It is the security feature which is now standard in most cars rolling off the assembly line. It is activated by the gizmo which looks like a mini remote control in your hand where, with the sound of that beep beep, you know your vehicle is safe. But it is hard to imagine there was once a time without central locking and we wonder how we got along.

Central locking, otherwise known as electric door locks or power door locks, allow motorists to lock or unlock the doors of their vehicles all at once through the flick of a switch or pushing a button. But power lock doors were initially a feature of a luxury car designed by Scripps-Booth, a famous American automobile company from Detroit, Michigan, in 1914. However, it would not be for another four decades before power door locks became commonplace when Packard put them in their luxury cars in 1956. They are now included in almost every make and model of car, either as a standard or optional feature.

When they were first introduced, electric door lock systems as the name suggests, only unlocked car doors, whereas the majority these days unlock the boot or luggage compartment or the fuel filler cap. A vast proportion of vehicles with power locks allow motorists to open the door with a remote control key fob via a radio frequency keyless system, but the first fobs were not available until the early eighties when they were a feature of the Renault Fuego, made in France.
These days, many luxury models unlock widows by pressing the button on the key fob or putting in the ignition key and holding it in the outside driver’s door lock. It is also commonplace for vehicles to be equipped with a proximity system which may be activated by a transducer or advanced key if it is in close proximity to the vehicle.

Car security and locking mechanisms have evolved ever since the early 20th Century. Unique Locksmiths are now on the forefront of replacement car key technology. We are also on the vanguard of transponder key repair and ECU programming in 2018. We follow in the grand tradition of the pioneers who have broken new ground in car protection, so why not see for yourself?

Locked out of your car? In case you’ve never considered it, there are solutions beyond towing the car to a dealership. Mobile locksmiths can be the answer.

These technicians have a truck that brings along everything they need to address almost all situations. But just because they are mobile, this doesn’t mean you can be sure of their professional reputation. Mobile locksmiths, even if they don’t have a physical office, should still carry licensing in states or provinces where it is required.

The truck should carry an identifiable and specific name, including the region/city they service, and contact information.

Contact us at Unique Locksmiths.

Locking your key in the car makes you feel so totally helpless. You can see it, but you can’t get to it.

Here are 4 tricks to use to avoid this happening to you.

When you turn off the ignition:  make a habit to immediately remove the key and keep it in your hand. If you have packages to take out with you, stop and put it in your pocket, or only grab them with the key still in your hand. Getting gas, same rule. The key goes with you when you get out to fill up.

Take the spare: On long trips, take the spare with you and keep it on your person. If you accidentally leave the key in your car, the spare is on you. Put it in a pocket, on a belt loop, or a lanyard. Don’t leave it in a purse or wallet. These might not leave the car when you stop at a rest area to stretch your legs.

Only use the fob to lock the car: End the habit of locking the door manually when you step out. If you use the fob, by definition you can’t lock yourself out.

Always store the spare in the same place at home: For around town driving, you aren’t likely to carry the spare. Just be sure it is stored somewhere it can be found. If you have to call a family member or friend to bring a spare to you, you need to be able to tell them where it is stored.

We’ve all been there, looking through the side windows of our vehicles at the rings of keys sitting mockingly right where they fell out of our pockets or were forgotten on the seat. Believe us, even locksmiths sometimes lock their keys in their cars, so we understand how unbelievably frustrating it can be, especially if you have somewhere to be. Do you make a habit of locking your keys in your car? Perhaps your teenager calls you every other week to borrow the spare key you have to his or her vehicle, or maybe you’re just tired of your spouse charging unlocks to your credit card all of the time. For everyone in your life who regularly locks their keys in their cars, we offer these simple and effective tips.
 

Check Every Door

The first thing you want to do when you think you’ve locked your keys in your vehicle is to try to open every single door. Most likely, they will all be locked, but you don’t want to spend the time and money to get your car unlocked by a professional if your back passenger door was actually open the whole time, right? Most late model vehicles lock every door with one push of the key fob button, but many older models only lock the driver’s door on the first push. There’s no harm in giving it a try.  

Check Your Key Fob

You should really do this when you purchase your vehicle, but take a look at your key fob, especially if you use it to start your vehicle instead of a key. If you start your car with the fob, there is likely an actual key hidden away in the remote, so before you call up a car locksmith to help you get into your vehicle, make sure your key fob hasn’t been hiding your solution all along. If your fob has a key inside, there will be a switch or button to extract the key.

Hide a Spare Key on the Vehicle

All right, for this one, your keys are actually locked in your car, you’ve checked every door, and your key fob is in the car, so no luck on that front. What now? At this point, your only chance at getting into your car without the help of a locksmith is a spare. Your first spare key option is to hide one somewhere on the outside of your vehicle. There are many products available made specifically for hiding keys on vehicles. When placing your key, avoid using the first half dozen or so locations you think of as these are the first places a thief is going to look.

Keep a Spare Key on Yourself

A second spare key option is to keep one somewhere on yourself. Careful types can opt to keep this key worn around their necks. Other good places for spare keys include in your purse or wallet. You can also keep your spare car key in your work desk or locker or even at home, but on your person is the best option, as it ensures you will always have the spare when you need it. After all, a spare key in your house doesn’t do you much good if you’ve also locked your house keys inside of your car.  

Give a Spare to a Trusted Friend

If neither of these spare key options catch your fancy, then eliminate the spare key from your responsibility, and give it to a friend. If you’re married, have your spouse put a spare key for your vehicle on his or her keychain, and do this yourself for your kids’ vehicles. Another option would be to give the spare to a close friend or neighbor. The two things you want to consider with this tip are proximity and trust. You don’t want to give your spare car key to your mom who lives across the state even though you trust her the most, and you also don’t want to give a spare key to a neighbor you’ve never really talked to.

Lock Your Doors From the Outside

To avoid locking your keys in your vehicle in the first place, simply get in the habit of locking your car from the outside using your key fob or the key itself. This way, your keys will be removed from the vehicle before it even gets locked. If your car doesn’t have a remote, try to get in the habit of always exiting your car with your keys in a specific hand.
 

We hope these tips help you avoid locking your keys in your car, but we also know that life can be a cruel mistress, so we’re here to offer you unlock services 24/7.

 

When your car key is lost or damaged, it may not even cross your mind to go anywhere else but the dealership for the replacement. This seems to be especially true with the advent of high-tech keys. But a professional auto locksmith is exactly where you should go. A trusted and professional locksmith, like ours at Unique Locksmiths, can replace your key quickly, accurately, and for a fraction of the dealership’s cost.
 

Complicated Keys

Since 1990, car keys have changed considerably. Gone are the days of cars having a standard, machine-cut key, easily copied. Car keys now have security features to help keep their corresponding vehicle from theft. If your car’s model is later than 1990, most likely your car key is either a transponder (some with rolling codes), fob, remote, switchblade, or smart key. Each has a built-in feature making it more complicated to duplicate or start a car without that exact key. It makes no difference whether your key is from an original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) or an aftermarket product. A dealership isn’t the only place to get that replacement or repair for your car key. Utilizing a trusted auto locksmith makes more sense.
 

Why a Locksmith

Locksmiths are knowledgeable about all types of keys and are prepared to replace or repair any type. This certainly includes high-tech car keys. Unfortunately, many people still automatically assume they need to go to the dealership when they need that replacement. Some folks will even take a trip to their local auto-parts or home-improvement store before they visit a locksmith. These are mistakes. It’s much wiser to consult with your local auto locksmith.
Dealerships are notorious for their high prices. They have a lot of overhead they need to cover, so they pass it along to their customers. A local auto locksmith only works on locks. That’s our specialty. Our prices are considerably less than what a dealer will charge you for the same key. On top of that, in most cases we can have your replacement or repair to you with a quicker turnaround time. We stock so many types of keys and have the correct machinery and technology on hand to tailor your key right then and there for you. Locksmiths typically don’t have to order the replacement, having it to you in a day or two. Many times, we can originate a key for most cars straight from the vehicle itself. We know you need it now, and we’re prepared for that service without overcharging you.
 

Contact Us

Locksmiths know locks and keys. Though your first reaction may be to visit your dealership when you need a replacement car key, think again. Call us today for any questions you may have.

Unique Locksmiths specializes in making keys for BMW motorcycles, and guarantees to do so without any damage to your personal property. We can replicate or generate new keys for all motorcycle models and years.

We have special tools by which we can make original keys without removing the locks (ignition, gas cap) from the bike.

We are mobile and will come to your location. It can be very frustrating when these emergencies arise which can often lead to unintended costly damages to your bike.

If you have lost your keys, have a broken or non-functioning keys, or have something stuck inside the ignition, call Unique Locksmiths today. We have trained technicians who are certified in making motorcycle keys. Our services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, rain or snow. We guarantee to operate under the highest efficiency, and will always have the technician contact you to verify your location prior to dispatch. You can trust that Unique Locksmiths can fix all your motorcycle locksmith needs, for the cheapest prices in the Gauteng area. In addition to emergency services, we also provide non emergent appointments for your convenience.

Motorbike Transponder Keys and ECU Resetting

Most motorbikes 600cc or larger from 2004 are fitted with a factory immobiliser.  If the key is not present the engine will not run, thus reducing motorbike theft. Unfortunately if you’ve lost your motorbike key or had it stolen it can be an expensive fix to create new keys.

Motorcycle dealers or manufactures are limited to the help they can provide you.  When all keys are lost the solution offered is to replace the lock set, ECU and key reader.  Unique Locksmith has the most up to date automotive diagnostic and key cutting equipment, we can come to you and create a replacement key at a fraction of the price.

Even if you have an older bike and you lost your motorbike key, dealers will encourage you to replace all the locks on your bike (ignition, helmet lock, seat lock, steering lock and gas cap).  This is a time consuming and an expensive option. Unique Locksmith can decode your lock and cut a new key in no time.

Motorbike Key Cutting

When a bike is bought second-hand, more often than not only comes with 1 key.  Getting a spare key cut is probably the last thing on your mind, all you want to do is go for a ride.  We highly recommend that you get a spare key cut and programmed to prevent the inconvenience caused, when you lose your only key.

In some case we can even clone your key.  Key cloning simply means we duplicate the data inside the original key.  It is digitally read and copied onto a new transponder chip then put inside a new key.  It will run your bike just like the original.
Using the latest key-programming technology, whether conventional transponder or non-transponder keys Unique Locksmiths can assist you with your key requirements.

Contact us and we can give you more information.

Like any other South African city, car theft and related crimes are common. Car owners make important investments in their cars, whether for personal or business use, and must act accordingly to protect this investment, which after their home, is likely to be the largest investment they’ll ever make.
Unique Locksmith can assist you with a broad range of automotive related security services, such as cloning car transponder keys and programming replacement car remotes, but there are also many things that you can do to secure your car and make it less of a target for thieves. Here are a few handy tips.
 

Park in the Garage or Carport

When at home, parking your car in the garage or carport is one of the most effective ways to keep your car secure. Automotive crimes are common across many areas of the Gauteng area, with many car thefts and break-ins occurring at night. As a result, keeping your car off the street and in your carport, or at least on your property and behind a locked fence, will make your car much less of a target for thieves.
 

Don’t Leave Valuables in Sight

Leaving valuables in sight, for instance, on the dashboard or one of the seats, is a sure-fire way to make your car a target for thieves. It doesn’t matter if you plan to park for a few minutes or a few hours, as it only takes a few seconds for someone who’s committed this kind of crime before to gain entry to your car and take your valuables.
Always take your valuables with you if you can when you park for lengthy periods, but if you can’t, keep them out of sight by storing them in the boot, glovebox or under the seat. Moreover, make sure all the windows have been wound up before leaving the car, particularly the rear windows, which many of us have a tendency to overlook.
 

Never Leave the Car Running

It seems tempting at times, but even though you’ll just be a minute, or even less, it takes just a few seconds for someone to jump behind the wheel of your car and take off. As police records show, quite often crimes of this nature aren’t committed by people with a criminal history, but instead by young people taking advantage of the situation to go for a joyride.
Always turn off the engine and take your keys with you when you duck into the shops. The number of cars taken for joyrides by opportunistic youngsters just isn’t worth the risk.
We hope you find these simple car security tips food for thought, and that they help you avoid becoming a victim of an automotive crime. If you find yourself in need of new replacement car keys to keep your car secure, get in touch with Unique Locksmiths today.

We offer lost key programming for scooters as well.
To carry out this procedure we usually require your ECU but some models it may be necessary to also supply your Dash assembly.
On some of the latest EFI models we can even program new keys through your diagnostic port.
Here is South Africa there are many different makes of scooter on the market. Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Peugeot, Piaggio and Vespa are some of the more common ones.
If you have a scooter that needs keys please contact us and we can hopefully assist in getting it back on the road again.
 

Services we offer for this brand of motorcycle:

• Program new keys to suit ECU when all keys are lost.
• Adding of an extra key (Scooter is not required to do this )
• Replacement of a lost master key.
• Cutting keys to match your ignition.

A remote car key is convenient and makes it easy to lock and unlock your car with the push of a button from a distance. When it works, it is great, and you may wonder how you ever got by without a keyless entry remote. If your remote stops working, it can be very frustrating. Should you find yourself with a car key that stopped working, here are some possible reasons why.

Diagnose the Problem

There are a few things to check to determine where the problem lies. The issue could be with one remote, or all remotes. Or an issue with the locks could render the remote ineffective. You will need to test out a few things to zero in on the problem.

Check All Remotes

You need to determine if the problem is with one car key remote or if the problem is extensive. Test out the other remote, and if your second car key works, this confirms that the problem isolated to one remote fob. If the second remote does not work, that means the problem is bigger than anticipated.

Check the Locks

If your vehicle has a physical key test that out, too. Make sure to test it in the lock in each door. Also, test the internal locks. If the physical key or buttons inside the vehicle do not work the problem is not with the remote.

Look at the Remote

There are a few issues with the remote that could cause it to no longer work. By identifying the problem, you can determine the solution.

The Battery Died

Remote car fobs are powered by batteries. Given enough time and use the batteries will die. Replacing the battery will resolve the issue. Most car fobs take button or coin cell batteries. Button or coin cell batteries can be purchased online or at most stores that carry batteries. The battery type may be listed in the owner’s manual. You can also confirm the type of battery by opening the case and inspecting the existing battery. You will need to open the remote, remove the old battery and replace it.

If you replace the battery and the remote works that solve the issue. If you replace the battery and the remote still does not work the battery may not have been the issue and there is another problem.

Remote Malfunction

If there are mechanical or electrical issues with the remote fob, this could prevent it from working. Car key remotes are handled a lot and get banged up in the process. They are tossed in bags or pockets and are jostled around with other items. When they have bumped around, buttons can be damaged or electricity can be knocked loose.

Determine if the connections are bad by taking the remote apart. Inspect the interior and look for any disconnects. If this is the case, it may be possible to repair the remote. You will likely need to bring the remote to a dealer or a locksmith for the repair. If you do not wish to fix the remote, or if it is beyond repair you can purchase a new remote. In that case, the new remote will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle.

The Car Key Remote Needs to Be Reprogrammed

It is possible the remote malfunctioned and just stopped working. A key fob needs to be programmed to work with a particular car. This ensures that your fob only locks and unlocks your vehicle, and no one else’s fob works with your vehicle.

If your remote stops working and the battery is not the culprit, and the connections are solid, the fob may need to be reprogrammed to work with your vehicle. There may be instructions to do this in your owner’s manual, or online, or you can bring your vehicle and the remote into a dealer or locksmith.

If the Locks Are the Problem

If there is an electrical or mechanical issue with the locks that could prevent the remote from working. If none of the solutions listed above solve the problem and the remote still does not work, or if the physical key or internal buttons do not work the problem could lie with the locks. If this is the case, you will need to bring the vehicle to a reputable locksmith

Determine the Solution

Car key remotes can experience some issues that can stop them from operating. By checking the battery and connections and reprogramming you will like to resolve the issue with a remote that stops working. If none of these fixes work, it may be necessary to consult a professional to look at the remote, or possibly an issue with the locks themselves.

Thank you for reading our blog! How can we help you? Give our team a call

It might be that you have lost or broken your motorcycle key, at which point, it will be time to seek professional services. Has part of your motorcycle key gone missing or become faulty in some manner? Perhaps the ignition barrel has trapped the key, making it impossible to remove it. If you are experiencing issues with the lock and key system regarding your motorbike, then we can most certainly help with supplying new keys, programming or cutting keys, removing broken keys, and making keys out of original locks.
 
Our informative motorbike locksmiths in Gauteng offer numerous cost-effective solutions to any number of key-related issues. As perhaps the most experienced team of professionals in the locksmith industry, we will make new keys if needed, provide key programming, or any additional related issue right away. Whatever the problem might be, you can rest assured that we will fix it urgently. Our motorbike locksmiths remove broken key bits from replacement keys, locks, etc. We are able to perform all of these services at whatever location works best for you, whether it’s at the home or at work, we will arrive fast and ready to work.
 
We will diagnose your problem in minutes and aptly provide effective service to get you back on the road. Moreover, we are able to create new motorbike keys that follow the key code in order for duplicate keys. The key code is often found on the key or the ring tag. If the code is not there, it may actually be found in the manual. At this point, if you still cannot find the code, you may wish to contact the original dealer where the purchase was made.
 
We supply the best option, at affordable rates, for repairing or replacing the key to your motorcycle. For the quickest response time in Gauteng, our highly adept professionals will be with you in less than an hour, and in some cases sooner. You may wish to explore the website in order to determine what types of services are required, and by filling out the short form for issues that are less pressing, we can set up a time and place to answer your request. Otherwise, simply calling us by phone is preferred for faster measures. We advise you to always be ready and have our number handy in the unfortunate incident that you require our elite and helpful professionals.

There’s many varieties of automotive keys, including transponder keys, VATS keys, and smart keys. These car keys are furnished through one of two common automotive key cutting techniques. In this brief blog post, the experts at Top Locksmith will detail the differences between these key cutting techniques, as well as the variety of keys commonly available in the automotive market today.

 Mechanical (Traditional-cut) Car Keys

These popular car key types are cut inside a key cutting machine like the ones used for regular home or office lock keys. Up until the late 20th century, this was the only way to cut car keys, but since then it’s less commonly used.

Laser Cut Keys

These keys, known as sidewinder or internal cut keys, are the more advanced of the two automotive key types. They have the advantages of pick and duplication resistance lock cylinders, and are more commonly being used by automotive manufacturers today.

Common Types of Automotive Keys

Transponder Keys – These car keys contain a computer microchip in it’s handle that enforces ignition security and prevents key fraud. Transponder keys can be mechanically or laser cut depending on what the make and model of the vehicle is.
Smart Keys – These car keys use computer microchips as well as sensors to open cars without the use of a traditional key. All that’s necessary is to have the keys on your person and your car will automatically unlock and start as you approach it closely.
VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) Keys – These mechanical keys contain a black resistor on the blade with one of 15 possible values that offer special security and prevention of key fraud. While these keys are often considered to be electronic keys, and the resistors confused for microchips, the keys are in fact devoid of computer technology.
Valet Keys - These car keys have been modified to allow their owners to operate door locks and car ignitions, but not open locked glove boxes or trunks, and they are often issued with normal smart or transponder keys. From their name, one can tell they are particularly useful in hotel and restaurant valet contexts.

Car Theft Decline Due to Security Technology Advancements

There has been a slow and gradual lowering of automobile theft in recent years. 10 years ago, many people were losing their homes and desperate to turn to automobile theft to make ends meet. However, in the last few years, the job market has recovered, and the crime rate has lowered, and has been staying low. Another reason for car theft gradual decline is the increase in technological prowess. New smart car technology acts as a strong deterrent for thieves, in turn causing a continual decline in automobile theft. But car thieves aren’t yet finished with their dastardly trade.

New Vehicle Theft Threats

Tailgate vehicle theft has risen from around 400 7 years ago to almost 2000 since 2015. Officials estimate that the number is actually higher, but many people don’t want to report it at all. It will only take 30 seconds for a thief to take a tailgate off a car – a simple operation that utilizes basic tools. The thief can then make a severe killing selling off the electronics and scrap metal they receive through this theft. This can lead to large losses for truck owners. For example, those who own a 2016 Ford F260 King Ranch pickup truck will have to spend over 3000 dollars to replace a tailgate.

Keep Watch Over your Car Parts

You can secure your tailgates by locking them securely and parking with the tailgate backed up against a wall or another surface. Even if you don’t have a truck, you’re at risk for a specialized automobile part theft, as over 75,000 airbags get stolen from vehicles every year – and since airbags are much easier to steal than the entire car, it’s not surprising that most thieves these days don’t aim to steal the entire vehicle – just small parts of it that can fetch for good money on the illicit market. Other items that are commonly stolen are GPS devices and full systems, sound systems and stereos, car television sets, cell phones, electronic devices, third row seats, tires, and rims.

How to avoid having belongings stolen

Always secure your car using your key fob when you walk away from it – this will also help you remember to always have your keys on you, preventing the possibility of a lockout.
Keep your valuables hidden. Don’t display valuables in your windows, and don’t leave your keys out either.
Leave your car parked in well-lit locations at night. If you ever see somebody in a parking lot checking up on random car doors, don’t park in that lot, and report the suspicious activity. Don’t assume that the person attempting to pick the car door is a locksmith.

Remote start is a luxury feature on many new automobiles, and we believe that it will soon become a standard offering, just as most cars now come with remote locking and unlocking ability through the key fob. Remote start takes advantage of new technology offered by smart phones and tablets to allow you to start your car without a key and without even being in the car. Many love the convenience of it, as well as the ability to get the car running and warmed up before ever getting inside.
Because remote start is a new technology, there are still a lot of things to learn. Here are a few things you should know about remote start – either before you consider getting it or to help you better understand the technology you already have:
 
Range
You can’t log into your remote start from Pretoria and fire up your car parked in Johannesburg. That may seem like common sense, but some people still try to start their car from an unrealistic range (albeit not usually that far).
Each system has its own range for where the technology must be in relation to the car to start it. Typically, you have to be within 500 to 5,000 feet of your car. That means you can be nearly a kilometre away from your car in some instances and still be able to start it, which is pretty impressive.
If you live in a home, you won’t have any problem starting your car remotely, no matter what system you have. However, if you have to park in a garage, you’ll need to make sure the system has enough range to reach your car wherever it may be parked in that garage.
 
Fuel Economy
There is a myth going around that remote start functionality will increase your gas consumption. This is not entirely true. Yes, you’ll burn up more fuel if you turn your car on and let it run for a half hour or more while you get ready in the morning. But if you are just running your car long enough to get it warmed up before you start driving, you’ll actually improve your fuel efficiency. The reason is that your engine works harder when you drive before it is warmed up, so it consumes more petrol.
As with all things, the amount of fuel your car consumes depends in large part on your personal habits. Overuse the remote start and you’ll pay more for petrol. Use it appropriately and you could save on gas.
A lot of people believe that adding remote start to a vehicle will actually void its warranty. The truth is that if you get remote start professionally installed, your warranty will remain intact and you will have no problems.
Federal law actually prohibits car manufacturers from voiding your warranty because you’ve added an after-market product. The only way to void your warranty is by adding a feature that has been known to cause specific problems or failures for your vehicle, and remote start does not do that.
 
Transmission and Electrical
In the past, you could not get a remote start system if you drove a car with a manual transmission. Now, the technology is so sophisticated that it can be used on manual or automatic transmissions.
Many people also believe that remote start systems damage the car’s electrical system and other components. Reports have circulated of cars that would no longer run or that experienced electrical issues. The truth is that if you get the system installed by an experienced professional, you will not have any of these problems. It’s not the system that causes the problems, but rather the human error of the person installing the system.
 
Other Features
A remote start system can do more than just turn your car on from afar. Some systems can also turn on your front or rear defrost or your heated seats. Many systems also included keyless entry.
You’ll need to explore the available options to make sure you are getting everything you want out of your remote start system. These features will need to be programmed when you get the system, so make sure you do your research before you buy.
A remote car start system can be a nice luxury that makes getting going a lot more convenient. You never have to get into a cold car again! Just make sure that do your research to get the right system for your vehicle and that you work with a qualified professional to get the system installed.
 
If you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle with a remote start system, getting in can be a bit more complicated. Unique Locksmith can help. We are a mobile car locksmith in Gauteng that specializes in all types of new key technology, including remote start systems. We can help you get into your car quickly if you are locked out, and we can help repair or replace lost keys and entry technology.

Microchip car keys, which are commonly referred to as transponder keys, are common, and they are designed to make your car more secure. They contain a special code that the car must recognize before it starts. Without that key, and without the right programming, the car won’t start, and thieves will not be able to make away with your vehicle. All new cars are manufactured with transponder keys, so they are becoming more common.
Yet despite the ubiquity of these keys, there are still a lot of myths about how they work. Here are some of the common myths that auto locksmiths hear about these microchip car keys:
 
Only the Manufacturer Can Program a Transponder Key
Many people mistakenly believe that only the manufacturer of a vehicle can program its transponder key, which is part of what makes the key so secure. It is true that the manufacturer and the dealer can program the key because they have all the right tools and software to do the job. But it is not true that the manufacturer is the only source for programming these keys.
A reputable auto locksmith can also program transponder keys – and usually for far less money. You are almost always going to pay a premium when you get your services through the dealership or the manufacturer. By taking your business to an auto locksmith in Gauteng, you get the same quality of workmanship, but you pay a lot less.
You Only Get One Transponder Key Per Vehicle
The reason that transponder keys are so secure is that the coding makes it so that only that key works with only that vehicle. That feature has led many to believe that only one key will work with a vehicle. In fact, multiple keys can work on a vehicle. Manufacturers usually allow for a certain numb
What is important is that your transponder key has a code that will work on your vehicle. Without that code, the key won’t work.
 
Transponder Keys are Easily Disabled
People believe that high-tech thieves can steal their cars by using equipment that allows them to disable the transponder key. But this just isn’t the reality. Yes, transponder keys can be disabled, but it requires specialized equipment and software that usually only an auto locksmith or car dealership possesses. Thieves would have to be very sophisticated to have these tools, and frankly, the gain is just not good enough to make this kind of investment or effort worth it to them.
 
You Can Buy a Transponder Key Online
Well, technically you can buy a transponder key online, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll have a successful transaction. There are a lot of scam artists out there, and they are drawn to the lucrative car key replacement market. You can buy a key online that seems to work just fine, but it will likely stop working on you after just a few weeks or months. Your only option will be to buy a whole new key.
 
If you are going to shop online, you need to do your research to make sure you are dealing with a reputable supplier and that you are getting a good product. Your best options are to shop with an auto locksmith online or a dealership (if you can find a good buy).
 
Transponder keys help make your vehicle more secure, but the same technology that makes that possible also means that these keys require a little extra care. Always work with a reputable dealership, manufacturer, or auto locksmith when you are repairing, reprogramming, or replacing these keys.

The worst way to end a long day of shopping or hiking is to come back to your car and realize that you’ve either lost your keys or that they don’t work. Getting a spare set of keys to keep with a trusted friend or relative can help you avoid major delays, as can having the number of a good mobile car locksmith on hand.
 
You might also have to replace your keys if your toddler drops them down the garbage disposal, if they accidentally get thrown in the garbage, or for any number of other scenarios. It’s surprising how often you end up needing to get an extra set of car keys. When it comes time, you may first think to call the dealership where you bought your car for a replacement set. But that might not be the best option. In many cases, a auto locksmith is a better choice.
 
Here’s how a mobile car locksmith and a car dealership compare:
Price
You’ll pay much less to replace car keys when you go to an auto locksmith than you would when you go to a dealership. The cost of service at a dealership is notoriously high for just about everything, even simple services like rotating your tires or getting an oil change. Imagine the inflation on a more technical procedure like cutting a new car key or replacing a transponder key. A locksmith is almost always the better choice for getting replacement car keys.
 
Convenience
A mobile car locksmith coming to your location and cutting keys on the spot is far more convenient than having to make an appointment with a dealership and heading over to wait for service. It could take weeks to figure out a time that works for the dealership and for your schedule. If the dealership is not close, you could have to take out even more time to drive there and back.
When you work with a mobile car locksmith, you just have to make the call and the locksmith will be on site as quickly as possible. You can get mobile key making wherever you are and at any time of the day or night – assuming you call the right auto locksmith, that is.
 
Equipment
You may worry that if you call a locksmith, you might not be able to get the service you need for all types of keys. You may think that the locksmith won’t have the equipment to make specialty keys. The truth is that trusted and experienced locksmiths have the equipment to replace the keys for just about every make and model of vehicle. They also have the equipment to repair or replace door locks and ignition switches. So, if you aren’t sure about hiring a locksmith or heading to the dealership because of questions about equipment, know that it isn’t a barrier. You have your choice of providers.
 
These days, car keys are not simple pieces of shaped metal. They have technology encoded into them to improve the security of the vehicle. Some keys have chips in them that are programmed to match the car, and some “keys” are really just fobs with mini computers inside to start the car or unlock its doors. You may think that if you have a car with one of these specialty keys that you need to visit the dealership to handle the advanced technology. But top mobile locksmiths also have the technology to program any car key. They can replicate keys with chips and program transponders and fobs. Anything that you can get from a dealership you can typically get from a mobile auto locksmith.
Ultimately, the best choice for replacing your car keys will depend on the things that are most important to you. You may prefer to visit the dealership, or you may find that you appreciate the cost savings and convenience that a Unique Locksmith can offer you.
Unique Locksmith is a trusted auto locksmith that specializes in mobile key making, ignition repairs and replacement, and lock repairs and replacement. We work on all makes and models of vehicle, and our technicians work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us if you need to replace car keys or if you need a mobile car locksmith for ignition or lock repair or replacement.

The Internet has given us all more confidence than we deserve. You want to restore your tub, so you head down to Home Depot to buy a kit and follow along with that video on YouTube. You want to change your own oil, so you look up an article on WikiHow and get out your gloves.
It makes sense that if you come out of the mall after a long day of running errands and you find that you are locked out of your car that your first reaction is to pull out your phone and look up how to break into the car to get the key out. After all, it’s South Africa, and every second in the hot sun is sending sweat dripping down your back. You don’t have time for this, and you just want to get home.
But before you start trying to DIY this situation, consider these five reasons why you should NOT break into your own car:
 
You Could Get Hurt
You’re doing your best with that flat-head screwdriver or the crowbar from your trunk, but suddenly, your grip slips and you stab yourself in the other arm with the metal. Now you’re locked out of your car and you have a deep wound that will likely require a visit to the ER for stitches or antibiotics or both. Prying open your door may not seem that complicated, but you can easily hurt yourself in the process. You’re an amateur and you don’t have special tools, so the risk for complication is high. Better to call an auto locksmith in Gauteng who does this professionally.
 
You Could Damage Your Car
Even if you walk away from the situation unscathed, the chances that your car will are slimmer. While you are trying to break into your car, you are very likely to break the door lock, the window mechanism, or even the window itself. You are even more likely to scratch the paint or to ding the body panel – neither of which is cheap to repair. By trying to save yourself the money of calling car lockout services, you are likely to cost yourself far more in car repairs.
 
You Could Get into Legal Trouble
 
What’s there to distinguish you trying to break into your car from a thief trying to break into your car? If a cop comes along and sees you, chances are good that there is nothing that’s going to distinguish it, unless you just happen to have your registration or other information in your wallet. You can surely clear up the situation once you get into the car and get your paperwork, but when you are already stressed out and the situation is already tense, you are likely to have a scuffle with the police officer before that happens, which can result in legal trouble.
 
You Could Become the Target of a Crime
You are so focused on getting into your car that you don’t see the person walk up behind you with a gun. The next thing you know, you are handing over your wallet and all your other valuables. The thief might even break a window and make off with your car. If you are in an unsafe area, it’s better to call a auto locksmith to take care of the problem for you. Don’t risk your safety of the safety of your family who is with you.
 
You’ll Find the Job Harder than You Think
Most cars made in the last decade or so have extensive anti-theft technology built into them, and most cars on the road right now were made in the last decade or so. You may start trying to break into your car only to find that the job is much harder than you think. After a long time spent toiling away in the heat, you may come to the bitter realization that you aren’t going to make any progress. Just call an auto locksmith and save yourself the trouble.
Getting locked out of your car is no picnic, but trying to break into your own car is ill-advised. Just call in professional car lockout services to get back on the road quickly, with no harm to yourself or damage to your vehicle.
 
The professionals at Unique Locksmith offer 24/7 emergency car lockout services in Gauteng. We can cut car keys on the spot, fix broken door locks and ignitions, and even program new transponder keys. Our goal is to have you back in your car and on your way as quickly as possible. We create and program keys for all types of makes and models, including both domestic and foreign vehicles. Put our number on speed dial for the next time you find yourself locked out of the car, or call us to have a spare key made now to try to head off such emergencies.