crucial to keep your locks lubricated and hinges at least twice a year with either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

Another method to avoid having the loss of your vehicle lock is to always have an extra key in your possession. You can do this by putting the spare key in your wallet or purse and leaving it with a family member, or donating a set to your valet, if you live in an apartment building. It is also advisable to keep the contact information of the locksmith in your area. This will spare you lots of stress and money in the event that you are locked out of your vehicle.

Many automakers also provide roadside assistance to enable drivers to access their vehicles following a lockout situation. 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, contact a towing company in your area to resolve the issue.

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional towing company, contact Richman automotive lock & Towing today!

You shouldn’t ever be in an instance where you’re locked out of your vehicle. There are several quick solutions to this problem. A spare key should be kept in your pocket and knowing who to call to get help is always helpful and is also helpful. Visit us online to find out more. We’re happy to answer any of your questions. We are looking forward to working with you! We can be reached at (301) 777-1877.