After purchasing a vehicle, you should take steps towards keeping it safe from theft or vandalism. Many motorists install alarm systems but forget to consider their locks. Indeed, even with an alarm in place, someone with a copy of your keys can easily access the vehicle without your knowledge.
It helps to know when you should change your car locks so you can remain one step ahead of the competition. Is it time to install new locks on your vehicle? Read on to find out.
After purchasing a used car
If you recently bought a used vehicle, you should have an automobile locksmith change the locks. This is because you may never know whom the previous owner gave their car keys to.
In unfortunate incidences, someone who has a copy of your keys may vandalize your vehicle. Installing new locks will eliminate this risk and keep your car safer.
After moving to an unsafe neighbourhood
Not all people have the privilege of living in a safe neighbourhood. If you recently moved into a volatile environment, it helps to change your vehicle locks. This precautionary step will make it harder for theft to occur on your vehicle. Along with new locks, an alarm system will also help keep your car safe.
If the locks are damaged
If your vehicle locks are worn out, they can be easily picked by burglars. Depending on the age of your vehicle, the locks may be rusted or loosely attached on the door. Such locks are targets for thieves because they can easily find a way to open them up in your absence. Make sure old locks are replaced as soon as possible.
After an incident of theft
If your vehicle was recently broke into, make sure you have the locks replaced. Thieves who accessed your vehicle by tampering with your locks may be able to do so again in the future. And because you may not know who carried out the tampering, installing new locks is an important step to take. After your new locks are in place, be wary of who you give the copies to. A copy can be further copied and end up in the wrong hands.
Installing new locks also gives you an opportunity to upgrade the locking system (regardless of the age of your vehicle). For example, keyless and smart entry systems are much harder to pick (or tamper with) when installed on your vehicle.
