It doesn’t help matters that today’s modern car keys come with a host of programmable features, chips, security features, and more, necessitating the need for specialized purchases.  Many drivers in search of replacement keys will often flock to the internet, thinking a great deal on that chip key or fully featured smart key is just a button click away.  While purchasing replacement auto keys online from places such as Amazon or eBay may seem like a time, and money saving convenience, unwary drivers may find themselves disappointed when the reality of their purchase kicks in.

Programmable Chip Keys are a Toss Up

One of the most popular types of security features in auto keys today are chip-keys.  These marvels of modern innovation require special programming, allowing a signal to be communicated between key, and car which, when absent, prevents the car from starting up.  This is a handy safety feature to deter would-be thieves but can be problematic when buying your replacement key online.

Each specific make, and model of car has a narrow range of acceptable chip-key options, making selection of the proper key design critical.  When buying online replacement keys, it can be difficult to know whether you’re selecting the appropriate option for your individual car.  When you do make the correct key choice, the online replacement often won’t take or hold the programming which can put a real damper on buyers looking for a quick and easy replacement solution.  Online retailers have no problem selling previously programmed keys or replacement chip-keys from cut rate sources, severely lowering the standard for quality control.

Multi-Function Keys Won’t Function at All

The chip isn’t the only aspect of key technology that often malfunctions with online replacements.  Keys that include built-in buttons for basic car functions are also prone to misfire.  Alarm buttons that refuse to connect with your car’s system or trunk buttons that trigger the alarm system instead are just a few of the issues commonly seen with replacement keys purchased online.  In addition, the inexpensive replacement keys available online often break or fall apart after long-term use, negating the benefit from any initial cost savings.

Customer Service, Professionalism and More

The overall problem with buying replacement auto keys online comes down to accountability from the seller.  Anyone with a keyboard, and internet access can sell on discount sites, making finding a reliable security partner for your auto key needs all but impossible.  When problems arise, buyers are left with little-to-no recourse for lost time or frustration, much less returns, replacements or refunds.

If you’re in the market for replacement auto keys, consider saving yourself time, and frustration from the get-go by making your first call to a licensed, professional locksmith such as those at A-1 Locksmith.  At A-1 we have in-depth knowledge of the various requirements of chip-keys, auto alarm triggers, smart keys, and more.  Our certified locksmiths will ensure that your replacement auto keys are functioning correctly, and we fully stand behind our products, and services, ensuring that we get the job right the first time, every time.  If you’re in the market for replacement or duplicate auto keys, call A-1 today for a free quote, and see for yourself the difference experience, and dedication makes when choosing a reputable locksmith source for your lock and security needs.

There are, however, a number of situations in which all business or homeowners should immediately call a locksmith to have their locks rekeyed or replaced. If you find yourself facing any of these issues, we invite you to contact the professionals at A-1 Locksmith today for immediate help.

1. Lost Keys

Perhaps the most obvious reason to replace or rekey locks is if you or another key-holder lost their set of keys. Losing a set of keys means that the finder could eventually have unfettered access to your home or business day or night; this is certainly a valid reason to change the locks.

2. Divorce

While rekeying or replacing locks may be far from your mind during or after a divorce, it should, in reality, be a top consideration. While you may trust and even occasionally rely on your ex-spouse in the aftermath, allowing him or her to continually have access to your home or business could be problematic if he or she chooses to enter.

3. Moving into a New Home or Business

After moving into a new home or business location, there are so many issues to keep track of. However, before letting too much time elapse, make sure to have the locks replaced or rekeyed. This will ensure that any former tenants or owners no longer are able to visit the house or commercial building without your permission.

4. After Roommates or Employees Leave

Many business owners will give a set of keys to their employees; and all landlords will give keys to their tenants. As such, it is always smart to rekey or replace the locks when either roommates/tenants or employees leave. While they may give back the set you provided them, it’s virtually impossible for you to know if they made copies at some point in time in the past.

5. If You Don’t Get Them Back from Neighbors, Repairmen, or Others

In order to get access to our homes or buildings, many repair workers or other maintenance personnel may ask for keys to have access to the building whenever they need. And, often, as homeowners, we may give a set of keys to our neighbors to check on our plants when we leave.

In this situation, if you don’t receive all these keys back, you should immediately rekey or replace the locks. While you may trust your neighbors, and the visiting maintenance personnel, allowing extra keys to exist without your control only puts you at risk.

Contact Our Locksmiths for Assistance

If you need to replace or rekey your locks in DFW, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professionals for help. The locksmiths at A-1 Locksmith in the Metroplex are experienced, and capable, and we will utilize our expertise to assist you today.

While losing your can seem devastating, there are a few simple steps to take to help ensure that you find your keys quickly, or, if they are truly lost, that you are able to protect your assets. Consider these tips the next time you find yourself in this position.

First: Don’t Panic

Most importantly, if you have lost your keys, don’t panic, as panicking may only lead to you making rash decisions in the heat of the moment. Many individuals who have misplaced their keys may, without thinking, immediately take action to change the locks on their home, business or automobile for peace of mind. Of course, while this may be a necessary action in the end, there is no use in jumping to conclusions without thinking through the situation.

Then: Consider Retracing Your Steps

Ultimately, the only chance you may have at finding the keys you misplaced is by retracing your steps, and visiting all of your previous locations. Even if this means spending a few extra hours of your free time searching for your key ring, doing this can save you significant trouble if you do eventually find it. And you can always expedite this process by calling a friend to help you search, or even enlisting in the help of your family or anyone who shares your home with you.

Finally: Consider Replacing the Locks

If, after searching for your keys, you are unable to locate them, it may be in your best interests to replace the locks on your home, business or automobile altogether. Even if you live in a safe area wherein you aren’t used to locking your doors anyway, changing the locks will still give you the ability to protect your home, should you so choose.

Although you have a few different options when considering lock replacement, your best choice is to go with a reputable locksmith in the area, such as our talented, and friendly staff here at A-1 Locksmith in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our skilled professionals have substantial experience assisting Metroplex residents who have been locked out of their house, and we always have time to help those in need. We understand the inconvenience placed on you if you have lost your keys; as such, we’ll work quickly to get you back inside your home, business or automobile as soon as possible. Reach out to us today if you have questions or if you need a professional locksmith in the Dallas area.