What Is Vehicle Lock Out And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key

Locking out your vehicle is a stressful event that can happen to anyone. To avoid this, keep a spare car key in a secure place.

G28CarKeys explores some common causes of car lockout and provides some easy DIY solutions, 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 about run errands and you forgot your keys in the ignition or on the seat. Then you're locked outside because your door locks by itself. This is the most frequent reason for locking out of vehicles. It's an excellent idea to keep an extra car key in a safe place.

It might appear like a complete failure, but don't panic. Most roadside assistance programs and auto wreckers offer locksmith services for vehicles, and they're trained to unlock almost every vehicle quickly. They can also assist you to identify the issue with the lock on your car to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Keep your keys in your backpack, purse or bag whenever you travel. You're less likely forget the keys when you take this precaution. You can also look for them in the usual locations, but don't try to conceal them. Thieves know how to be clever and might have already thought of the most common hiding places.

Based on the manufacturer of your car, you may be able to utilize an app that turns your smartphone into an electronic key fob. This is especially useful in the event that you've lost your keys or have left them in the car, and it's available for all modern vehicles. Visit the website of your automaker to see if it has an application, and then how to install it. You should also check with your insurance provider to find out if you're covered in the case that you lock your keys in the car. Roadside assistance usually will cover these scenarios. However the exact details and coverage amounts could vary.

2. Your transponder keys have failed

There aren't many things more difficult in 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 an integral part of many automobiles because they provide greater security and functionality. Like any electronic device transponder keys can have problems and malfunctions from time to time. It is crucial to be aware of the indicators that your transponder is not functioning properly and be sure to have it fixed immediately.

The most common indication that your transponder keys is not working is when it stops working in the lock of your car. This could be due to many different reasons. For instance, it could be due to the microchip in the key is not working properly or due to an issue with the RF signal that is transmitted between the chip and the computer in your car's system. Another possibility is the bottom metal of the key being worn or dull. This could interfere with the signal.

If this is the situation try using a different key to check if it works. Look for something in the vicinity that could hinder the signal. If you're having issues with your key, you can seek out a locksmith that specialises in transponder keys for vehicles to have it checked and possibly repaired. They can to identify what's causing your transponder's malfunction and the best way to fix the problem. In the majority of instances locksmiths are in a position to reprogram your key and make it work again in your vehicle.

3. Your car's lock is stuck

A jammed or blocked locking mechanism is the root of many car door lockouts. Over time, rust and dirt can accumulate inside the lock, causing it to block. This can make it difficult to open your car door. It can also hinder you from using your key fob to unlock the door.

It is possible to lubricate the lock using WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser in order to unlock the lock. These products are available in auto supply stores or at home improvement stores. They can be sprayed on the lock with a flathead screwdriver or another thin object that you can insert into the keyhole in order to get at the mechanism behind it. If you are unable to insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it this way, try wiggling the mechanism with needle-nose pliers until it feels free.

A broken link between the lock cylinder or interior locking switch/post and the car latch is another frequent reason why locks on vehicles fail. This can be caused by extreme weather or by the constant use of the lock, and could cause you to be in a position to not open the door of your car and access your items.

To avoid this, you can keep an extra car key in a secure place and replace the battery of your key fob regularly to make it last longer. Certain automakers have apps that you can download to remotely unlock your car if it is locked. Contact your automaker to find out if a solution is available.

4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died

Batteries are used to charge car key fobs, and they are prone to running out of power. This issue can be resolved by changing the batteries. If your car key fob doesn't work at all, it could be a sign something else is wrong. Check the manual for your vehicle in case you're experiencing this issue.

If you've lost your car keys and don't own spare keys, you can call locksmiths for assistance. Many locksmiths provide emergency lockouts and are able help you gain entry to your vehicle without the need to pay a tow service or other recovery services.

You can also try using a physical key to open the door of your car. The driver's door on most newer cars has a hidden slot for keys. It is usually under the handle cover. Use the mechanical key to open the door, and use the fob to push the start button (if necessary). Certain manufacturers have backup systems in place that allow you to start your car with dead keys.

Locked out of your car is never fun but it can be especially frustrating when it occurs in a foreign location. Keep a spare car key at home or with trusted family members, and replace the battery on your key fob regularly. You can also try to improve the ability to locate your keys by investing an Bluetooth tracker. These devices emit an unique signature which can be connected to a phone application. This can be extremely useful in locating your keys in case they get lost or have been misplaced.

5. The lock on your car has accumulated dirt

Over time, dirt and grime build up inside the lock of your car. This could cause it to become blocked and stop you from opening the door. To prevent this from happening it is crucial to lubricate your locks and hinges at least twice each year using either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

Another way to prevent the loss of your vehicle lock is to always have a spare key on hand. You can do this in a few ways. You can carry the spare key in your purse or wallet. Or, you can leave one with a family member or friend. Or, you could give a set to the valet at your apartment if it's an apartment complex. You should also have the number of the locksmith you can contact. This will help you save time and stress if you ever need to get locked out of your vehicle.

Many automakers offer roadside assistance that can help drivers gain access to their car in a lockout scenario. This includes GM's OnStar service, which has been around 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 problem.

If you're looking for a professional and reliable towing service, call Richman Automotive & Towing today!

You should never be in a situation where you are locked out of your car. There are a variety of quick solutions to this problem. Keep a spare key 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 here to answer any questions you might have. We look forward working with you. You can also call us at (301) 7777-1877.