Causes of Car Lockout Scenarios and Prevention Measures

Car lockouts are annoying and can inconvenience you when you least expect them. For instance, you can be stuck in the shopping mall or on the roadside until you find a solution. So, learn the reasons behind lockout scenarios and tips to protect yourself against such situations.

Causes of Lockout Scenarios

Lockouts usually happen due to problems with the key or lock mechanism. Here are six top situations that result in car lockouts.

1. Your Smart Fob Battery Is Dead

If your key fails to open your car door, your smart fob's battery could be dead or about to die. Luckily you can solve the problem without much hustle or expertise. All you need to do is to get a new battery and replace the old one with the new one.

2. Your Lock Has a Jam or Buildup

Filth, rust, and other dirt can accumulate within your lock over time. Besides, foreign objects and impurities can wear down your lock and clog the system. As a result, the lock jams and fails to unlock.

3. Your Door Is Broken

A car lockout can occur even if your keys are intact. For instance, if you get into a crash, the impact can damage your door. Also, if you have transponder keys and your door suffers damage, the fob senses and instantly locks your doors. Unfortunately, you cannot reenter your car unless you get a professional locksmith.

4. Your Keys Are Broken

Your keys might break because you have used a strong force or the keys are too old. If you do not have a spare key, you will end up with a lockout. If your car is a newer model, you cannot open the door if the transponder or key fob is damaged.

5. You Have Locked Your Keys in Your Car

You might accidentally leave your keys inside the vehicle, especially when you are in a hurry. In a worst-case scenario, you could leave the keys in the ignition while your car runs, so a lot of fuel goes to waste as you try to find a solution.

6. You Face an Attempted Break-In

You can face a lockout situation when burglars tamper with the lock mechanism. Burglars usually use different equipment and dangerous methods to break into your car. The thieves can ruin your locks during the process and cause improper lock function.

How to Avoid Vehicle Lockouts



Read on for valuable tips to avoid becoming a victim of a vehicle lockout.

Replace Old Fob Batteries

Batteries can sometimes fail to give you a low battery indicator. So, always examine and change the batteries whenever needed. Also, when you notice some irregularities with the key operations, solve the hitch before you find yourself in a lockout.

Keep a Backup Key

Have a spare set of keys and keep them in a place where you can fetch them or someone can send them over. Do not keep the backup in the glove box with other essential items, as you will not access the keys if your car is locked. Instead, you can give the key to someone you trust or leave the spare in your home or office to be delivered whenever needed.

Cultivate Appropriate Habits

The chances that you will lose or misplace your car keys lessen with appropriate habits. For instance, you can have a dedicated place to store your keys to prevent misplacements. Also, you may carry several items from your car, which could create confusion. So always confirm that you have your key before you lock your vehicle.

Let Professionals Unlock Your Car

Whereas you can take a few measures to prevent a lockout, sometimes precautions fail. For example, if you try to unlock the car, you may cause further damage to the lock mechanism components. So, you will need a professional to unlock your vehicle. Do not hesitate to contact us at AA Wrecker Service whenever you need car lock services.