5 Auto Lock Out Lessons From The Pros Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

It could be more than a nuisance. It can be a risk.

Fortunately, there are many techniques that can assist you in getting back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle. This is the simplest way to avoid being locked out.

1. Locked Out of Your Car

It is a risk to be locked out of your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons why you might be locked out, and it's important to understand the causes. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid future issues.

Modern cars are equipped with highly sophisticated security systems that can detect attempts to break into their security. This is a blessing and a curse, as it may sometimes prevent you from having access to your car even when your keys are inside it. This could happen if you are juggling your coffee cup, phone, and briefcase when you are near the door to the driver. This can trigger the key fob to automatically close your doors when you go to open them.

If you find yourself in this type of situation you should call for roadside assistance instead of trying to use the tools you have at hand, such as hangers or strings to open your lock. A professional locksmith can assist you in avoiding damaging your vehicle and provide a quick fix.

Over time, dirt, rust and other impurities build inside your lock, causing it to jam. It can also happen when the door is damaged by an accident or another event. This can render your key fob and other security devices ineffective, and you will be unable to get back into your vehicle.

Certain automakers have a downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in an emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai provide similar apps. These tools can be helpful but should only be utilized as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is among the most common reasons for getting locked out. It's easy for a driver to lose a key or leave it unattended when they are in a hurry or distracted. You can avoid this type of lockout by having an extra key or backup.

If you have an extra key, put it in a safe place that only you or someone you trust will be able to access it. You can keep an electronic key finder in your car or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. locked car keys in car emit a loud alert to assist you in finding your keys, or use a smartphone app that monitors the location of the key fob in your car.

You might have lost your car keys as they were stolen. It is recommended to submit a claim to the police in the situation. This will create an official record on paper and could assist you in getting compensation from your insurance company in the event of theft.

Sometimes, your car's locks can become damaged due to natural wear and tear or rusting over time, making them difficult to open. This is especially in the case of older models that require you to manually insert the key into the lock. There are DIY methods to unlock your car like using Slim Jims or coat hangers but these can damage the door locks, resulting in costly repairs.

3. Broken Keys

Although keys are designed to withstand considerable force, excessive use can lead to wear and tear that eventually weakens metal. This can lead to broken pieces of keys getting stuck inside your lock. Fortunately, you can often remove these with some basic tools, or at the very least remove the remainder of your key with minimal damage to the lock mechanism.

If only a small portion of the broken key protrudes from the lock, it can be removed with a pair needle nose pliers. If the damaged piece is lodged deep inside the lock, a flathead or other small tool will be required. Remember that the extraction may require several attempts and patience. If you're too impatient you could accidentally push the damaged key even further into the lock and cause even more damage.

A more radical home-grown method for removing broken keys involves using a small saw blade which is available at many hardware stores. However, this must be done with extreme care and precision to avoid harming the lock cylinder. If all other methods fail then you might need to drill the lock cylinder to open it. This is not recommended unless it's possible to do it in a secure location, such as an gas station, convenience store, or restaurants.


If you must resort to this method, make sure you locate a place in the public where you can wait for the locksmith to arrive. Do not sit in an empty parking lot, street or deck, where you could be targeted by burglars. If you are able, call the locksmith from your phone while you're in a safe location and ask whether they'll meet you there to help with the extraction.

4. Damaged Transponder or Key Fob

Car key fobs, like any other electronic device, could malfunction over time. This could be a major issue for owners of vehicles who no longer have the ability to start their vehicles or unlock their doors. If this happens, it's crucial to contact an expert locksmith to resolve the issue.

If your key fob, or transponder does not turn your engine on, it is a typical sign that it is malfunctioning. This can be caused by many reasons, including a dead or malfunctioning key chip.

You can solve the issue by replacing the batteries in your key fob. If this fails, you could need to visit an auto shop or a dealership in your area to get the chip or key fob replaced.

Another reason you might be experiencing an issue with your key fob could be due to physical damage. This can be caused by a cracked or broken key shell, worn-out contacts, or any other issue that impact the internal functioning of the key fob. It is essential to get the key replaced or repaired as soon as you can, as it can also result in other issues with your vehicle.

Being locked out of your vehicle is a nightmare scenario, and it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. Implementing a system that involves double-checking to ensure you have your keys before exiting your vehicle can help avoid this issue. You can also make it easier for you to get into your car by keeping a spare in an easily accessible, safe location. If you've been experiencing any problems with your key fob or locks, call us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.

When you're running around, it's easy to leave your keys in the vehicle. Stay 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 the risk of accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure that you have a spare key available. This could involve storing it somewhere you or someone else you trust will be able to access quickly, having a friend keep a spare key at their workplace or at home, or using the lockout kit. Some automakers provide services that let you unlock your vehicle remotely. However, they usually require a subscription.

Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service like AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services can often assist you at a cost of a flat fee. Some automakers, including GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace, offer these programs for free to their owners.

If you don't have a spare key or a roadside assistance plan calling local authorities could be a viable alternative. However, be sure to only call emergency services when you or your family members are in danger. If you don't, you could be liable to fines or legal action if you are misusing emergency services. It is important to assess the urgency before you seek help, since this will help you determine the best solution. To avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future. Make sure to check every aspect before getting back in and avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle. This will allow you to ensure that you remember to lock your doors or windows, and help keep your vehicle safe during transit.