When to Replace Your Locks

The most basic and fundamental element of security for any property is a locked door. Locked doors are still your best and easiest defense against unwanted entry. There are certain times that you should consider replacing your locks to ensure that your property is optimally secure. Modern locksmiths have access to all the lock technology that is needed and can service any lock and key needs that you need right on site. Be sure to find a locksmith that specifically services the Elmwood Park, IL area.  

You know if you’ve experienced a burglar breaking in to your home that one of the first things you do is to change your locks. There are plenty of other times that it’s important to consider changing your locks to maintain the security of your property. Despite all of the technological upgrades in the security field in recent years, door locks are still the most necessary component of home and business defense. If your door locks are not functioning optimally they are not protecting your home and may even be putting you in danger. Don’t let this problem continue without considering changing your locks.   

Choosing Between Rekeying and Replacing Your Locks 

Rekeying and replacing your locks are not the same things, and the differences between the two services are important to consider. Rekeying is usually a cheaper option that involves taking your existing locks, removing the cylinder, and moving the pins around inside to form a new configuration that requires a brand new key. If it’s more convenient, you can usually unscrew your entire doorknob and take it into a locksmith to have the locks rekeyed. If you’re current lock hardware is fairly new and in good shape, this might be a good option for your situation.  

If, however, your locks have been damaged or are otherwise old or in poor condition, it’s best to change them out for brand new locks. A locksmith can install new hardware that will last a long time and be better able to stand up against any security threats. Changing the locks is a different process because it involves completely taking out the old lock parts and replacing them with brand new hardware that is installed the door.  

Situations in Which You Should Consider Replacing Your Locks 

When You Lose Your Keys 

You’ve looked all over the place, but you can’t find your keys. Someone else being in possession of your keys makes it easy to walk right in your door. It’s doubly important to change your locks if someone else stole your keys, even if you’re not sure if they know where you live. If this happens to you, call a locksmith as soon as possible to have the locks changed to eliminate this vulnerability.  

When You Move In to a New Place 

When you first move in to your home or apartment, you might be excited to get that set of keys that signified you having your own place. However, you can’t guarantee that there aren’t spare keys floating around out there to your existing locks. Although most tenants and sellers replace the locks before transferring ownership of their properties, this is not always the case. If previous tenants used the same locks as you currently have, there could definitely be spare keys that exist, and you might not know it until a stranger walks through your door one day.  

Many apartment landlords are reluctant to let their tenants change the locks, but it’s worth discussing the issue frankly with them. Let them know your concerns and see if a compromise can be made.  

When Your Locks Have Seen Better Days 

If you’ve had your home for 15 or more years and you’ve never changed the locks, it’s probably time to consider doing so. Every lock gets worn out over time just from the normal use of everyday life. Worn out locks simply aren’t going to be able to do a good job protecting your home. Additionally, older styles of knob locks are more vulnerable to lock-picking and lock-bumping, two methods favored by thieves to defeat the locks.  

Signs that your locks are becoming aged include your key sticking in the lock, visible scratches or damage, and difficulty turning the lock mechanism. Instead of jiggling your keys in your locks every time you go to open them, which will only inevitably cause more damage, consider having a locksmith coming in to assess your locks and provide you with solutions for replacing and even upgrading your existing hardware.  

If Someone Leaves Your Residence  

None of us want to think of our former friends or roommates as being criminals, but you never know who they may have shared keys with. It’s not worth the risk to trust that your locks are still safe. Let your roommate or other party know a specific deadline that they have to be out by and that you are changing the locks. Even if they claim to be giving you any spare keys, it’s best to trust your gut instincts in the situation and decide for yourself whether it’s worth the cost to change the locks.  

Another scenario is if you’ve just experienced a bad breakup, are fighting with a friend, or are in the middle of a divorce. If that other party has a copy of your keys, it’s important just to be safe to completely change the locks. This avoids any unpleasant scenarios where they try to claim access to your residence.  

As you can see, there are many situations in which it might be appropriate to change your locks. Only you can decide if it’s really necessary, but if you’re worried about the cost or the hassle, be sure to consider the potential cost of a break-in or other issues if you don’t change your locks. If you’re ready to discuss changing your locks, select a quality locksmith company like A1 Elmwood Park Locksmith to perform the job for you. Don’t try to change the locks yourself, as you want to make sure that they are installed expertly, without any issues that would make them vulnerable. 

A1 Elmwood Park Locksmith: Transponder Keys Problems

Does this situation sound familiar? You walk up to your car, open the door, turn the key and your vehicle doesn’t start. You try to start the car again, but it still doesn’t start. Has this ever happened to you? If you own a transponder key, it may sound like a very familiar situation. You thought all was well with your key but it was unable to start the car. 

This is just one of the many problems that you may face with your transponder key. At A1 Elmwood Park Locksmith in Elmwood Park, IL we deal with all issues that you may face with a transponder key. Once you have a problem, come pay us a visit or give us a call. We are always available to assist you. Not in the area? Most locksmiths will deal with this sort of issue! 

Regular Keys vs Transponder Keys 

When you were shopping around for a vehicle, you may have heard a sales pitch about transponder keys and how they are better than regular keys. Of course, you value your safety. So, instead of opting for a car that has regular keys, you opted for the safer version- a car that comes with transponder keys.  

At the time, this seemed like a much better option and it really is. However, there are some things that can go wrong with transponder keys that you would not experience with a regular car key. All these problems occur because of the transponder chip that is inside the key.  

In fact, the major difference between the transponder key and a regular car key is the presence of the transponder chip. Of course, this is a big difference. The transponder chip has to correspond with the vehicle’s computer to start the car. If it is missing or not working, your vehicle won’t start.  

This is much different from a regular key which only needs to match up with the grooves in the lock so the car can start. So, the sales pitch you heard about transponder keys being safer was true. It’s just that they can experience way more problems than a regular car key and you won’t hear that part in the sales pitch.  

Common Problems with Transponder Keys 

Maybe you haven’t had any problems with your transponder keys so far. But, there are several things that can go wrong. Transponder keys are all susceptible to the same problems that can happen to regular keys. Plus, there is the transponder chip which can undergo problems too. Here are some problems that you may experience.  

• The key gets stuck in the ignition 

There are several reasons why your key may get stuck in the ignition. It could be a problem with the key itself or it can be a problem with the ignition cylinder. If you think your key is stuck, check to make sure your steering wheel is in the correct position, you are in the correct gear and there are no alarm features that would prevent it from coming out the ignition. No matter what, do not tug on the key too hard. You may end up breaking it. 

• The transponder chip falls out 

If your key falls, it may open up. Since the chip inside is so small, it may fall out without you noticing. When you are putting your key back together, make sure that the transponder chip is intact. Otherwise, you will end up with a key that can do just about everything except start the vehicle. If you cannot find the transponder chip to put it back inside the key, you will have to get a new one.  

• The key is broken 

It is not uncommon for car keys to get broken and transponder keys are no different. In many cases, you can avoid breaking your car keys. Many people use their keys for tasks other than starting the car or opening the doors. Make sure you do not follow in their footsteps. Your key should not be used to open bottles, clean small areas or any other task that it is not intended for. Once you use your key for these tasks, you make it more susceptible to breakage.  

• You have lost the key 

Lost keys are no joke. You never know whose hands they can end up in. When it comes on to your car, if you lose your keys, the usual suggestion is a replacement key. While some people may change their locks, most people won’t. In many cases, people just hope that the car keys will not fall into the wrong hands and their vehicle will not get stolen.  

• The key is bent 

Bent keys are problematic because they are much more delicate. At any moment, your bent key can break. If you have other keys, it is best to use them instead of the bent one. While it may work very well in its bent state, you never know when it will break. Plus, if it does break, a piece of it may get stuck in the ignition cylinder and, of course, that would be more problems for you.  

So, How Can You Avoid Problems with Your Transponder Keys 

If you have a problem with your transponder key, you basically have two options- take it to the dealer or get a locksmith. The dealer’s rate is usually much more expensive than the locksmith, which is why many people usually opt for locksmith services.  

But, how can you prevent a reoccurrence of the problem? Well, once it is not manufacturer related, it may be a bit easy to prevent damage to your transponder key or other types of problems.  

The key is making sure that you take care of your key. Try not to drop it for the chip to fall out and do not use it for any other task apart from opening the car doors and starting the car. But, if you do end up with a problem with your transponder key, A1 Elmwood Park Locksmith in Elmwood Park, IL can assist you. Not in our area? Make sure you find a reputable locksmith that works in your area to help you.