Lock Types and Their Uses

Most vehicles manufactured today require the use of a transponder key. It simply offers another layer of convenience. The transponder key has a chip inside of it that lets you lock or unlock your car door, start the ignition and other functions related to your vehicle. The chip that is inserted has to be programmed in order for the features to work effectively. It is programmed to operate only for your vehicle and can only be identified when your transponder key is programmed. When it is unlocked then it will be possible for you to use the features. If the chip is not detected then you will not be able to use your key. Having a transponder key is a way to help prevent auto theft. Since the invention of the transponder key, auto theft has dropped significantly. If you have a transponder key, it serves as another layer of protection. There is no threat of someone being able to hotwire your vehicle and simply take off. The auto theft will have to do a lot more to steal a vehicle that requires a transponder key.

When someone becomes accustomed to using a transponder key, it is very difficult for them to live without it. However, if you lose your key and don’t have another one then you may panic. There are some practical steps to take if you should happen to lose your transponder key. At lake Forest Secure Locksmith in Lake Forest, IL, we help people with their transponder keys practically every day. Needless to say, our locksmiths know a thing or two about transponder keys. If your keys happen to fall into the hands of the wrong person, they will be able to take your vehicle. All that an auto thief needs is to get the actual keys in their hand. They don’t need a code or anything, just the keys. Perhaps your keys were not lost. Perhaps someone actually stole them for the purpose of actually stealing your vehicle. You’ll have to act quickly to secure another key, if you don’t already have one, and have it programmed. The good news is that once you have a new key in your hand and it is then programmed, the other key will not work. That is the comforting for some people. However, again, you cannot just take your time about having a new transponder key programmed. Even with a spare key, the key is still programmed to the same system, you will also have to have the spare key reprogrammed so that the other key can no longer be used. This is the absolute first step that you should make when you are unable to locate your vehicle keys.

Call a Locksmith

The best way and the fastest way to secure a new transponder key is to contact a local locksmith. You save time and money because like Lake Forest Secure Locksmith, most locksmiths services will come to wherever you are. They will have the necessary tools needed to program a new transponder key for you on the spot. You save money because you are do not have to call a tow truck service to have your vehicle towed anywhere. You save time because you don’t have to wait for a tow truck and then wait for your mechanic or dealership to get to you in order to program your new key. The buck stops and ends with the locksmith.

When you rely on a locksmith for your new transponder key, you are able to afford the expensive cost associated with getting one from an auto dealership. The one thing to keep in mind is that an auto dealership has to pay overhead expenses. They certainly are not coming out of their own pockets to pay for it so guess who’ll have to pay for their overhead expenses? You’ve guessed it, you! Rather than paying more than you actually need to, just contact a locksmith. There is no overhead expenses that have to be paid so you’re sure to receive a much better rate for your transponder key. We realize that when you can’t find your key, it usually comes as a total surprise and can be rather frustrating. It’s in your best interest to consider exactly how you will proceed when you have lost your transponder key.

How to Avoid Auto Theft

If you don’t let a locksmith know that you have lost your transponder key and have a new one immediately programmed to replace it, you are potentially setting yourself up. As long as the keys are out of your sight, you really don’t know if they are lost or if they have been stolen by someone in an attempt to gain access to your vehicle. Thieves are very clever and you may never know that they are even around. If you have contractors in your home, they could easily swipe your keys. If you’re in a store and someone notices who you are and knows what car you drive, they may come along to distract you for the purpose of taking your keys. I know this may sound farfetched but believe it or not, this is how some peoples transponder keys fall in the wrong hands.

Taking your time to have a new key programmed could be the reason that your vehicle is stolen. All that a thief needs is time and opportunity. Don’t give them the time to come along and steal your vehicle the moment that your back is turned. If you don’t already have a spare transponder key, a locksmith can bring you one and also program the key for you. Taking immediate action is the best way to avoid the theft of your vehicle. Don’t just sit by ideally waiting for something to happen when you have the ability to make sure that nothing worse occurs because you have lost your transponder key. A locksmith has the necessary tools to get you another transponder key.