What Is Auto Lock Out And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

Getting locked out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.

There are several techniques to help you enter your vehicle without causing damage. Keep the spare car keys in your car. This is the most basic method to prevent a lockout.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of your vehicle is not only frustrating but also dangerous. You could be locked out for various reasons, and it's essential to be aware of the causes. Knowing what to look out for can help you prevent future issues.

The majority of modern vehicles have advanced security systems that can detect any attempt to breach their system. This is a blessing but also a curse, since it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your vehicle even when your keys are in it. This can happen when you juggle your phone, coffee cup, and briefcase as you approach the driver's side door. The key fob may be triggered to shut your doors when you attempt to open them.

It is recommended to call roadside assistance if in this type of situation rather than attempt to open the lock with improvised tools such as hangers or strings. A professional locksmith has the proper tools to avoid damaging your vehicle, and they can often provide the fastest solution.

Over time, rust, dirt and other impurities could accumulate in your lock, causing it to become jammed. This is also the case when your door is damaged from an accident or other event. This could render your key fob or any other security mechanism ineffective and you will not be able to enter the car.

Some automakers have a unique application that can be downloaded to unlock your car in the event of an emergency. GM provides this service through its OnStar subscription, and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai also have similar apps. These tools are useful however they should only be employed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is among the most frequent reasons for getting locked out. It's easy to lose a key or leave it in a hurry, or while distracted. The good news is, you can avoid this kind of lockout by having a spare key or an alternative plan to gain access to your vehicle.

If you have an extra key, be sure it's stored in a secure place that only you or someone you trust has access to. You can also keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to quickly and easily locate your keys. These devices sound an alert to aid you in finding your keys, or make use of a smartphone app that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.

Another possibility is that you have lost the car key due to it was stolen. If this is the case, always make a police report, which will leave an evidence trail on paper and could aid your insurance company in providing compensation in the event of a theft.

Sometimes, your car's locks can get damaged because of natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them more difficult to open. This is particularly true for older models that require the user to insert a key manually into the lock. Although there are DIY methods for unlocking your car like using coat hangers or Slim Jims, they could harm your door locks and ultimately result in costly repairs, so the best thing to do is wait for roadside assistance.

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to withstand the force of a lot however, excessive use could cause the metal to weaken. This can lead to broken key fragments that become stuck in your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove these with some basic tools or at least free the rest of your key with minimal damage to the car lock mechanism.

If a small amount of your broken key is sticking out of the lock, you'll be able to remove it using the help of needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is buried deep within the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be required. It's important to remember that the extraction process could take several attempts and patience. If you're not patient, the broken key could be pushed further into the lock. This will cause more damage.

A more radical home-grown method for removing broken keys is to use the small saw blade that can be bought at most hardware stores. However, this should be done with extreme care and precision in order to keep the cylinder of the lock from being damaged. If the other methods don't work, you might need to drill into the lock cylinder and cut it open. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure location, such as a gas station, convenience store, or restaurant.

If you are forced to use this method, locate a location where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid lingering on an empty street, parking lot or deck where you could be targeted by thieves. Ask the locksmith to meet you at a secure location if it is possible.

4. Key fob or transponder damaged

Like all electronic devices car key fobs and transponders are also susceptible to fail as time passes. This could be a major issue for owners of vehicles since they'll no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or even open their doors. It's essential to contact locksmiths to help troubleshoot this problem.

If your key fob, or transponder fails to turn your engine on, this is a typical indication that it's malfunctioning. This can occur for many reasons, such as the battery being dead or a malfunctioning key fob chip.

To troubleshoot this, you should try replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this isn't working, you may need to visit an auto repair shop in your area or dealership to get the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage could also be a cause of an unresponsive fob. keys in car locked out can be caused by broken or cracked key shell, worn-out contacts, or other factors that affect the internal functionality of the key fob. It is recommended to repair or replaced as quickly as possible as it could cause other issues with your vehicle.

It's an absolute nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle It's crucial to prevent this from happening again. To avoid this issue, it can be accomplished by creating routines that ensure that you have your keys when you exit your vehicle. Also, you can help yourself return to your car in the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe and accessible. If you've had any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to schedule an appointment with a certified locksmith.

5. You've accidentally threw your keys in the lock.

It's easy to lose your keys in the car while you're on the move during the day. Be calm and try to identify the reason you locked yourself out of your car. You can avoid a repeat of the same scenario by recollecting what you did.

The best way to avoid from accidentally locking your keys in is to make sure you have an extra key in your possession. You can store it in a safe place where you or someone you trust can easily access or have a friend keep one at their office or home or make use of an instrument for locking out. Some automakers also offer services that let you unlock your vehicle via remote, but they tend to require an annual subscription.


You can also contact a roadside assistance service, like AAA or the roadside assistance program of your automaker. These services can come to your rescue for a flat fee, Moody notes. Certain automakers offer these programs to owners at no cost, such as GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz Mbrace.

Contacting local authorities is an option if have a spare key or have a roadside service plan. Be sure to only contact emergency services if you or someone else is in danger. In the event of a mishap, you could be subject to fines or legal action if you are using emergency services in a way that is not safe. You must also be able to accurately assess the urgency before you need help, as this will help you determine the best solution. To avoid being locked out of your car in the future, make sure you check everything before you get back in and not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will allow you to ensure that you don't forget to lock your doors or windows and keep your vehicle safe throughout its journey.