Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Alan Weir
The Compelling Benefits of Rekeying Your Car Locks
Ah, the allure of the open road! Whether you’re heading out on a spontaneous adventure or just running errands around town, the last thing you want is a hiccup in your journey. One aspect that often goes overlooked in car maintenance (beyond oil changes and tyre pressure checks) is the security of your vehicle. If you haven’t considered rekeying your car locks, it’s high time you did. As an expert car locksmith, I’m here to delve into the myriad of reasons why rekeying might just be the best security move you can make for your vehicle.
Understanding What Rekeying Means
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s break down what rekeying actually entails. When you rekey your car locks, you’re essentially changing the internal mechanism of your locks so that they work with a new key, while the lock itself remains in place. It’s a bit like getting a fresh start—your old key will no longer access your locks, meaning only the new key will.
Enhanced Security
One of the foremost motivations for rekeying car locks is the significant boost in security it provides. Think about it. How many people have had access to your original key? Friends, family members, valet services, or even previous owners if you’ve bought used—you might not have had any say in who held onto that key.
Rekeying removes that uncertainty. Once you’ve rekeyed your locks, that previous key becomes obsolete. No longer can someone slip into your car without your knowledge. If you’ve just moved into a new place or recently purchased a used vehicle, rekeying is particularly crucial. You truly can’t be too careful when it comes to your vehicle’s protection.
Cost-Effective Solution
Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t replacing locks more effective?” While replacing locks is certainly an option, it’s also significantly more expensive. Rekeying, on the other hand, provides a similar level of security at a fraction of the cost. The price often depends on the make and model of your car and the labour involved, but it typically falls well within a budget-friendly range.
Moreover, some insurance policies might provide coverage for rekeying, making it an even more cost-effective strategy. For a detailed understanding of car security and insurance implications, you can explore this helpful resource.
Preventing Vehicle Theft
Speaking of security, let’s talk about vehicle theft. The sad truth is that car theft rates are alarmingly high. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were over 89,000 reported vehicle thefts in the UK in just one year. You can easily find a list of the most stolen cars here.
Rekeying is a proactive measure that can help prevent your vehicle from becoming yet another statistic. Most thieves operate on opportunity; if they find a way into your vehicle quickly, they may be inclined to take it—key or no key. By rekeying, you effectively reduce the chances of that happening.
Peace of Mind
In our increasingly hectic lives, peace of mind can sometimes feel elusive. If you’ve ever fretted about where your keys have been or who might have a spare, rekeying can dissolve those worries. Knowing that only you hold the power to access your car can be liberating. It gives that extra layer of assurance you might not have realised you needed.
What’s the saying? “Better safe than sorry.” By taking the precaution of rekeying your locks, you’ll be one step ahead in ensuring your vehicle remains secure, allowing you to focus on what really matters—enjoying the ride.
Improved Lock Functionality
Have you noticed that your car’s locks have been acting up lately? You’re not alone! Many drivers experience issues like stubborn locks or keys that don’t turn smoothly. Rekeying can often involve cleaning or adjusting the locking mechanism, which not only enhances security but can also improve the overall functionality of your locks.
A smoother lock mechanism translates to less wear and tear on your keys, ultimately prolonging their lifespan. Remember, a good-looking key won’t be much use if it can’t turn in the ignition!
Multiple Keys for Convenience
Let’s face it; juggling multiple keys can quickly become a hassle. If you’ve gone through the process of rekeying, you might even opt to make duplicate keys that only work with the new locking system. This is particularly useful for couples or families with shared vehicles. No more searching through your bag or pocket for the right key.
Moreover, you can have keys made that fit specific needs. For example, having a key that’s easily distinguishable among your bunch can save time and frustration down the line. If you’re keen to explore different key options, check out some ideas here.
Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Value
When it comes to selling your vehicle, you want to be able to present it in the best light possible. Rekeying your locks is an excellent way to demonstrate to potential buyers that the car has been well taken care of. If they know that you’ve been proactive about security, it could just bolster their confidence in making that purchase.
In today’s market, buyers are more cautious than ever, and a good security system can be a selling point. The importance of vehicle security in preventing theft cannot be overstated, and rekeying can be part of that narrative.
Customisation Options
Finally, let’s not forget the opportunity to customise. When rekeying your locks, you can choose keys that reflect your style or even consider unique key designs that can help distinguish your vehicle from others. Whether it’s a funky colour or a specific shape, keys can be much more than just functional—why not make them an extension of your personality?
Incorporating custom options when rekeying also adds an additional deterrent for thieves. With unique keys, they are less likely to find duplicates unlike standard keys for popular makes and models.
What to Expect During a Rekeying
If you’re convinced that rekeying is the way to go, let me guide you through what to expect during the process. First, you’ll want to consult with a professional locksmith. They will assess your locks and get a detailed understanding of your vehicle’s locking system.
The average rekeying job can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the complexity of the locks and how many need to be rekeyed. Most locksmiths will either come to your location or invite you to their workshop. You’ll receive a new set of keys once the job is completed, and you’ll be given important information on how to care for your newly rekeyed locks.
As with any locksmith service, always ask about warranties or guarantees on the work performed. This not only ensures quality but provides an extra layer of peace of mind.
While keeping your car in top condition is crucial, don’t underestimate the importance of locking mechanisms. Rekeying your car locks could just be that one action that saves you from the heartache of theft, aside from enhancing your car’s safety and security.
Alan Weir – Master Locksmith with 30+ Years of Experience
Alan Weir is the founder of Weir Locksmiths and a Master Locksmith with over three decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in home and automotive security, Alan has built a reputation for providing reliable and innovative locksmith solutions across the UK.
A certified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Alan specialises in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services including car key replacement, transponder programming, and advanced security systems. His dedication to the field has earned him thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews on platforms like Checkatrade.
Now contributing to RevLock, Alan shares his expert knowledge to all of RevLocks visitors.
