How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Locks?
A lot of times it’s natural for people to take their locks for granted. After all, people are surrounded by so many of them they don’t even notice them after a while unless they are using them. That’s not always a good thing. Why you might ask? The answer is because it’s important to take a close look at your locks from time to time. That way you will know if it’s time to change any of your locks because they seem old and worn. When are other times you should consider changing one or more of your locks? That’s exactly what I will go over with you in this article. Perfect Reasons to Replace a Lock
These are some very good reasons to change or update the locks at your home, business or on your car.
- When a lock is malfunctioning or has stopped working
The most obvious reason to change one of the locks at your home, business or on your car is if a lock stops working or is working very poorly. You will have no choice but to repair or replace that lock if this is the situation. This is something you never want to put off or take chances with either. When you have an improperly working lock it needs to be taken care of right away. If not, that lock then compromises the security of you, your family, and your valuables.
- Your locks are showing visible signs of wear
If your locks are getting rusty, starting to work hard or showing signs of wear and tear, it may just be time to get them changed out. Chances are they will fail totally in the near future anyway. So why not be proactive and get these worn looking locks changed out before they hurt the overall security at your business, residence or with your car.
- When lock upgrades are available
There is can be no second guessing when it comes to the safety and security of your home, car or at your business. If there are lock upgrades that are available and you can afford them, then by all means, you should go ahead and get those lock changes done.
Here are some examples of lock upgrades that exist that many people do not know about.
- Sidewinder locks
These are advanced locks for automobile doors and ignitions. They are cut in such a way that these locks are very difficult to defeat.
- Improved window locks
Many people feel very safe when their windows are closed and their factory installed window locks are protecting them. This is often not the case. Luckily, improved window locks are readily available from lock professionals.
- Bump-proof locks
Over the years would-be thieves developed ways to get easily into homes by doing what is called ‘bumping the lock’. Since then locks have been developed that prevent this from being able to be done.
- Sidewinder locks
- For convenience reasons
Some people get their locks changed out because it makes things more convenient for them. Examples of reasons people do this are to get such conveniences as remote entry and starting for their car. Keyless entry locks are another example of locks that people often install at their homes, businesses, and on their cars for convenience.
- After a burglary
There is nothing written in stone that says a burglar will not strike again at your home after they stole some things from you the first time. This is especially true if they lifted a set of spare keys from you in the first burglary. So it’s best not to take chances after a break-in. Be sure to get your entryway locks and other important access locks remastered or replaced.
- When you have lost your keys
Simply replacing your keys is not enough after you have lost them. Your safety and security may be compromised if somebody with bad intentions finds those keys and knows what they go to. In this case, it’s much cheaper to have entry locks changed or remastered than it is to replace valuable stolen items from your home, car or business.
- After you move into a new home
Why change the locks or at least get them remastered after you have moved into a new home. The reason for this is you never know who was in possession of keys or codes for the locks at that home before you bought. The fact remains some people are just too trusting in this world. The previous owner may have loaned or given keys to such people as the yard guy, the pet sitter, the babysitter or any number of relatives or friends. If that’s the case, then that means a lot of people you do not know may have a set of keys to your new home.
Keep It Simple, Get a Professional Lock Evaluation
What’s the absolute best way to know when it’s time to change some locks on your car or at your home or business. The answer is to get the opinion of a pro. There is no better professional to help you out with this than a well-trained locksmith. They are very familiar with what the warning signs are of a lock that’s going bad. They also know what newer types of locks that offer better security are available in the marketplace.
Best of all, many locksmith service providers like out of Atlanta, Georgia will offer free or low-cost residential and commercial lock evaluations. During this detailed lock inspection, a seasoned locksmith pro will look at all of your home or business locks. They will then go over with you which of your locks they feel need to be repaired, replaced or upgraded. There is absolutely no better way than this to tell if any of your locks need replacing.
So don’t take chances with your all-important locks. Call your local locksmith and get a professional opinion as to what locks need to be changed at your home, business or in your automobile.