Being locked out of your car is not an experience anyone wants. Sometimes, we find ourselves in these situations and have to figure a way out of it. If you locked your keys in your car, misplaced it, or somehow, you cannot access your car, you can still get back into your locked car.
When your car key is nowhere in sight and you locked yourself out of your car, you can simply rekey the car lock. Usually, an automotive locksmith will help you do it. Learning how to rekey a car lock could save you time and money in such situations.
What Does Rekeying Mean?
Rekeying a lock means that you are removing the springs and pins in the lock cylinder and replacing them with new ones. This means that you would need a different key altogether to open the lock.
To rekey a car lock, you replace the pins in the lock and reset the wafer/tumbler setting. This process is essential when learning how to rekey a car lock, as it helps you unlock the car with a new key. When you rekey the lock, the old keys will no longer open that lock.
You don’t need to have the original key before you can rekey a lock. In fact, most times, it is because you have no access to the key that you are rekeying the lock. Learning how to rekey a car lock can be a simple process if you follow the right steps and use the appropriate tools.
Why should you rekey your car?
If you lost your keys or someone stole them, you don’t know who has the keys. If the person knows where you regularly park your car, it means the person can get into your car and drive it away without any resistance. So, you would need to rekey the car lock and render the former key useless.
When you buy a second-hand car, you do not know the number of persons that have copies of the car key. To secure your car, you may need to learn how to rekey a car lock. It is better to take the precautions than lose your car that way.
It is usually cheaper to rekey your car lock than changing the lock itself. If you’re wondering how to rekey a car lock, you can get the lock pins at very low rates. That way, you save the money you would have used in overhauling the locks.
How long will it take to rekey?
The time it will take to rekey your lock would depend on the type of lock and the type of door. On average, rekeying a car lock would take between 30 minutes to one hour. If you’re wondering how to rekey a car lock, the process typically involves removing the lock cylinder, changing the pins inside to match a new key, and then reassembling the lock.
Ways to rekey a car
There are two ways to rekey a car. The first one is to remove the wafer in the key and rearrange the ones in the lock to enable the new key to work in the lock. While this may sound like a simple solution when learning how to rekey a car lock, the issue with this method is that it makes the car less secure since the wafer in the lock is reduced.
Additionally, this method can create problems if you ever need to replace the key again. It will be harder for the locksmith to determine the cuts to make, since some wafers are no longer there.
The best method is for a locksmith to use a car rekey kit that is specialized for the purpose. The car rekey kit includes extra springs, wafers, face caps, and everything needed to properly replace the car lock.
Can I rekey my car myself?
A lot of blogs will tell you that with the right tool and patience, you can rekey your car lock. You would also find a lot of these DIY rekey kits around. There are also tutorials online on how to rekey a car lock yourself.
However, it is better you don’t rekey your car lock yourself. The risk of damage is much higher. While trying your hands at it, you could mess up with the lock and further lock yourself out.
Even if you have the right tools, can you disassemble the lock without damaging it? After disassembling it, will you be able to put it back the way it should be? Can you also cut the new key to fit into the lock you just rekeyed?
If you are not a qualified car key locksmith, you cannot do it. We don’t advise you to rekey your car lock yourself. Otherwise, you might cause more damage.
Should you use a dealership for rekeying?
Dealerships sell cars and offer related services, but they are not the best option if you want to rekey your car lock. While they have training in a variety of automobile services, they are not professional locksmiths and lack the expertise required for the task. In fact, they are not licensed locksmiths, nor are they members of professional locksmithing organizations that help enhance skills and knowledge.
Getting your car lock rekeyed at a dealership can also be more expensive. Dealerships typically offer premium services, meaning you will pay more for the same service. Additionally, if you lock yourself out of your car, going to the dealership to rekey the lock is inconvenient and time-consuming. You may need to drop off your car and return later, further delaying your day.
If you’re wondering how to rekey a car lock, the best option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are skilled professionals dedicated to car security and can efficiently rekey your car lock without the hassle or high cost associated with dealerships.
Locksmiths are also affordable. Getting rekey services from a locksmith will be cheaper than getting it at a dealership. The locksmith understands you locked yourself out and will come where you are to rekey it.
Hire a locksmith
Getting a professional automotive locksmith to rekey your key will keep your car safe. Flowing from their experience, they can rekey the lock of any car and give you a new car key. So, if you lock yourself out of your car or misplaced your car key, the first person you should call is your car key locksmith in Arizona.
Conclusion
Your car security is very important. That is where locksmiths come in. They can help you unlock a locked car, remove keys that broke and got stuck in the lock. They can also create and replace your keys.
As car security systems continue to get complex, automotive locksmiths have the monopoly on car key issues and are readily available to help with them. Reach out to a car key locksmith in Arizona for your rekeying needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to rekey a car lock?
Rekeying a car lock involves changing the internal pins and springs in the lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. This process is commonly done when you lose your keys or want to secure your vehicle after purchasing it secondhand. If you’re wondering how to rekey a car lock, it’s an effective way to ensure that only a new key can open the lock.
How do I rekey a car lock?
To rekey a car lock, you’ll need to replace the internal pins and adjust the tumblers inside the lock. This ensures that a new key can be used to unlock the vehicle. While it’s possible to learn how to rekey a car lock through tutorials, it’s typically best to leave the job to a professional locksmith to avoid causing any damage.
Why would I need to know how to rekey a car lock?
You may need to rekey a car lock if you’ve lost your keys, had them stolen, or purchased a used vehicle where you’re unsure who has a copy of the key. Learning how to rekey a car lock can save you from the risk of unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Can I rekey a car lock myself?
While you might find instructions on how to rekey a car lock online, it is generally not recommended to attempt it yourself. Rekeying requires specific tools and expertise to avoid damaging the lock. Hiring a professional locksmith who knows how to rekey a car lock will ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
5. How long does it take to rekey a car lock?
If you’re wondering how to rekey a car lock, it usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the lock. Professional locksmiths can efficiently complete the rekeying process, ensuring your vehicle is secured with a new key.