Always unlock my car doors

I dont like how modern cars automatically lock when you put them in drive. My fear is that if I accidentally crash I could have problems getting the door unlocked. Therefore everytime I put it in drive I unlock the doors.

Voting Results
70% Normal
Based on 10 votes (7 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 11 )
  • olderdude-xx

    That's a reasonable fear in my book.

    I often wonder the same thing - especially now that we are in the age of electric locks and windows. If you accidentally end up in water with your vehicle the electrical system may short out and you cannot unlock your door or open the window to get out.

    The idea that you cannot just pull the door handle and the door opens is in my mind a dangerous situation. But, that is how many manufacture's are building their cars now.

    The original electric windows still had the manual crank handle. It spun around when the electrics were driving the window. I wish they would bring back the manual crank handle to allow a person to open and close a window without power.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • megadriver

    Most modern cars are designed to unlock the doors if a crash is detected. Post 2010 cars even cut power to the fuel pump to avoid a fire and notify the emergency services.

    But I do the same for another reason. Car door locks are expensive and fiddly to replace if their actuators break. So I turn off the "auto lock" feature and save a lock cycle per drive.
    Obviously I manually lock the doors when going through a bad neighborhood, or when I get out of the car... but for most drives locked doors are unnecessary.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • I dont know how to turn off the autolock the newest car ive ever had is my current 2006. I buy old cheap cars and fix them when they break

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • megadriver

        There is usually an option to turn on/ off the auto lock in the instrument cluster display, or the infotainment. What car do you drive?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • olderdude-xx

          Most of this is now a programmable feature that only a dealership can do, or someone who has purchased the computer interface device that can plug into the computer and interact with it.

          That's how my 2009 Hyundai Sonata is

          Thus, it's typically a service charge at a dealership or a shop.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
        • 2006 GMC Canyon

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • megadriver

            In mid 2000s era GM cars, it's in the driver information center/ the instrument cluster screen.

            It's an option that can be engaged, or disengaged.
            You need to be in Park to access the menu.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
  • jodi1955

    i do the same, as seen times where someone is in an accident and cant get out as door is locked. my last car you were able to disable this feature but my car now you cant. so as soon as i put it in gear I unlock the doors.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • notmyrealname123

    tf no stop doing that

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • DADNSCAL

    Yeah I agree harkosv. They lock because after many studies it was found that the bigger danger was being thrown from the car in a crash.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • harkosv

    That's a normal fear to have, but maybe not the safest practice. If you were to get in a wreck there's a very likely chance that you sustained injuries that you're unaware of either due to shock, adrenaline, or just trying to process what happened. In cases like that, it can be extremely dangerous to try to exit the vehicle on your own because you could potentially do even more damage to any injuries you sustained. It's especially true of neck injuries

    Comment Hidden ( show )