How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Locks?

 

A lot of times it’s natural for people to take their locks for granted. After all, people are surrounded by so many of them they don’t even notice them after a while unless they are using them. That’s not always a good thing. Why you might ask? The answer is because it’s important to take a close look at your locks from time to time. That way you will know if it’s time to change any of your locks because they seem old and worn. When are other times you should consider changing one or more of your locks? That’s exactly what I will go over with you in this article. Perfect Reasons to Replace a Lock

These are some very good reasons to change or update the locks at your home, business or on your car.

• When a lock is malfunctioning or has stopped working

  The most obvious reason to change one of the locks at your home, business or on your car is if a lock stops working or is working very poorly. You will have no choice but to repair or replace that lock if this is the situation. This is something you never want to put off or take chances with either. When you have an improperly working lock it needs to be taken care of right away. If not, that lock then compromises the security of you, your family, and your valuables.

• Your locks are showing visible signs of wear

  If your locks are getting rusty, starting to work hard or showing signs of wear and tear, it may just be time to get them changed out. Chances are they will fail totally in the near future anyway. So why not be proactive and get these worn looking locks changed out before they hurt the overall security at your business, residence or with your car.

• When lock upgrades are available

  There is can be no second guessing when it comes to the safety and security of your home, car or at your business. If there are lock upgrades that are available and you can afford them, then by all means, you should go ahead and get those lock changes done.

  Here are some examples of lock upgrades that exist that many people do not know about.

  • Sidewinder locks

    These are advanced locks for automobile doors and ignitions. They are cut in such a way that these locks are very difficult to defeat.

  • Improved window locks

    Many people feel very safe when their windows are closed and their factory installed window locks are protecting them. This is often not the case. Luckily, improved window locks are readily available from lock professionals.

  • Bump-proof locks

    Over the years would-be thieves developed ways to get easily into homes by doing what is called ‘bumping the lock’. Since then locks have been developed that prevent this from being able to be done.

• For convenience reasons

  Some people get their locks changed out because it makes things more convenient for them. Examples of reasons people do this are to get such conveniences as remote entry and starting for their car. Keyless entry locks are another example of locks that people often install at their homes, businesses, and on their cars for convenience.

• After a burglary

  There is nothing written in stone that says a burglar will not strike again at your home after they stole some things from you the first time. This is especially true if they lifted a set of spare keys from you in the first burglary. So it’s best not to take chances after a break-in. Be sure to get your entryway locks and other important access locks remastered or replaced.

• When you have lost your keys

  Simply replacing your keys is not enough after you have lost them. Your safety and security may be compromised if somebody with bad intentions finds those keys and knows what they go to. In this case, it’s much cheaper to have entry locks changed or remastered than it is to replace valuable stolen items from your home, car or business.

• After you move into a new home

  Why change the locks or at least get them remastered after you have moved into a new home. The reason for this is you never know who was in possession of keys or codes for the locks at that home before you bought. The fact remains some people are just too trusting in this world. The previous owner may have loaned or given keys to such people as the yard guy, the pet sitter, the babysitter or any number of relatives or friends. If that’s the case, then that means a lot of people you do not know may have a set of keys to your new home.

Keep It Simple, Get a Professional Lock Evaluation

What’s the absolute best way to know when it’s time to change some locks on your car or at your home or business. The answer is to get the opinion of a pro. There is no better professional to help you out with this than a well-trained locksmith. They are very familiar with what the warning signs are of a lock that’s going bad. They also know what newer types of locks that offer better security are available in the marketplace.

Best of all, many locksmith service providers like out of Atlanta, Georgia will offer free or low-cost residential and commercial lock evaluations. During this detailed lock inspection, a seasoned locksmith in Atlanta will look at all of your home or business locks. They will then go over with you which of your locks they feel need to be repaired, replaced or upgraded. There is absolutely no better way than this to tell if any of your locks need replacing.

So don’t take chances with your all-important locks. Call your local locksmith and get a professional opinion as to what locks need to be changed at your home, business or in your automobile. 

Article Source:  How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Locks?

Transponder Key Problems & Solutions

 

Many of us who drive today use a transponder key. It is the newest way of driving our vehicle that offers us convenience that many of us never thought possible. As nice as it is to use a transponder key that allows us to open our car door and start the engine, all without putting a key into the car, it comes with its fair share of problems. You can actually stand wherever you are and just aim your key at the car in order to get it going. This is genius! However, since this type of key is mechanical, you might experience a problem every now and then.

Your transponder key has a chip inside of it. Every chip corresponds to your vehicle only, which means that it is programmed to operate just your vehicle. You can’t use your transponder key to operate any other vehicle. Having this type of technology makes it very hard for your vehicle to be stolen. This is what the transponder key was designed to do, prevent auto theft. Since it is such a useful piece of technology, many auto manufacturers are designing their vehicles so that they will only operate with a transponder key.

How to Deal With Transponder Key Issues

When you have trouble starting your vehicle or unlocking the locks, this could indicate a problem with your transponder key. This problem will defeat the purpose of having this type of key. In most instances, this is a relatively easy thing to fix. All that you have to do is have the key reprogrammed by a qualified locksmith. A locksmith will be able to come to wherever you are to take care of the problem for you on the spot. They have the know-how and the right tools needed to handle your transponder key problems. There are, however, some locksmiths who have not yet invested in the equipment needed to assist with your transponder key needs. This is why it is important to let the locksmith service that you contact know that you have this type of key, so that they will bring the necessary tools needed to address your transponder key issues.

Another problem that we often see is that those who have a transponder key don’t realize that the small chip is actually necessary to operate their vehicle. They often think that it is a battery. Therefore, if they have a key that has been dropped, over and over again, they will just patch it up with some tape until it eventually falls out. The problem is that it is not a battery that you can just replace. It is the chip that programs your key to operate your vehicle. If you lose it then you’ll need another chip and it will have to be programmed again. Once the locksmith has correctly inserted the chip and reprogrammed it again, the vehicle will begin to operate again. The one thing that you don’t want to do is call an auto dealership or mechanic to take care of this for you. They will usually charge you more than is necessary. This is often because they have overhead expenses that they need to take care of and unfortunately, they are not willing to pass the savings on to you. You will foot the bill for their overhead expenses, whether you know it or not.

If you lose your key then this would present a serious problem for the motorist. If you physically lose your key and someone else happens upon it, they will have access to your vehicle. As long as a thief has the key in their possession, they could steal your vehicle. While it isn’t easy to hotwire a vehicle, it is no problem for them to drive off with your vehicle when they have the keys in their hands.

Get Ready!

The best way to avoid this problem is to get ready for the possibility. Whether it is losing your key or the chip inside, you can do something to prepare for this if it happens. What we suggest is that you have a spare transponder key. This might sound logical but what you do not realize is that not everyone actually has a spare key. They are more expensive than a standard key, which is one reason why they may not purchase a second key. However, be advised that you can usually negotiate another key at the time of purchasing your vehicle. The dealership will do all sorts of things to get you to buy a vehicle. They will try to entice you by offering you things that won’t really cost them very much. When they offer you something just ask them if you can get another transponder key instead. In most cases, they are happy to oblige you if it will guarantee them that you will buy a vehicle.

If you do not negotiate a transponder key at the time of purchasing your vehicle then chances are that you will be expected to pay a premium. However, if you do not negotiate during the time of purchase then you can purchase a transponder key online at Amazon or eBay. In either case, you’ll want to make sure that you are purchasing the key from a reputable seller. Check the sellers ratings to make sure that they sell reliable keys that are free of defects. Once you have purchased your new transponder key, then take it to a dealership to have it programmed. This will save you far more money than if you were to purchase directly from the dealership. Take it from someone who knows! You can enjoy your transponder key when you know what to expect.

Source: Transponder Key Problems & Solutions