Posted on May 20th, 2023.

A car lockout occurs when someone is unable to access their vehicle's interior or start the engine because the doors are locked and the keys are either inside the car or lost elsewhere. A car lockout can be particularly frustrating and may happen spontaneously without any warning. Depending on a number of factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the level of security installed, and the type of key used a car lockout can be an inconvenience or a major crisis. 

Causes of Car Lockouts

There are several reasons why a car lockout might happen. Most commonly, people get locked out when they are in a rush and forget their keys inside the car while trying to lock the door. Additionally, car lockouts can happen when someone is trying to hand the car's key to someone else on the other side of the vehicle, or if they mistakenly leave the key inside the trunk when closing it. In some instances, car lockouts happen because the key is damaged or has become worn out over time and no longer works properly. 

A damaged car key can cause a lockout in several ways. Here are a few scenarios:

1. Broken Key: If the key is broken in half or a portion of it is missing, it won't be able to turn in the lock or start the car. This means that you won't be able to get into your car or start it, even if you have the broken key.

2. Bent Key: A bent key can also cause a lockout as it won't be able to turn in the lock or ignition. The pressure of trying to turn the key in the lock can also cause the key to break.

3. Worn Out Key: Over time, car keys can wear out due to constant use. If the key is worn out, it may not be able to turn in the lock or ignition, causing a lockout.

4. Damaged Key Fob: If your car uses a keyless entry system, a damaged or low battery key fob may not be able to com

When a person finds themselves locked out of their car, the first instinct is often to panic. However, it's important to take a deep breath and remain calm. The next step is to assess the situation and determine if there is any way to gain access to the car without calling for professional help. If the keys are visible inside the car, but not accessible, the lock might be opened using special tools like a coat hanger, slim-jim or some other form of improvised lock-picking tool. However, this approach should only be attempted by someone who is trained and experienced in car lockout techniques. 

How to Get Out of a Car Lockout

If you do find yourself locked out of your car, there are a few things you can do to get yourself out of the situation:

Call a locksmith: A locksmith will be able to unlock your car door and get you back into your car.

Use a spare key: If you have a spare key, you can use it to unlock your car door.

If there is no way to access the car using a lock-picking tool, other methods will need to be used. Some people might try to force their way into the car by breaking a window or using a shop vac or a tennis ball to unlock the door mechanism. However, these methods can be dangerous and could cause serious harm to a person or damage to the car. Not to mention, you may actually get into legal trouble if anyone sees you fidgeting with the car, as a helpful watcher may confuse you for a criminal trying to break in and steal your car.

In most cases, the best solution is to call a professional locksmith who specialises in car lockout situations. These professionals have the necessary tools and skills to open locked car doors safely and efficiently, without damaging the car. They'll attempt to unlock the car using specialised tools and, if necessary, drill a small hole in the door or use a vacuum pump to create a vacuum inside the vehicle, which will cause the locks to release. 

How to Prevent Car Lockouts

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent a car lockout. Here are some of the strategies you can try to avoid getting locked out of your car:

• Make copies of your keys: This way, if you lose your keys, you will still have a way to get into your car.
• Avoid locking your keys inside your car: If you are carrying a lot of things, put your keys in a secure place where you will not accidentally drop them inside your car.
• Test your key fob regularly: If your key fob malfunctions, you will not be able to use it to unlock your car door or start your car.
• Double-check the keys before leaving the car - Before getting out of your car, make sure you have your keys. Check your pockets or purse to ensure that you have taken the keys with you.
• Keep a spare key - Keeping a spare key somewhere safe can come in handy during emergencies. You can keep a spare key in your purse, wallet, or with a trusted friend or family member.
• Use a keychain lanyard - A keychain lanyard is a handy tool that helps you keep your keys close to you. With a lanyard, you can hang your keys around your neck or attach them to your bag. This strategy helps to reduce the chance of leaving your keys behind.
• Set a reminder - You can use your phone or any other reminder tool to set a reminder to check for your keys before leaving your car.
• Avoid distractions - Before getting out of your car, ensure you are not distracted by anything around you. Put your phone away and focus on getting your belongings, including your keys.
• Use a smart key - Smart keys allow you to unlock your car remotely, which reduces the chances of getting locked out accidentally.
• Keep the windows and doors secure - Before leaving your car, ensure that all the windows and doors are properly shut and locked.

By implementing some of these strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of a lockout. However, in case you still get locked out of your car, remain calm and contact a professional auto locksmith to help you regain access.

Overall, a car lockout can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are solutions available. By staying calm and calling an experienced locksmith, it is possible to resolve the issue quickly and get back on the road as soon as possible.

If you are in need of trustworthy auto locksmith services, do not hesitate to contact DPS Keys at [email protected]. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you in anything related to car locksmithing services. With years of experience and dedication, we promise to provide you with the best quality solution that will exceed your expectations. We are here to help, so feel free to give us a call or email us to get started. Let DPS Keys take care of your auto locksmith needs, and you won't regret it!