Purchasing a used car is very exciting, but did you ever stop to ask yourself, how many keys does this car have? Unfortunately, it is impossible to answer this question. The fact is that someone in the past may have made copies of the key, kept the original for himself or someone else, or lost it.
All used cars come with 1 or 2 keys. However, the point is that you don't know the history of previous owners.
The former driver or his family member may have made additional keys. Some copy may have gone missing, and someone found it accidentally. So, there is an unexplained amount of working keys around.
The thing is not even in trusting or distrusting people around you. It is simply impossible to know who can gain unauthorized access to your car because of the keys.
Another method that is easy and inexpensive to use to improve security for a second-hand car is called rekeying. With rekeying, you will be able to rest easy knowing that all the extra keys which could possibly be floating around will not work anymore, after you do this, only the keys you have will be able to open and start the vehicle.
Rekeying provides great benefits. After this procedure, you'll be assured that no one from the past can start your car or break into it.
Rekeying vs. Lock Replacement
Most customers think that they should replace locks with new ones. However, in most cases, such a procedure isn't required. When replacing locks, locksmiths take out old hardware and install brand new one. At rekeying, only the locks are changed. If your car locks still work well, rekeying would be faster, simpler, and cheaper than lock replacement. New locks are usually required only if the current one is damaged and needs to be replaced.
First, a professional checks the locks and the ignition condition and performs all necessary changes so that your car locks would have a new key.
Modern keys get cut according to the pattern and a locksmith tests them, old keys are also checked to make sure that they can't open any locks now, in most cases, rekeying can be done at your location: at home, in office, or anywhere you specify, moreover vehicles with transponder keys may require key programming in addition to rekeying.
Ideally, you should rekey your vehicle right after purchasing a used car, our best recommendation is to consider this procedure as something you should do when taking possession of your new car. Rekeying removes the insecurity connected with previous drivers and ensures that only your keys are effective.
Rekeying is an easy and inexpensive way to increase security of your used car. You'll remove all risks associated with the history of your vehicle and be sure that no one but you will be able to unlock it.
When performing this procedure, don't forget to order spare keys as well. Thus, you'll increase your safety and prevent any possible lockout situations in the future.
Just bought a used car, no worries because our locksmith team is ready to provide mobile car lock rekey services in and around Los Angeles.
Just picked up a used car? We offer mobile car lock rekey and spare key cutting throughout Los Angeles.
Just picked up a used car? Our Victory Car Locksmith techs take care of this on the spot. Request a quote or call (213) 816-6024.
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Read article →The need to have a spare key is not considered by most people until the loss of the only key occurs. In case everything works well, making a spare key will look like extra effort. However, the availability of the spare key can help save time, money, and nerves in some situations. Getting a spare key will be easier if the original key still works.
Read article →You will have two options available, either a car dealership or a mobile locksmith, while each one can offer you a working key the difference is mainly in the pricing and other factors like convenience and time.
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