It’s late. You’ve just locked up after visiting friends in
Soweto. You throw your fob onto the seat for “just a second.” You shut the
door. Click.
The locks snap shut.
The street is dark. Taxis are gone. Uber prices have shot
up. You’re stranded, alone, and stressed.
What now?
This guide is built for drivers in that exact worst-case
moment.
Can a Car
Lock with the Key Fob Inside?
Yes, it can happen. Many newer cars try to stop this. If
your fob and mechanical key are both stuck inside, your two best ways back in are:
1.
Call a 24/7 locksmith (fast, local, and
practical).
2.
Use roadside assistance (AA, or the service
included by your dealer when you bought your car).
This article will explain why this happens, what you can try
on the spot, and how to prevent it next time.
Why Cars
Lock with the Fob Inside
Modern Cars Try to
Prevent Lockouts
Most newer cars in SA (Toyota, VW, Ford, Hyundai, BMW, etc.)
have lock-out prevention. The car scans for a fob inside and won’t lock if it
detects one.
But Drivers
Still Get Locked Out
Here’s why:
·
Sensor blind spots: Some cars don’t scan the
boot or certain corners of the cabin. Put the fob there and the system may miss
it.
·
Weak fob battery: Many drivers only replace
batteries once the remote stops working—but by then, it’s already causing
misreads.
·
Faulty locks: A sticky door or actuator can lock
even when the fob is inside.
·
Manual locking habits: Some drivers still push
the lock button on the door or use the physical key slot, which overrides
prevention features.
Why It’s
Worse at Night in SA
·
Safety risk: Standing outside alone at night can
make you a target.
·
Longer waiting times: Tow trucks and locksmiths
take longer after hours.
·
Limited transport: No taxis or buses late at
night in many areas.
What To Do
Right Now (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Stay Calm
and Safe
·
Stand in a well-lit area, near shops or petrol
stations if possible.
·
If you feel unsafe, call a friend or family
member to stay on the line with you.
Step 2: Check All
Doors and the Boot
People often panic too soon. Pull every handle. Sometimes
one door or the boot didn’t latch.
Step 3: Do You
Have a Spare Key Nearby?
·
At home: Call someone to bring it if you live
nearby.
·
With a family member: Some drivers keep a spare
at mom’s house, with a spouse, or even in the office desk.
Step 4: Call a
24/7 Locksmith
This is the most reliable option at night. An auto locksmith
in can:
·
Open your car without breaking a window.
·
Cut and program a spare if your fob is failing.
·
Get to you quicker than waiting for a dealer.
Locksmiths are especially useful in Johannesburg, Pretoria,
Durban, and Cape Town where mobile locksmith vans are common.
Step 5: Use
Roadside Assistance (AA or Dealer Services)
If you have cover, call your roadside assistance:
·
AA: Offers lockout help nationwide, 24/7.
Membership includes this service.
·
Dealer roadside assistance: Many car brands in
SA (Toyota, VW, Ford, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, etc.) give free roadside help for the
first few years after purchase. Lockouts are usually covered.
Keep your roadside number in your phone contacts.
Step 6: Last
Resort — Break a Window
If a child, baby, or pet is trapped inside, don’t hesitate.
Break the small side window (cheapest to replace) and unlock. Use a blunt tool
and cover your arm to avoid injury.
For all other cases: rather wait for a locksmith or AA.
Why Locksmiths
and AA Are the Best
Locksmiths:
·
Faster in cities and towns than waiting for a
dealership.
·
Cheaper than replacing a window.
·
Equipped with tools to unlock cars without
damage.
AA / Dealer
Assistance:
·
Nationwide coverage (even in rural areas).
·
Included in warranty packages (check your dealer
booklet).
·
Safe because you’re dealing with verified
professionals.
How to
Prevent This from Happening Again
1. Carry the Fob With You Always
Don’t leave it on the seat, even for a second. Make a habit:
pocket, purse, or belt clip.
2. Keep a Spare in a Safe Place
·
Store at home in a lockbox.
·
Leave with a trusted family member.
·
Avoid leaving it in the car itself (too risky
with crime in SA).
3. Replace the Fob Battery Yearly
Fob batteries (usually CR2032 coin cells). Change them before
they fail.
4. Learn Your Car’s Locking Features
Read your owner’s manual. Which many drivers don’t. But it
tells you:
·
How lock-out prevention works.
·
Where the hidden key slot is.
·
What to do with a dead fob.
5. Save Emergency Numbers
·
Save your local locksmith’s number.
·
Save AA hotline: 0861 000 234.
·
Save your dealer’s roadside assistance line.
6. Plan for Night Travel
If you often drive at night, take extra care:
·
Carry a power bank for your phone.
·
Don’t drive with only one fob if you have a
spare.
·
Keep emergency contacts visible.
FAQs
Can my Toyota, VW, or
Hyundai lock with the fob inside?
Yes. While they have prevention systems, weak batteries,
blind spots, or manual locking can override them.
What’s the fastest
option at night?
A 24/7 locksmith. They arrive quicker than dealers and cost
less than breaking a window.
How much does AA
charge for a lockout?
If you’re a member, it’s free. If not, you’ll pay a call-out
fee. Membership starts at around R180/month, which is worth it if you drive a
lot.
Can a locksmith open
a BMW or Mercedes?
Yes. Reputable SA locksmiths are trained for high-security
cars and use safe tools.
Should I smash a
window?
Only if someone inside is at risk. Otherwise, wait for help.
Key Takeaway
If you’re locked out at night with your fob and key inside, your
options are:
1.
Locksmiths — quick, skilled, and available in
most cities.
2.
Roadside assistance — AA or your dealer’s
service.
Everything else is prevention: spare keys, fresh batteries,
and habits that keep the fob in your pocket, not on the seat.
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