Auto Lock Out 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners Why You May Get Locked Out of Your Auto

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

There are a variety of methods to help you get into your vehicle without causing damage. The most fundamental way to avoid a lockout is to have an extra key.

1. You're locked out of your car

Being locked out of your vehicle isn't just frustrating but also risky. There are many reasons why you might be locked out, and it is essential to be aware of the reasons. If you know what to look out for it will help you avoid any future issues.

Modern cars have advanced security systems that can identify attempts to breach their system. This is a good thing and a curse as it can sometimes deny you access to your vehicle even if your keys are still in the car. This could happen when you have to juggle your phone, coffee cup and briefcase as approach the driver's side door. The key fob can be activated to shut your doors when you try to open them.

It's better to call roadside assistance if in this situation than to try to open the lock using homemade tools like hanging string or hanger. A professional locksmith has the right tools to prevent damaging your vehicle, and they will often provide you with an immediate solution.

Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities may accumulate in your lock, causing it to jam. This can also happen if your door is damaged as a result of an accident or another event. This could render your key fob or other security mechanisms ineffective, and you won't be able to get back into the car.

Some automakers offer a special downloadable app you can use to unlock your car in case of emergency. GM offers the service as part of its OnStar subscription. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have similar apps. These tools can be helpful however they should only be used when all other options have been exhausted.

2. Lost Keys

Losing your keys is among the most frequent reasons for locking yourself out. It's easy to misplace keys or leave them in a hurry, or while 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 in a place where only you or a person you trust can access it. You can keep an electronic keyfinder in your car or on your keychain to easily locate your keys. The devices emit an alert to help you find your keys. You can also utilize a smartphone application that tracks the location of your car's keyfob.

You might have lost your car keys due to the fact that they were stolen. If this is the case, you must always submit a police report which will create an official trail of evidence and help your insurance company provide compensation in the event of an incident of theft.

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

3. Broken Keys

Keys are designed to endure an enormous amount of force 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 get them out using some basic tools or at least free the rest of your key with little damage to your car lock mechanism.

If a tiny portion of the key that was broken is protruding from the lock, you'll be able to extract it with needle nose pliers. If the piece that fell off is buried deeper within the lock, you might require a flathead screwdriver or another tool that is small enough to fit inside the lock. Remember that the extraction may require several attempts and patience. If you are impatient and the damaged key is not removed, it could be pushed deeper into the lock. This could cause further damage.

You can use a small saw-blade that you can buy at most hardware stores to remove broken keys. However, it must be handled with extreme care and precision in order to ensure that the lock cylinder is not damaged. If the other methods don't work, you may need to drill the lock cylinder to pry it open. This is not recommended unless you are able to do it in a safe location, like a gas station or convenience store, or restaurant.

If you have to resort to this method, find a place where you can stay until the locksmith arrives. Avoid staying on a vacant parking lot, street or deck where you could be targeted by burglars. If possible, call the locksmith from your phone while you're in a secure area and ask them if they can meet you there to assist with the extraction.

4. Key fobs or transponders damaged

As with all electronic devices keys for cars and transponders are also susceptible to malfunction in time. This can cause a serious problem for vehicle owners as they will no longer be capable of starting their car or open their doors. If this happens, it's crucial to contact an expert locksmith to troubleshoot the problem.

One of the most obvious indications that your key fob or transponder is not working is when it fails to start your engine. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as an unresponsive battery or a malfunctioning key fob chip.


You can troubleshoot the problem by replacing the batteries on your fob. If this doesn't work you, you might need to visit a local auto repair shop or a dealership to have the chip or fob replaced.

Physical damage can also be the cause of a malfunctioning fob. This can be due to cracks or damage to the key shell, worn-out contacts or any other cause that can affect the internal functioning of your key fob. It is essential to get it repaired or replaced as soon as you can in order to avoid having it lead to other issues with your vehicle.

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your car So it's essential to prevent this from happening again. Developing a routine that involves double-checking that you have your keys before exiting your vehicle can help avoid this situation. Also you can make it easier to get back inside your car in the future by keeping a spare key safe and accessible. If you've been experiencing any of these issues with your key fob or locks, contact us to make an appointment with a licensed locksmith.

5. You accidentally left your keys in the lock.

It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're running through a busy day. If you're locked out of your car, remain calm and try to find out why you got into this situation. You can avoid repeating the same situation by recalling the actions you took.

The best way to avoid accidentally locking your keys inside is to ensure that you have a spare key available. You can store it in a place that you or someone you trust can easily access or have a trusted friend keep one at workplace or at home, or make use of a lockout tool. Some automakers also have services that allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely, though these usually require an annual subscription.

unlock car door service is to contact a roadside assistance service such as AAA or your automaker's roadside assistance program. Moody says that these services will often come to your aid for a flat rate. Some automakers, such as GM's OnStar service and Mercedes-Benz's Mbrace provide these programs for free to their owners.

Calling the local authorities is an option if you don't own a spare key, or have a roadside assistance plan. But, make sure you only call emergency services if you or others are in danger. Otherwise, you may be liable to penalties or legal action for misusing emergency services. It is important to assess the urgency before you need help, as this will determine the best solution. To avoid getting locked out of your car in the future, countercheck everything prior to getting back in and try to not rush when you exit your vehicle. This will help you ensure that you remember to lock your doors or windows and ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout its journey.