The lock is an important part of your car. If it is working properly you can commute smoothly and be sure of your car safety. But what if your lock stops responding? You will face a car lockout. In such a situation, you should try to connect with a professional auto locksmith immediately to avoid further trouble.
But what are the causes of car lock issues? We will find the answer in this guide along with solutions for each problem.
Key Turns But Does Not Unlock the Car
It is a frustrating moment when you can turn your key in the exterior lock but the door won’t open. It can normally happen because of misalignment between the lock cylinder and the lock mechanism.
Fortunately, you can avoid this situation with regular maintenance and lubrication. But if the problem is not solved you can connect with a professional auto locksmith.
Frozen Locks
Frozen locks are one of the worst car lockout problems. Don’t worry as we have a simple solution for you. You can handle this situation easily with a gentle heat source or a lock de-icer to melt the ice. However, you should avoid using hot water on the lock as it can damage the lock mechanism.
Pro Tip: Use graphite powder to prevent moisture from entering inside the lock.
Electronic Lock Breakdown
Many cars now come with electronic locks. They are effective, but sometimes you can face car lockout issues because of electronic malfunction. It may also happen due to dead batteries in the key fob.
You can handle this issue by checking the batteries or rebooting the car’s system. However, if the problem still exists you should call for an auto locksmith.
Worn-out Keys
Years of use can wear down keys to the point where they no longer engage the lock mechanism. So, to avoid lock issues you should get a new key if you are still using an old one.
Broke the Key Inside the Lock
Breaking keys inside locks is a common lockout issue. You can even worsen it if you use excessive force. So, it is not recommended to use tools like pliers to pull out keys as it can damage the lock. Instead, you should call for a locksmith who can take out the key and get you back in your car without increasing the cost.
Also Read: How to Replace Your Car’s Key Fob?
Automatic Lock Failure
A common feature of cars is the automatic lock. Such locks can lock the doors at a predetermined speed or amount of time after they have been closed. However, this function can sometimes fail because of a sensor malfunctioning or a damaged wire.
You can find a solution for automatic lock failure from your car’s manual. However, if you don’t know much about cars you can get help from a professional.
Jammed Lock
Sometimes lack of lubrication, debris, or dirt can jam a lock. You can avoid this situation with regular cleaning and lubrication. So, if you’re sure that your lock is jammed because of debris try to clean and open it again.
Accidental Lockout
We all have faced accidental lockouts. It can happen if you forget your keys inside the car or forget it somewhere else. If you have a keyless entry system you might not face much of a problem. However, if there is no keyless entry you will need to get help. Either you can call for a locksmith or a friend who can bring you the key.
Faulty Remote
Remote entry systems are now part of many modern cars. However, some problems can impact their smooth functioning. For example, if the battery is dead the key fob will stop functioning. In this situation simply replacing the battery will solve your issue. But if the issue persists you may need professional help to reprogram the fob.
Wear and Tear With Time
With time the car locks become subject to wear and tear that will result in functional issues. For example, mechanical components like tumblers and springs will wear out or corrode resulting in lock mechanism failure. Moreover, electronic components of the latest cars can also degrade which can lead to frequent failures or even total breakdown.
This is another situation where you will need help from an expert auto locksmith. Since a locksmith can properly remove worn-out parts and replace them with new ones.
Are You Facing Car Lock Issues?
You can face a jammed or non-responsive car lock because of many reasons. It can be faulty mechanics, electrical failure, or a worn-out key. All of these lead to one similar problem: a car lockout. You can solve some of them using DIY methods, but for long-term peace, you will need assistance from a professional auto locksmith.
In case you need car lock help now you can freely get in contact with Hero Locksmith.