Potential Problems with Transponder Keys

Transponder keys bring a lot of convenience to vehicle ownership. These new types of vehicle keys bring technology to your vehicle in a cutting edge way. However, when you add technology to anything, there is the potential for problems to arise. Here we will go through potential problems you may face when dealing with transponder keys.

What are transponder keys?

To start, let’s explain what transponder keys are. A transponder key is a car key that has a chip inside. This chip sends a radio signal to your car’s ignition (when the key is in close proximity). This lets the car know that the rightful owner is nearby, and the ignition should turn, allowing the car to start. If your car is later than a mid-1990’s model, it is likely that your key contains a transponder chip. You may also refer to this as a “key fob”. You might think that the fob is only used for opening and locking your vehicle. However, it is likely that a transponder chip is inside your key fob. This technology was created not only for its convenience, but as an anti-theft measure.

Transponder Key Problems

While this technology is great, it does come with its own set of problems. Just like any technology we utilize in everyday life, there are positives and negatives that come with it. Below we will list some potential problems with transponder keys.

Chip Damage

The chip in your key, or the corresponding chip in your car's ignition can face damage. When this happens, you will find that your transponder key only works intermittently (or not at all). This can be a very frustrating experience. If you think your chip has undergone damage, please call a locksmith for assistance. They are trained to deal with transponder keys for all makes and models of vehicles. If the problem lies with the chip in your car's ignition, a locksmith can still help. They are trained to deal with the full lock mechanism, including your car's ignition system.

Misplaced Key

This problem is due to human error, but it can happen. If you have misplaced your transponder key, you will not have a way to get inside of your vehicle, or turn your vehicle on (since the chip in the key will not be near the ignition). This situation may seem impossible. However, there is a solution. You can call a licensed and insured automotive locksmith to help you. They will be able to program a new transponder key for you (even if you have misplaced the old one). There are specific tools and equipment that are needed to get this done. This is why you should call a reputable auto locksmith for help. They can come out to your location and assist you. Many locksmiths also offer 24/7 emergency assistance. This means they will come out and help you even if you find that you have lost your keys in the middle of the night.

Key not working

If you have your key, but find that it is just not working - this points to a malfunction with your key. One problem may be a dead battery. Many new transponder keys do not use batteries to power them. However, older transponder keys may still rely on batteries. Signs that the battery is wearing out usually appear before hand. One sign is that the buttons on the transponder need to be pressed multiple times in order for them to work. If you are starting to notice inconsistency in the way your key buttons function, it may be a battery issue. If your car has push button start, you may have to press the start button multiple times for the car to fire up. You may be ignoring this issue, out of worry that the fix will be expensive. However, it could be due to a weak battery in your key fob.

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How do you know When it's Time to Replace Locks?

It happens to all of us at some point. Some time, some place, something will go wrong with your keys and locks. Despite the fact that a locksmith will be available at a price to help you even if it’s after hours, it’s still best to be pro-active instead, so that you’ll thwart just about any potential mishap.

Safeguarding your home is obviously essential. We all want our place to be a safe space where we can be comfortable and secure with our loved ones. Accordingly, it’s important that you keep your locks in topnotch condition. Make sure your front-door locks - and any other exterior locks - are always functioning properly, with outstanding resilience. You’ll keep your family, and valuables, also, efficiently protected when your locks are solid and durable.

Points to Consider

normal wear and tear

Rusted or worn-out locks are a major flaw in your home’s security. They grow more difficult to open as time passes, making it easier for a burglar to pick or break. If any of your locks has tarnish or rust, or if you notice additional signs of wear, now’s the time to replace it. If, day after day, a lock becomes increasingly difficult to open with your key, particularly in cold weather, you should replace it. 

rusty locks

You and your family come and go, opening and closing the locks countless times. As the years go by, locks wear out eventually or become rusty, which means they can break easily. If you observe any signs of rust, you’ll discover that it’s tricky to insert your key into the lock mechanism, or that perhaps you can’t even turn the key at all. If so, replace the lock.

damaged locks

If your locks are vandalized, damaged, or in any way tampered with, then you’ll need new locks. Don’t take any risks with your security! Replace your locks immediately. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any significant length of time, because your property will be susceptible to more issues, and it will also be easier for a thief to enter.

a new home

Anytime you move into a new place, you must replace your locks right away. You never know whether an earlier resident could still be in possession of an old key. Therefore, it’s crucial that you change your locks. 

new tenants or new roommates 

If you rent out space from your apartment or house, or if you have any other rental properties, the same rules apply. Each time you switch occupants, get your locks replaced. Even if the previous residents returned their keys, you can’t be totally positive that they haven’t kept any of their spare keys. If a break-in were to happen, you wouldn’t want to harbor any doubts about a former tenant. 

deadbolts

Looking at all the circumstances regarding your living situation, if you ever feel you’re at risk of criminal activity, and you want to improve your home security, then any expert locksmiths worth their salt will tell you that deadbolts are superior locks. Fortify your security with the toughest locks.

lost keys

If you see for certain that your keys are permanently lost, then change out your locks as soon as possible. All your outdoor locks are now vulnerable to an intruder, so replace them. After your exterior locks are secured effectively, you can replace any interior locks in the order of your personal security preferences.

stuck keys

Your key can become stuck, or it could even break off, in the lock mechanism. If any problem occurs with an internal lock mechanism, then the key won’t go in as effortlessly as it ought to. If you feel any resistance when you try to turn the key, then take it as a sign: Replace the lock.

combination locks

Are you always losing your keys? Then you should probably replace your traditional lock with a combination lock. A combination door lock can be opened with a passcode. If your combination input ever fails, or if you misplace or can’t remember your code, don’t despair, because most combination locks also come with a keyed lock as well. If you ever suspect that its access might have been compromised, change the combination, just as you would replace a standard lock if you had lost your keys.

break-ins

If the worst happens, and you’re robbed, it’s imperative that you replace every lock. The force used by a crook while breaking in will harm the integrity of the lock mechanism. A damaged lock will put you at a greater risk of another theft in the future, too. You just can’t be sure if your keys might have fallen into the wrong hands. Besides, mechanical failure makes it more likely that you’ll get locked out. Replace all your locks as soon as you can.

peace of mind

Your locks don’t need to display any evidence of damage for you to have to replace them. As the years pass, you may not recall anymore how many friends, neighbors, and family members you’ve handed your duplicate keys to. So, to augment your security, replace your locks periodically. This is a good way to keep your home well maintained. You’ll have added peace of mind, because you’ll know that your loved ones and valuables are being guarded successfully.

going digital

Have you been thinking about going high-tech? Then replace your basic locks with digital locks. You’ll secure your home without having to use keys at all. Keyless locks are a part of the new horizons emerging in today’s home security technology. They function with smart devices or remotes; alarm systems with remote codes; keypads; biometrics; and so on. As soon as you get used to it, you’ll find that keyless locks are relatively simple to use. Most include an attractive selection of features that offer convenience and safety.

If you are located in Tyler, Texas, and you have to track down a dependable professional locksmith, hire a staff mobile residential locksmith specialist from a legitimate locksmith company such as Locksmith Tyler, where free consultations are available.

How to Remain Safe When Moving into An Apartment

It is true that there is no such thing as being too safe. The fact of the matter is that you can’t be safe enough. At Locksmith Tyler in Tyler, TX, we like to think that we are doing our part in helping homeowners in Tyler remain safe from the threat of a break-in. Just because you are moving into an apartment doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions to remain safe. You should take precautions no matter where you are moving. An intruder will target anyone no matter where they live, in a house or an apartment. We’re here to tell you that it is still possible to avoid an intrusion by continuing to read this article and taking heed to the suggestions offered. Just don’t let your guard down by thinking that you’re automatically safe inside an apartment. Here is what you can do to ensure your safety and security.

Suggestions on what you can do before you move into an apartment:

1. Get a Crime Report

If you have never done this before, why not start now. You can save yourself the frustration that comes from being the victim of a crime if you know beforehand what you can expect. Knowing means that you can plan for the worst. If you’re moving into an apartment it helps to find out what type of crimes occur in the area. You are usually able to get a report from the local police department. If you are unable to obtain the report that you want, you can also go online to CrimeMapping.com or CrimeReports.com to find out about the crime in the area of the apartment that you are thinking of moving into.

2. Replace Locks

Everyone knows that when you move into a new home, the locks are supposed to be changed, automatically. You shouldn’t have to ask them to change the locks; they should be changed without asking. Despite it being the responsibility of the management to have the locks changed after every person moves out, they do not always do this. In some cases, they just switch the locks around. They take a lock from one apartment and place it on the door of another apartment. This doesn’t rid you of the possibility of someone breaking in since someone still has a key to that particular lock. You could always take things a step further by purchasing your own lock and having it installed by maintenance. You would have to get permission from the management office to arrange this. Buying your own lock ensures you that the lock has actually been changed.

3. Property Maintenance & Upkeep

You can tell a lot about a property by the way it is maintained. Look around the exterior of the building, not just the apartments, to see if there is broken light bulbs in the parking area, debris in the parking lot, trash bins overflowing, broken windows, and cracked drywall. If you notice these things, this means that there is an issue with the maintenance of the property. If the management isn’t taking care of these basic things, it is highly unlikely that they will give much consideration to the security of their tenants.

4. Get a Peephole Installed

If the apartment that you are considering moving into doesn’t have a peephole, you should ask how to have one installed. A peephole serves as added protection because you’re able to identify exactly who is at your door before opening it.  While someone may announce who they are, they may be impersonating someone. This could be dangerous to you. Make sure your apartment has a peephole.

Suggestions on what you can do after you move into an apartment:

1. Put Up Blinds

No matter how nice your windows look without window coverings over them, it serves to protect you from a potential intruder by covering them up. A thief wants to know what they stand to gain by breaking into your home. When you do not have blinds or curtains over your windows, they are able to see what you have. If you have something that is of value to them, they will be move likely to take a chance of breaking in. Don’t let this happen to you. Cover up your windows today.

2. Secure the Sliding Door

Most sliding doors come with a lock but the lock they have is not a good one. It is only useful for keeping the door shut. If you want to make sure that no one is able to get inside your apartment through the sliding door, you’ll need to place a bar across the track of the door or have a bar lock installed. There are other types of locks that can be added to a sliding glass door. Consult with your local locksmith about the type of lock that is best suited for your type of sliding door.

3. Install a Deadbolt Lock

If your apartment doesn’t already have a deadbolt lock, do yourself a favor by investing in a deadbolt lock. They add the most reliable level of security possible. It is made by the construction and design of this type of lock that makes it such a favorite amongst most people. There are several types of deadbolt locks. By consulting with a locksmith, they will be able to advise you of the best one suited for your apartment door.

You can be safe and secure no matter where you live as long as you are proactive prior to moving. Make every effort to remain safe by heeding the aforementioned suggestions. We have offered these suggestions to other customers and they have thanked us for offering them peace-of-mind. Not only are these practical suggestions for remaining safe in an apartment but they are also some of the most cost effective ways of securing your home. There are solutions to suit everyone’s budget. Don’t let the amount of money you have stop you from securing your apartment.

Article Source: How to Remain Safe When Moving into An Apartment