Common Causes of Car Lockouts and How to Avoid Them
A car lockout is a stressful and often inconvenient situation that can ruin your day and make you feel like you are stuck. If you want to avoid getting locked out of your car, you need to know what causes them and how to avoid them. If you get locked out, it could be because of human mistake, a broken machine, or a problem with technology. Getting locked out can have big effects on your schedule, cause stress, and even cost more for professional help.
Common Causes of Car Lockouts
To successfully stop car lockouts, it is important to know the common situations that lead to them.
Forgetting Keys Inside the Car
One of the most common reasons people get locked out of their cars is that they forget their keys inside. It is simple to forget to unlock the car, close the door, or leave the keys on the seat or in the engine while running around all day. No one is immune to this mistake, especially when they are busy or sidetracked.
Misplaced or Lost Keys
Another common reason people get locked out of their cars is losing or misplacing their keys. People can lose their keys, leave them behind in different places, or lose them inside their own homes. Many car owners are all too familiar with the stress and trouble that come after realizing they have lost their keys.
Broken or Damaged Keys
Things can break or wear out on keys over time. If the key is bent or has a weak spot, it can break off in the lock or ignition, making it useless and leaving you locked out. Keys that have been in harsh situations, like extreme temperatures or moisture, can also have this problem.
Faulty Car Locks
The car locks themselves are sometimes to blame. Mechanical problems, like worn-out lock systems or damage inside the lock, can make it impossible for the key to turn or the lock to engage properly. This problem can come up out of the blue and usually needs help from a professional to fix.
Dead Car Battery
Additionally, a dead battery can cause a lockout, especially in cars with automatic locking systems. If the battery dies totally, the electronic locks might not work, leaving you outside your car.
Jammed Door Locks
Car door locks can get stuck because of dirt, rust, or other things that get in the way. This makes it hard to open or close the door. This problem can be very annoying, and it usually needs to be cleaned up or fixed by a professional.
Locking the Car Automatically
A lot of new cars have automatic locking systems that can lock you out without you meaning to. For some reason, the car might lock itself with the keys inside while the door is still open. This could be because of a time feature or an accidently pressed lock button.
Children Playing with Keys
Kids playing with car keys can lock themselves out by mistake. Because kids might not know what will happen if they press buttons on the key fob, or they might lock the car while they are playing inside. Teaching kids how important car keys are and making sure they are out of reach can help stop these kinds of things from happening.
How to Avoid Car Lockouts
A lockout is much less likely to happen if you know what causes them, form good habits, use technology, and know when to get professional help.
Develop a Routine
A lockout is much less likely to happen if you make handling your keys a regular habit. Make it a habit to always put your keys in the same place, like a certain pocket, bag, or key case. Before you close the car door, make sure you have your keys again.
Use Keychains and Key Finders
If you put your keys on a keychain, they will stand out more and be harder to lose. Using Bluetooth or other technology to find your keys, key finders can also help you get into your house without losing your keys.
Keep Spare Keys Accessible
In a lockout situation, having an extra key on hand can save your life. You might want to keep an extra key somewhere safe, like at home or with a trusted family member or friend. Some people also choose to hide their keys with sticky holders on the outside of their cars, but this can be dangerous for security.
Regular Maintenance of Car Locks
Taking care of your car’s locks on a regular basis can keep them from breaking down due to normal wear and tear. Regularly grease the locks and make sure they are free of dirt and rust. This can help keep the locks in good shape and lower the chance that they will break mechanically.
Replace Batteries in Key Fobs Regularly
Batteries in key fobs usually need to be changed every one to two years. Replace the batteries in your key fob on a daily basis to keep it working. If you do not want to get locked out of your car because your fob battery died, keep an extra battery in your car or with your spare key.
Install Keyless Entry Systems
If your car does not already have one, you might want to get a keyless enter system. Lockouts are less likely to happen with these systems because they use keypads, smartphone apps, or fingerprint technology to open the car. This update may cost money at first, but it can save you time and money in the long run.
Educate Children About Car Keys
It is very important to teach kids how important car keys are and what could happen if they play with them. Explain how to get into a locked car and make sure that young children can not get to the keys.
Use Lockout Services and Apps
A lot of insurance plans and roadside help services offer lockout services. Some smartphone apps can also help you find a nearby locksmith or open your car from afar. You should learn about these tools and think about signing up for a service that offers lockout assistance.
Conclusion
It can save you time, stress, and money to know what causes most car lockouts and how to avoid them. You can greatly lower your chances of getting locked out of your car by making good habits, using modern technology, and being ready with emergency things. Keep yourself updated, stay calm, and take steps to make sure you can always get to your car.