The lock in a flip type lock on the door and is rather tight. I do have automatic door locks, so pushing a button would unlock all of them. It is a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. I don't want to take a chance of damaging the door seal and trying to open it myself. I have access to several other cars, from my parents or my sister and her husband, if I needed to go somewhere. I don't want to upset someone by making them come way out here to open my car on a holiday since I don't really need to get in it today. I wouldn't have a minute's hesitation calling someone if I were stuck out somewhere else. When I bought the car it only came with one key. In 2009, Mitsubishi stopped making valet keys. The automatic door unlocking feature is built in to the keys also making it impossible to get an extra key made anywhere except at a dealership. They cost $125 there.