Vehicle Lock Out - Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key Vehicle lock out is a stressful experience that can occur to anyone To avoid this, have a spare key and keep it in a safe place This article examines the most common causes of car lockouts, and offers some simple DIY solutions, like using a modified coat hanger to open the doors of your car 1 You Forgot Your Keys You're about run errands and you forget your keys in the ignition or on the seat Then, before you know it your door locks automatically and you're trapped outside This is one of the most frequent reasons for vehicle lock outs and is a great reason to keep a spare key somewhere safe It could appear like a complete failure, but don't worry Most roadside assistance and auto wreckers provide locksmith services, and are trained to open nearly every vehicle quickly They can also help you identify the issue with your car's lock so you can prevent it from repeating itself in the future Keep your keys in your purse, backpack, or bag when you drive That way you're less likely lose your keys in a hurry You can also search for them in the usual locations, but don't attempt to hide them Thieves know how to be clever and might have already thought of the most popular hiding spots Based on the car's manufacturer You may have the option to use an app that turns your smartphone into a key fob This is a great solution in the event that you've lost your keys, or if they are still in the car It's available on most modern vehicles Check your automaker's website to determine if they offer an application and how to set it up Check with your insurance provider to determine if you're covered in the event that you lock your keys inside your car Roadside assistance usually will cover these scenarios, but exact terms and coverage amounts might differ 2 Your Transponder Keys Have Failed In the world of modern vehicles there aren't many things more frustrating than getting locked out of your vehicle Luckily with the help of a professional locksmith, this problem can be solved quickly and without much hassle Transponder keys have become a standard feature in many automobiles due to their increased security and function But, just like any other electronic device, they may be prone to failures and issues at times It's important to know the signs that your transponder is failing and be sure to have it fixed immediately The most frequent indication that your transponder keys is failing is if it stops working in the lock of your car It could be due to various reasons It could be because the microchip in the key has stopped functioning or there is a problem with the RF signal that is sent by the chip to the car's computer Another possibility is the metal on the bottom of the key is worn or dull This could cause interference with the signal If this is the case Try another key and try to see if it works Look for anything nearby that could block the signal If you're still having issues with your key, you should contact an expert locksmith who specializes in vehicle-transponder keys They can test it and perhaps fix it They will be able identify the issue that caused the transponder to malfunction and how to fix the problem In the majority of cases locksmiths are able to reprogram your key to ensure it functions in your vehicle again 3 The lock on your car is jammed Many car door lockouts can be attributed to a jammed or blocked lock mechanism Over time, dirt and rust can build up within your lock, causing it to block This could make it difficult or even impossible to open your car's door and may also prevent your key fob from unlocking the door when you press its button If you are in this position you might need to grease your lock with penetrating catalysts or WD-40 to free it These products are available in auto supply stores or home improvement stores They can be applied to the lock using a flathead screwdriver, or any other small object that you can insert into the keyhole in order to access the mechanism behind it If you are unable to insert the key or key fob into the lock and then lubricate it in this manner, try moving the mechanism back and forth using needle-nose pliers until you feel free Another reason that causes vehicle lockout is a broken link between the door handle, lock cylinder, or the interior locking switch/post/switch and the car door latch This is sometimes caused by extreme weather or by the constant use of the lock This could result in you being incapable of opening your car's door and gain access to your belongings To avoid this, you can keep a spare car key in a safe location and replace the battery on the key fob frequently to prolong its life Some automakers offer apps that can be downloaded to allow remote unlocking of your vehicle when it is locked Contact your automaker to find out if a solution is available 4 Your Car's Key Fob Has Died Car key fobs rely on batteries to function, and at times they are not able to provide juice This issue can be resolved by changing the batteries If your car's key fob doesn't function at all, it could indicate that something else is wrong If you are having this issue, check the manual for your vehicle to see what other steps you could take If your car's key fob doesn't work and you don't have a spare, consider getting a locksmith on call to assist you in getting into your vehicle Many locksmiths provide emergency lockouts, and could be able help you gain entry to your vehicle without the need to pay for towing or other recovery services You can also try using a physical key to unlock your car's door The driver's door on most newer vehicles has a hidden slot for keys It's usually located in the handle cover Make use of the mechanical key to open the door, and the fob to start the vehicle if needed Certain manufacturers have a backup system built into their vehicles that allows you to start your vehicle using a dead fob Being locked out of your vehicle is never a pleasant experience, and it can be especially frustrating when it happens in a strange location The best way to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key somewhere safe at home, or with a trusted friend and to replace the battery in your key fob regularly You can also try to improve the ability to locate your keys by purchasing an Bluetooth tracker They emit a unique signature which can be connected to a smartphone application This can be extremely useful in locating your keys if they are lost or are not found 5 Your Car's Lock Has Contained Dirt Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate within the lock of your car This can cause it to become jammed and prevent you from opening the door To prevent this from happening, it is important to keep your locks lubricated and hinges at least once a year with either WD-40 or penetrating catalyst https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-opening-unlock-your-vehicle/ is another way to avoid a vehicle lockout You can accomplish this in several ways You can carry a spare in your wallet or purse Or, you could leave it with an individual from your family or a friend Or, you could give a set to the valet of your apartment building if it's an apartment complex You should also have the number of the locksmith in your area This will save you a lot of stress and money in the event you get locked out of your car Many automakers offer roadside assistance that can help drivers gain access to their vehicle in a lockout scenario This includes GM's long-running OnStar service, Mercedes' Mbrace service, and Hyundai Blue Link If none of these options are available, call a local towing company to resolve the problem Richman Automotive amp; Towing is the towing service you need to get a reliable and professional service It's never a good idea to be caught locked out of your car There are plenty of quick solutions to this problem Keep a spare key in your pocket and knowing who to call for help is always helpful and also Visit us online to find out more We're here to answer any of your questions We look forward to working with you You can also contact us at 301 777-1877