What Should You Do If Your Car Won’t Lock or Unlock?
Many of us spend more time in our cars than in our own homes! Of course, safety on the road is of the utmost importance, and a big part of that comes down to the locks. You must know that you can always safely get in and out of your vehicle. What’s more, you need to ensure that you are secure inside and that your car itself is secure once you’ve left your machine. If your car won’t lock, you may feel like you’re living a bit of a nightmare!
Before you pick up the phone, here are some things you can try on your own.
Check the other doors
The first thing that you should do before anything else is to check all of the doors on your car. It could be that your inner locking mechanism is only blocked in one of the doors and that the others are fine. Ideally, you should check all of the doors, including the boot.
If the lock buttons are not working from the key, try using the key in the doors. Even specific, more modern keys have hidden classic keys built within them. Always check your vehicle’s instructions manual regarding your key’s components before trying to unscrew, find, or change anything within it!
Unfreeze the lock
Are you locked out in the cold? In the winter, our locks tend to freeze to the point where they feel impossible to open. Try pulling the handles up and down, in and out, depending on your vehicle. This will help the components inside to move and break the ice. While doing so, use the button on your key to unlock the car.
If you can hear or feel the lock trying to move, then it is likely that the lock is frozen from within.
To unfreeze the lock, use a hair dryer, your own warm breath, or even a spray de-icer directly on the lock.
Never use boiling water to unfreeze the lock! The boiling water will likely damage the mechanisms inside, and when left for long enough, the water will freeze, too, making your problem even worse.
Check the battery in the key
If your key does not have any classic components, or you have realised that while you can get into the car, you cannot start it, then it could be time to check your key or fob’s battery.
Take the time to consider when you last changed it or even how long you have had the key. As odd as it may seem, the batteries in more modern keys do run out. They tend to run on batteries similar to the ones in our watches.
On the bright side, this usually means that they are easy to replace! Again, check your vehicle’s instructions manual before attempting to change the battery. It will inform you where to find the battery and how to remove it safely. Ensure that you replace it with its exact match, or you could damage the key entirely.
Try lubricating the lock
If your key’s battery still has plenty of juice, but the keys still won’t work in the locks, then try lubricating them. Ideally, you should use a can of spray lubricant and spray it directly into the lock.
Leave your lock to sit for about ten minutes to allow the lubricant to do the trick! After ten minutes, try using the key again. If that doesn’t do the trick, move onto the next step below.
Call an auto locksmith
If all else fails, then it is definitely time to call an auto locksmith. The locking mechanisms in your car are delicate enough. They are built to last, but when improperly used or tampered with, they will break, making it impossible for you to get in and out of your car safely.
What’s more, even if you can work the lock, there is no telling whether or not it will be efficient enough to protect your car.
Therefore, the best thing you can do for yourself and your vehicle is to call a professional.
A quality auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem and provide a quick and efficient solution so that you can get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Don’t lose our number
If your car won’t lock properly – or you can’t get back inside – and you can’t find the reason, then don’t waste any time. Call Vehicle Key Services!
We operate as an emergency service for motorists across Chesterfield and beyond, and can be with you in a matter of minutes. You can easily book an appointment by reaching us online at vkeyservices@btinternet.com, or, for direct expert advice or emergency assistance, please call us on 07811020796. We’ll have you safely back in your car in no time!