Looking for a new car? Ensure its secure!

Naturally, when comparing cars, we tend to look at how much they cost, how much equipment is included and what the aftersales services is like. But before you sign on the dotted line, have you thought about security?

Ensuring your car is secure as possible is especially important on older cars, where security is of course not quite as sophiscated as it is nowadays. In fact, the majority of car thefts today are done by stealing the car key in the first place, as its pratically impossible to get in and start the car without it. On older cars though, it can be worryingly easy to get in and drive away.

Fortunately, UK buyers have a helping hand thanks to Thatcham. This company essentially breaks into cars for a living, thereby testing the security features of cars. Cars are then ranked using a star system. They test:

• The car immobilser
• The car locks
• The vehicle identification
• The car alarm
• The car's window glazing

To use the Thatcham car search, where you can find the security level of most cars sold in the country, just visit:
http://www.thatcham.org/nvsr/index.jsp?page=200

Be proactive, not reactive, and get a spare car key!

Have you bought a car recently with one car key, knowing full well you should have two? Many people say themselves "i'll sort it out later" but never actually get round to doing so. The problem with this? Well, what if you were to lose your sole car key?

Being unable to access your car, let alone use it, would be a major problem for most people. To fix the problem, you'd have to arrange and pay for a tow truck to take the car to your local dealer, and then pay the dealer to cut you a new key, at significant expense. It'll probably require you to take a day off work too. So, in other words, that is a whole lot of money hassle for a little key! However, did you know there is an alternative solution?

You can avoid this situation from occuring by being proactive and getting a spare key cut. As a mobile car locksmith, we can come out to you and cut you a new key, and if needs be, program a transponder fob too. So for a small fraction of the cost, you have the reassurance in place that, if the worst were to happen, you have a spare key! This also avoids hassle when selling on your car, as the new buyer won't haggle or walk away because there is just the one car key.

Check, Check, and Check again!

I've heard lots of funny stories whilst on the road as an auto locksmith. One client recently phoned me in a state because he had lost his car keys and had no spare. He had scoured his house, garden and retraced his steps relentlessly. As for many people, this was a disaster as it was his family's only car, and was needed for the school run.

After arriving at my client's house a few hours later, within 30 seconds i found his keys lieing on the dashboard! To say he was embarrased was an understatement! But, at least he saved some money, so good news in the end.

My client was lucky though, many othershave phoned me to say they have found their car keys subsequently, after spending the money getting new keys made and their immobilisers/ECU reprogrammed accordingly. This is a shame, but perhaps a lesson in not to be too reactive. Take a step back, calm down and consider where your car keys may be. Then get everyone involved in the search!

Good luck!

Lost your keys? How should you react?

Naturally, the first thing you want when you lose your car keys is to get back on the move. In the modern age, we are dependent on our cars for both work and leisure, so losing access to your car is like losing a limb!


One thing to remember if your car keys are lost, then the first thing you should do is phone the local police station. You never know, the keys may have been handed in. If not, then you should inform the police of your details so they are aware of the situation. The worst case scenario is you may think you have 'lost' your car keys, but in fact they could have been stolen.

Once this is done, get onto a locksmith specialising in cars. Known as 'auto locksmiths', there will be plenty in your local area. Normally mobile, they can come to you to help you gain access to your car and provide you with a new set of keys.

If you have to wait a long time for your auto locksmith to arrive, do you have a spare car key in the meantime? Then as soon as possible, move the car to another location if you are leaving the car unattended. If the keys have been stolen, there is a high chance the thief knows where the car is located too.

If you haven't got a spare key, then try to disable the the car somehow (remove wheels, battery etc.) so that, even with a key, the car can't be moved. Alternatively, block the car in so it is impossible to drive away in it.

Thanks to our friends at Car Key Locksmith for the info in this article :)