As an automotive locksmith that has helped thousands of people regain access to their vehicles, we know this tends to happen in certain places more than others. Here are four places where you need to be especially thoughtful about your keys:

1. Home

Believe it or not, this is one of the most common places people lock keys in their cars. This is because we spend most of our lives leaving home, and coming back. Whether your mind is preoccupied with what went on during your day or your children are playing around with the car while it’s in the garage, it’s easier than you think for your doors to inadvertently lock while the keys are inside. Some ways to avoid this include making sure your keys are in the same spot of your home, or investing in a smart key fob that won’t let the vehicle doors lock while it’s inside.

2. Work

Next, the place most of us spend our second-greatest amount of time: work. Typically, people go to work five days a week and often take lunch breaks, so there are a lot of opportunities for this to happen. But one of the biggest reasons this happens is because we have work on our minds or are carrying things we need for work (e.g., briefcases, lunch). Adding a reminder to your phone or computer is one way to potentially mitigate the risk of locking keys in your car at work.

3. While Shopping

Shopping centers are another standard location for car lockouts. From grocery stores, and malls to big-box retailers, these places usually involve carrying bags back to your automobile. This leaves them prone to slipping—or you forgetting about them entirely. Or, if you have a trunk, you might put all your bags, and the keys inside the trunk and close it. Either way, having an auto locksmith you trust is invaluable to meet you at the store, and unlock your car.

4. On the Road

Finally, it’s not uncommon to lock keys in your car while on a road trip or if you’re having car troubles on the side of the road. These situations aren’t part of our routines, so our minds can get distracted, and we make a mistake with our keys. A-1 Locksmith has provided emergency, and mobile locksmith services time, and time again for situations like this.

Wherever you’ve locked your keys in your car in Dallas-Fort Worth, A-1 Locksmith is here to provide the best auto lockout services you’ll find. Contact us today if this ever happens to you.

From locks to other hardware, here are five vehicle parts to consider replacing:   

1. Door Handles

For starters, you can upgrade the door knobs or door handles on your vehicle so that they either have more security features, such as being accessed remotely, or they’re more difficult for thieves to access by being flush with the vehicle door. Other security reasons to replace car door handles include replacing compromised handles, and adding a backup key slot if the first one is ever damaged (or you lose the key for it).

2. Locks

It also might be time for your locks to be upgraded, especially if you have an older style that is easily visible from the outside, letting potential criminals know if your car is locked or unlocked. Smart locks give you extra convenience, and security by using a code or fingerprint instead of a physical key, so that’s another option to consider as well. 

3. Alarm

If your alarm system isn’t reliable, you might as well not even have it. Or, it could be a factory model that could benefit from being upgraded. Either way, many alarm systems these days come with tracking powered by GPS, so you can know where your vehicle is at all times; especially handy if your vehicle ever ends up in the wrong hands.

4. Windows

Tinted windows are another upgrade that can enhance your vehicle’s security. Thieves don’t want to be seen putting their faces up on a vehicle to see inside it, so the more difficult you make it to see the interior of your vehicle, the less likely it will be broken into. It’s also more difficult to tell if the vehicle is locked or unlocked with tinted windows. Other benefits of tinted windows beyond just security are enhanced privacy, enhanced visibility on bright days, and their ability to help your car’s interior stay cool under the sun.

5. Steering Wheel

Finally, you can upgrade your steering wheel to one that locks, or add a locking mechanism to your steering wheel that you can lock/activate whenever you park or are away from your vehicle. At the end of the day, the more deterrents you place in front of would-be criminals, the less likely they’ll be to target your specific car.

For additional auto security advice, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

Locksmith companies are the same way.

If you think all locksmiths in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are similar, think again. Pricing, services, experience, professional associations, ratings, and other factors can vary. Let’s discuss why each of these are important so you can choose the best Dallas auto locksmith the next time you need one.

Factors That Separate Dallas Auto Locksmiths

With phones, you can compare different features like camera quality, storage capabilities, and visual appeal. But what factors do you look at when it comes to Dallas-Fort Worth automobile locksmith companies? Here are a few to consider:

• Pricing: Is one company more affordable than another?
• Services: Does the company specialize in one type of service or do they offer several?
• Convenience: Is there only a brick-and-mortar location or do they offer mobile services?
• Experience: How many years of experience does the company (and team members) have?
• Professional associations: Are they members of any professional groups or associations?
• Ratings: What do their online ratings, and reviews look like?
• Warranties, and guarantees: Do they back up their work with any warranties or guarantees?
• Customer service: How do technicians, and customer service reps treat you? Are they friendly?

Why Choose A-1 Locksmith for Your Car or Truck

At A-1 Locksmith, we’re the Dallas auto locksmith you can trust. We’ve been voted the No. 1 Locksmith in Dallas by residents for three years in a row, beating out 30 other companies in the area to take the title. Here are a few reasons why we’re the best:

• Our prices are fair, affordable, and given to you in the form of an estimate beforehand
• We offer several different types of auto locksmithing services, from emergency lockouts to lock repair and rekeying or key duplication
• We offer both mobile locksmith services, and 10 DFW retail locations
• We’ve been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for more than 65 years
• We’re members of the Safe & Vault Technicians Association, ALOA Security Professionals Association and Texas Locksmiths Association
• We have a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 7,000+ user reviews
• We guarantee most of our work and offer warranties on many of our products
• Our technicians, and customer services reps put the customer first and it shows in each and every interaction

If you’re in need of Dallas auto locksmithing services, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

One of those components is keys. Did you know that there is more than one type of car key? From mechanical, and self-programmable to transponder and laser-cut, there are a variety of different keys out there that can be used for automotive rekeying. Part of the reason for this is functional; part of the reason is preference. Either way, let’s take a closer look at seven of the most popular types of car keys to see why they’re out there.

Mechanical Keys

These keys used to be prevalent in most cars, but that’s no longer the case. Mechanical keys instead show up more often as house keys, locker keys, and other basic devices. You likely won’t find a mechanical key for a car unless it’s a basic or older model (or to access the door or trunk only). Why? They don’t include electronic components that the car uses to confirm the key is valid.

Programmable Remotes

Programmable remotes (or self-programmable as they’re more often called) aren’t really keys. Instead, they’re buttons that you use to lock your car, unlock your car, sound the alarm and/or open the trunk. Using special equipment, a locksmith or dealer can program one of these remotes to your vehicle to your vehicle, and replace or duplicate them if necessary. As a bonus, the best automotive locksmiths guarantee their programmed keys to work and may even include a 90-day warranty.

Transponder Keys

These are the most common car keys you’ll see out there. Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they have electronic components in the head that communicate with the car to confirm that the key is valid. Like remotes, these keys need to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start it, so they usually require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.

Laser-Cut Transponder Keys

Think of laser-cut transponder keys as transponder keys with a bit of extra security. These are laser-cut to exact specifications, and require extensive knowledge of rekeying and locksmithing. A locksmith who specializes in automotive rekeying can often make laser-cut keys for a lot less than you’d pay at the dealership.

Remote/Key Combos

These are also more, and more common these days. Remote/key combos are exactly what they sound like: a combination remote, and key. You have the security of the key being programmed to your car, but the convenience of choosing between the button or key to access it.

Proximity FOBs

One of the newer car access options, proximity keys or FOBS look like remotes (and may even have buttons on them), but they can actually start the car or unlock the doors when you’re near the vehicle. You may need help replacing one of these if the battery dies, or you may just want to upgrade a basic key to a proximity FOB.

Tibbe Keys

Finally, Tibbe keys are unique in that they can’t be duplicated by anyone except a dealer or locksmith. Furthermore, they’re limited to certain types of vehicles, such as Ford, and Jaguar. But they’re common enough to make it on our list.

Need your automobile rekeyed? Or perhaps you just need an extra set of keys for your car? Give us a call at 972-284-7500 and we’ll get you taken care of today.

A Host of Vulnerabilities

According to researchers at the University of Washington and UC San Diego, hacking a sophisticated onboard computer system in your car is much easier than you think.  Modern computer systems are designed to tell drivers, mechanics, and even the U.S. Government (helllooo big brother) minute details about your car’s performance, maintenance history, and emissions.  On the outside, this kind of technology makes for an efficient driver experience, and nearly flawless operation as various systems communicate, and interact to make driving your car more engaging, effortless, and entertaining than ever before.

What this interconnectedness also does, however, is create multiple entry areas for those looking to exploit security loopholes.  Multiple systems communicating, researchers say, creates multiple areas where differing, software platforms may not mesh properly.  This creates security loopholes, and access points for the criminally minded, and tech savvy.

Just What’s at Risk

But just what are the implications of these loopholes on your daily driving experience?  As an example, your car’s OBD port, a little electronic connection required for emissions, and diagnostic testing, can be used by someone with sophisticated computer networking knowledge to turn on your car, engage or disengage locks, and, ultimate, make off with your vehicular asset.  In one lab experiment, researchers were even able to wirelessly connect to a vehicles onboard computer system and take control of vital safety, and mechanical operations.  Scary stuff, and we haven’t even begun talking about the whole autonomous car bit yet.

So, Technology is Bad, Right?

While your first inclination after reading all this gloom and doom about technology may be to make a quick trip to the junk yard for that old 1960’s Chevy, rust-laden or not, it turns out that these vulnerabilities can be corrected with the right knowledge, and expertise.  After learning of some of the most common security exploits, many car manufacturers took it upon themselves to plug up the loopholes, albeit a few years after they were originally discovered.

The good news is that the every day driver (that’s you) has other options when it comes to ensuring the safety, and security of their vehicle.  Experienced security, and locksmith experts, such as those at A-1 Locksmith, have the industry, and technological knowledge to assess your individual vehicle needs, and recommend, and install a security system that locks down known hacker access points.  A-1’s experienced security staff has a wide range of experience in the corporate, and private consumer world.  To rest easier and find out if your car is as protected as it should be, call A-1 to discuss an automobile security system that won’t leave you vulnerable to a bored computer genius residing in their parent’s basement.  A-1 Locksmith has everything you need to ensure your vehicular peace of mind.

If this situation sounds familiar enough, you also have probably rarely left the comfort of your cozy bed to investigate what triggered the alarm in the first place.  Does this mean that car alarms aren’t effective or that you shouldn’t worry about purchasing, installing or maintaining them on your vehicle?  Read on to discover whether our anecdotal tale has any real life statistics when it comes to car alarms, and deterring crime.

By the Numbers

When it comes to ignoring car alarms, you aren’t alone.  And as it turns out, most of the time you’d be right to put the pillow over your ears, and go back to sleep.  A study conducted in the 1990’s concluded that between 95-99% of all triggered car alarms were false.  It would make sense, then, that 99% of triggered car alarms are not followed up on (we hope we made you feel better that you weren’t the only one).  Few studies have been conducted on deterrence given the understandably reluctant nature of thieves to discuss their preferences, but research suggests that cars with alarms are only slightly less likely to be stolen than those without.

What Does Law Enforcement Have to Say?

While law enforcement typically isn’t the type to complain, they do field their fair share of calls regarding car alarms.  Unfortunately, most of these have to do with nuisance car alarms, or those that continuously go off creating havoc, and reducing quality sleep, in residential neighborhoods. Most major local law enforcement and city websites address car alarms, and significant resources are dedicated to resolving neighborhood disputes over the noise pollution.

More Than Just Noise

With the general consensus that car alarms are only minimally effective at preventing vehicle theft, and the growing tide of noise pollution complaints given the number of falsely triggered alarms, it would seem that car alarms were a useless security tool.  Or are they?

While alarms may be outdated noisemakers, complimentary security systems, have been shown to be effective at both theft prevention and vehicle recovery.  Car alarms that couple horns blaring, beeping and honking with modern technologies that disable the engine until a key is nearby, can greatly reduce the chances of your car being stolen.  GPS based systems, such as LoJack, have been proven to drastically reduce recovery time for your stolen vehicle, decreasing the risk that your car will be damaged upon return.

In any situation, a car alarm is only effective if your car’s standard lock system has not been compromised. Contact A-1 today to learn about our extensive auto-protection services

What Each Type of Locksmith Does

A residential locksmith can do more than just help you enter your home if you’ve locked yourself out; a residential locksmith can also help you to assess your home’s security, and provide tips for upgrading your locks.

An automotive locksmith, on the other hand, specifically deals with the locks of cars. Automotive locksmiths can create, and replace keys, extract a broken key from a door or ignition, and help you enter your car if you’re locked out.

Finally, a commercial locksmith specializes in lock systems for commercial properties, and businesses. Some commercial locksmith services are in regards to:

• Commercial safes, and vaults;
• Panic bars;
• Automatic doors;
• Filing cabinets; and
• Master key systems.

Why It Is Important to Call the Right Type of Locksmith for the Job

Calling any old locksmith when you have a very specific need isn’t advised. In fact, some locksmiths may try to fool you into believing that they have the skill set necessary to get a locksmith job done when really they are just hoping to make money fast. To ensure that you are not taken advantage of, it is within your interest to only hire a locksmith who is licensed, insured, and bonded. Before calling the locksmith out to your house, car, or business, ask what they specialize in – it would waste time, and money to call an automotive locksmith for a commercial job, or visa versa.

Serving Commercial Businesses in Texas

At A-1 Locksmith, our locksmiths are trained in automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith skills. When your commercial business is facing a security issue, do not waste time searching for a commercial locksmith near you; instead, call A-1 Locksmith for fast and friendly service that you can count on. With more than 50 service technicians on the road at any given time, we are ready to serve you. Call us now for a free quote.

An Independent Company is Often Less Expensive

Using an independent company for remote keyless entry system repair or installation is often much less expensive than going to a dealership. While an auto dealership may lead you to believe that it’s the only one who can install a remote keyless entry system for your vehicle type, the truth is, keyless entry system can be installed in virtually any vehicle. Remote keyless entry systems, remotes, and services are of 25 percent to 50 percent less expensive when obtained from an independent company than from a dealership. If you want to hold onto your hard-earned money, then you deserve the highest-quality service, and products at the lowest possible cost.

Dealerships Cross-sell, and Upsell

Avoiding the dealership has more benefits than just saving money on a remote keyless entry system repair or installation; dealerships are also notorious for cross-selling (selling you a product that you don’t need) and upselling (selling you a more expensive version of the same product). Dealerships are experts at both of these techniques, and have mastered the art of learning how to get customers, just like yourself, to agree to pay more for, something you don’t actually need.

An Independent Business Will Focus On You

Finally, dealerships are often huge enterprises with hundreds, if not thousands, of customers to answer to. Because of this, your needs may not be prioritized like they should be, and a dealership representative may not always give you the extra time, and attention you deserve. When you go to a local, and independent business for your remote keyless entry system installation or repair needs, however, you can guarantee that customer service will be a top priority.

Consider a Remote Keyless Entry System Today

There are many benefits to a keyless entry system for your vehicle, and the advantages of choosing an independent business over a dealership are endless. To speak with a professional auto locksmith and keyless entry system specialist today, call the professionals at A-1 Locksmith now. With over 60 years’ experience in the business, you know you can count on our expertise, prices, and superior service.

Excessive Parts, and Labor Costs

While going to the dealership will often get your ignition back into tip-top shape, it’s often at the cost of excessive parts, and labor expenses. A dealership knows that it can make a buck by charging you more for ignition parts, and cost of labor than would an independent company; in fact, in 2011, car owners who went to dealers for repairs rather than independent companies spent an average of $306 per year more on basic repair services. If you want to get the best deal in DFW, an independent company is a better choice.

Unnecessary Upselling

Because dealerships provide a variety of automotive services—as opposed to an auto locksmith service that specializes in auto lockout services, and ignition repair—you may fall victim to unnecessary upselling. Upselling occurs when a dealer leads a customer to believe that they not only need a more expensive item related to the ignition repair, but that they might also need a non-related auto fix, too, like new tires or an oil change. Unnecessary upselling is common scam at auto dealerships, and can end up costing you a pretty penny or the nuisance of having to decline service you were never interested in.

Slow Service

If your car won’t start, it may take hours—or even days—for a dealership to get around to actually figuring out what’s wrong with it. And that doesn’t even take into account the time that it will take to actually repair your ignition. On the other hand, a trained locksmith from an independent company can often tell you right on the phone what’s wrong with your ignition just by learning your vehicle’s make, and model. Because customer service is of the utmost importance to local companies, your ignition repair will be a top priority, and handled quickly.

Excessive Towing Fees

When you need your ignition repaired, and choose an auto dealership, they’ll suggest that you tow your car in. Towing can be extremely expensive in Dallas, and can cost you upwards of one or two hundred dollars. However, you can save on towing costs by calling an independent service that comes to you.

In fact, at A-1 Locksmith, we have a mobile ignition repair service van that will travel to you. Not only will this save you money, but it also means that you won’t have to stand in the hot sun for hours wondering what to do or waiting for a tow. If you’re in an emergency lockout situation, or if your ignition won’t start, don’t hesitate to call us for immediate service now.

“Ignitiion” image based on “Ignition Lock” by BigPresh, CC-BY-2.0.

What happens, however, if you don’t use keys to enter your car, but instead use a key fob or, some other, sort of keyless entry? Is there any way for you to regain access to the interior of your vehicle?

Don’t worry if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry. To be sure, you’re only one of many individuals throughout the nation who have suffered the same fate.

Key Fobs Not the Answer to Being Locked Out of a Car

Ultimately, key fobs were widely adopted, in part, to ensure that vehicle owners had a much smaller chance of locking themselves out of their cars. Of course, just like a pair of keys, it is fairly easy to accidentally lock a key fob inside of the vehicle. Unlike traditional keys, however, many modern key fobs are often designed to allow for the car to be unlocked as long as they are within a certain range. Here, then, an individual may lock a key fob within the car, yet still open the door due to the fob’s proximity to the computer.

Unfortunately, like anything with batteries, the key fob may eventually fail to work, leaving these vehicle owners locked out. And this certainly is not a rare occurrence; a 2013 report from AAA asserted that millions of motorists still find themselves locked out, even those who utilize smart keys.

As such, it is important to realize that if you have been locked out while using a smart key or key fob, you’re not alone. In this situation, however, it is imperative that you contact a professional locksmith to regain entry immediately.

How A-1 Locksmith Can Help

How can you ensure that you will still retain access to your car, even if you have been locked out with keyless entry? By contacting a professional with A-1 Locksmith, you can receive the assistance of a locksmith, often in less than 25 minutes, and be on your way home. Our mobile technicians carry in their trucks all the equipment necessary to replace both traditional, and chip or transponder keys, meaning that you’re never without help, even if you’re locked out. And, we offer this service at a cost not available at any local dealership.

So if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry somewhere in the Dallas area, don’t panic. Instead, call us today at A-1 Locksmith and we’ll be on our way in minutes.