car key fob lock

Lock Security: Should You Get a New Fob?

Keeping your car locked and safe from intruders seem like a pretty easy task nowadays. Just remember to push the lock button before exiting the vehicle or hit the alarm key fob as you walk away.

While this method won’t keep a criminal from smashing the window and trying to take the car, it’s certainly the first defense in keeping unauthorized people from entering your car.

Just as with residential locks on your front door and windows this closed access will deter theft and help you keep the peace of mind when you’re not present to monitor the premises.

The great thing about technology and advancements is that it’s now much easier to keep track of our cars location (GPS), keep it ready and comfortable when you get inside of it (remote start) and for some more futuristic types, even drive without us doing any of the work (self-driving cars).

Beware though. There are still risks even with these advancements that hackers are discovering and exploiting daily. One recent news report comments on the latest warning from a security expert and points to the hacking of key fobs where criminals are intercepting the signal given out by the fob when a user tries to lock the car with it from a distance. Once they gain the codes needed they can open and steal the car.

As a solution, some people are wrapping the fobs in tin foil to try and block the hackers from grabbing the code. This works only to a limited degree and this news has spurred discussions around the security of key fobs altogether since some manufacturers have reused codes. Instead of tinfoil, some consumers are heading to the dealers to get new fobs altogether.

Another option for keeping your car secure if you’re unsure who has a spare copy of the key would be to have the ignition rekeyed by a locksmith. With this process, you’ll end up with a new key that works to start the car and open the doors and that you know for sure only you have possession of.

Locksmiths are an important investment in your security and should be considered for all of your residential and commercial lock needs. All American Locksmiths is proud to serve customers in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

Having trouble with your locks? Contact us today!

keys

What to Do About Broken Keys

If you’ve ever had to deal with a lost key, then you know how frustrating it can be wondering how you’ll gain access to your home or car. But that sentiment is amplified when you have the key, go to open your door and then, the key brakes inside the lock before you were able to open the door. Now what?

You can waste time trying to jam things in and force the piece out, but you’ll likely just end up even more frustrated and wasting your valuable time. Even if you are able to wiggle out the broken piece, you now have a key that you can’t use to gain access anyways.

Luckily, professional locksmiths trained in assisting with this common issue can come out to you to help whenever this happens.  Here’s what you should do if you’re dealing with a broken key.

Keep Safety in Mind

Before you do anything else, keep your safety in mind. Phone someone if you’re in a dark place and feel uncomfortable so they can stay on the phone with you while you wait for help.  The same is true for handling the broken key. You don’t want to try using sharp objects to pry it out or operate the lock and risk harming yourself or damaging the lock further.

Call a Professional Locksmith

The best thing you can do for your patience and peace of mind is to call a professional locksmith who will come out to your location and help you with your specific issue- whether it’s fishing out the broken piece, replacing or rekeying your lock.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

If the key to your home’s lock broke suddenly, chances are it probably was worn from years of use. There’s a way to avoid this from happening in the future by performing simple maintenance on the hardware including adding lubricants that reduce damage from use over time. You should also pay close attention to the condition of your keys if they seem to be getting worn, don’t wait until it’s too late, have copies and spares ready.

All American Locksmiths offers prompt lockout services, new locks, and more throughout Connecticut & Westchester County. If you’re dealing with a broken key and have no idea how you’ll get into your car or home, give us a call, we treat emergencies with urgency and provide professional assistance to get you back to your day as fast as possible.

CAR KEY IN HAND

Here’s an Easy Way to Solve a Lockout Issue

Being locked out of your home, business or car is a frustrating situation. Trying to figure out if anyone can bring you a spare, wondering why you never had those spares made like you said you we’re going to and worse, worrying about your safety, are likely running through your mind at this time adding to the frustration. However, there are some easy things you can do immediately to get yourself out of a lockout situation in the least stressful way possible.

Call a Locksmith

After you’ve had time to calm down from the initial anger or shock that you’re locked out, it’s time to think about what the most sensible option is to get this issue resolved. This is when a trusted locksmith will come in handy. Busting windows open trying to get your way inside is never a smart option. Besides the dangers of cuts and shattered glass, there will be additional costs to repair those damages that you can avoid. Calling a professional is the best way to safely and quickly get back into your home, business or car.

Local, Speedy Service

Since you’re likely already in an emotional state, you’ll want to get a service that’s local and that can be there quickly regardless the time of day. The last thing you want to hear on the other side of the phone is a call center located oceans away trying to find you someone from a directory who might be able to come help you. Locating a locksmith who services your local area and has a credible website and reviews is a great place to start.

Skilled Knowledge

No lockout issue will be the same. What one car’s locking mechanism needs to unlock it may be different than what’s installed on your home’s front door or that especially secure lock you had put on your business. Having a professional who is skilled with safely unlocking all of these different kinds of locks is important to avoid damage and wasted time when all you want to do is get inside.

Whether you’re in need of residential, commercial, auto, or emergency locksmith services, contact All American Locksmiths now and you’ll get the fast, reliable service you need.

Serving communities across Connecticut and Westchester County, including communities like Elmsford, Trumbull, Fairfield, Darien, and Greenwich.