Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key

Everyone can feel the strain of a car lockout. To prevent this from happening make sure you keep a spare key in a secure place.

This article focuses on the most common causes of car lockouts and provides easy DIY solutions, such as using an altered coat hanger to unlock the doors of your car.

1. You've Lost Your Keys

It's a nightmare for every car owner: you're about make errands, but you forget keys on the seat or in the ignition. You're stuck outside after your door locks itself. This is the most frequent reason for locking out of vehicles. It's an excellent idea to keep a spare car key in a safe place.

Don't be worried. It might seem like you've failed, but it's not. Many roadside assistance programs as well as auto wreckers provide locksmith services for vehicles and they're trained to open almost any car quickly. They can also help you determine the cause of the problem with the lock on your vehicle to ensure that you don't risk it happening again in future.

Keep your keys in your purse, backpack or bag while you drive. You're less likely forget them if you use this method. You can also look for them in the most common places, but don't attempt to hide them. Thieves are smart and might have thought of all the typical hiding spots.

You may be able to make use of an app that transforms your phone into an electronic key fob, based on the car's manufacturer. This is especially helpful when you've lost your keys or put them in your vehicle and is available for most modern automobiles. Visit the website of your car manufacturer to determine if they offer an app and how to get keys out of locked car to install it. You should also check with your insurance company to determine whether you're covered in event that you lock your keys inside the car. Roadside assistance typically is covered in these instances, however exact terms and coverage amounts may vary.

2. Your Transponder Keys have failed

When it comes to modern automobiles, there are few things more frustrating than being locked out of your vehicle. Luckily with the assistance of a skilled locksmith, this problem can be resolved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Transponder keys are now common feature in all cars, as they offer greater security and efficiency. However, as with any electronic device, they can have issues and failures from time to time. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize the signs that your transponder key is not working so you can have it fixed immediately.

The most common sign that your transponder key is failing is if it ceases to function in your car's lock. This could be due to various reasons. It could be because the microchip inside the key has stopped working or there is a glitch with the RF signal transmitted by the chip to the computer in the car. Another possibility is that the metal on the bottom part of the key is worn out or dull, which can cause interference with the RF signal.

If this is the situation, try a different key to see if it works in your car's lock. Also, ensure that there isn't an object in the vicinity that blocks the signal. If you're having trouble with your key, you could seek out a locksmith that specializes in vehicle transponder keys to have it checked and possibly repaired. They will be able identify the issue that caused your transponder to fail and the best way to fix the issue. In most instances locksmiths will be in a position to reprogram the key so that it functions in your vehicle again.

3. Your Car's Lock Has Jammed

Many car lockouts on doors can be attributed to a jammed or blocked lock mechanism. Over time dirt, rust and other impurities could build in your lock and cause it to block. This could make it difficult, or even impossible to open the door of your car and may also prevent your key fob from unlocking the door after you press its button.

You may have to lubricate the lock with WD-40 or a penetrating catalyser in order to unlock the lock. These products can be purchased at home improvement centers or auto supply shops. You can attach them to the lock using flatheads or any other thin object that you can stick in your keyhole to access the mechanism. If you are unable insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it by this method, try wriggling the mechanism back and forth using needle-nose pliers until you feel free.

Another common cause of vehicle lockouts is a broken link between the door handle, lock cylinder or the interior locking post/switch, and the door latch for your car. This can be caused by extreme weather or by the constant use of the lock and can result in your being unable to open the door of your vehicle and gain access to your belongings.

To avoid this To avoid this, keep the spare car key in a safe location and change the battery in the key fob frequently to prolong its life. Certain automakers have applications that you can download to allow remote unlocking of your vehicle in case it is locked out my car. Contact your manufacturer to find out if one is available.

4. Your Car's Key Fob Has Died

Car key fobs rely on batteries to function and, sometimes they run out of juice. Luckily, you can often solve this problem by simply replacing the batteries. If your car key fob doesn't function at all, this could indicate something else is not working. Consult the manual of your vehicle if you're experiencing this problem.

If your car's key fob isn't working and you don't have a spare, you should consider hiring a locksmith to assist you in getting into your vehicle. Many of these services provide emergency lockouts and may be in a position to help you gain access to your vehicle without paying an additional tow fee or recovery services.

You can also try using a physical key to unlock your car's door. The driver's door of most newer vehicles has a hidden slot for keys. It is usually behind the handle cover. Make use of the mechanical key for opening the door, and the fob to start the vehicle (if required). Some manufacturers have an emergency system built into their cars that allow you to start your car by using dead fob.

It's not fun to be i locked my car keys in my car out of your vehicle particularly when it happens in a remote location. The best way to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key somewhere safe at home or with a trusted person, and to replace the battery in your key fob regularly. You can also enhance the ability to locate your keys by investing in a Bluetooth tracker. These devices emit a distinctive signature that can be linked to an app on your phone, which can be very useful in locating your keys when they get lost or misplaced.

5. The lock on your car has accumulated dirt

Over time, dirt, grime, and other debris can accumulate within the locks of your car, causing them to jam and block the ability to open your door. To prevent this from happening it is recommended that you lubricate the locks and hinges of your car at least twice per year using WD-40 or penetrating catalyst.

A spare key is a good method to avoid a lockout. You can do this in a few ways. You can keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. Or, you could leave one with a family member or friend. Or, you can give a set to the valet of your apartment building if it is an apartment complex. Additionally, you should also keep the number of your locksmith in your wallet. This will help you save money and stress should you ever get locked out of car help out of your vehicle.

Many automakers offer roadside assistance that can help users gain access to their car in case of lockout. This includes GM's long-standing OnStar service, Mercedes' Mbrace service and Hyundai Blue Link. If none of these options are available, call a local towing company in your area to resolve the problem.

Richman Automotive & Towing is the towing company you need to get a reliable and professional service.

You shouldn't ever be in a situation where you are locked out of your car. There are many quick solutions to this problem. It is also helpful to have an extra car key and know who to call if you require assistance. For more information, visit us on the internet today. We'll be glad to answer any of your questions. We are looking forward to working with you! We are also available to give us a an email at (301) the 777-1877.