What does “rekeying” a car mean, and why might it be necessary? 

Rekeying a car involves altering the internal components of the car’s locks to work with a new key. This process changes the lock’s pins and tumblers to match a different key, rendering the old keys useless. 

Rekeying might be necessary if you’ve lost your car keys, if the keys were stolen, or if you suspect someone else has unauthorized access to your vehicle. Car rekey provides an added layer of security without the need to replace all the locks on your vehicle.

How does a car rekey work, and can any locksmith do it? 

Car rekeying is typically performed by a professional locksmith with the right tools and expertise. The locksmith will remove the lock cylinder from the car door, trunk, or ignition and replace the internal pins to match a new key. The process is intricate and requires the locksmith to have access to the specific tools and knowledge about the vehicle’s locking mechanism. While some locksmiths specialize in automotive services and can perform rekeying, not all locksmiths offer this service, especially for modern vehicles with complex electronic security systems.

What are the advantages of rekeying a car rather than replacing its locks?

 Rekeying a car offers several benefits compared to replacing the locks entirely:

• Cost-Effective: Rekeying is generally more affordable than replacing all the locks on a vehicle.
• Convenient: It allows for a quick solution if you’ve lost your keys or had them stolen, avoiding the need to have new locks installed.
• Security: Rekeying ensures that only new, authorized keys can access the vehicle, providing improved security without having to deal with the expense of entirely replacing the locks.
• Simplicity: The process is less invasive, as it doesn’t require drilling new holes or altering the lock mechanisms, making it a less intrusive option for securing your vehicle

The old key is no longer functional after rekeying, so no one can access or start the car using it. Rekeying should also be considered when purchasing a used car.