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Showing posts with label locksmithh Menifee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label locksmithh Menifee. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESS CONTROL: HOW TO LIMIT ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY EFFECTIVELY
What is Access Control, Exactly?
Whether you have residential, commercial, or automotive property, the principles of securing your property are the same. If you want to take proper security measures, then you should establish a trustworthy access control system. Nowadays, almost everything ~ from opening the car door and firing it up, to logging in to your computer, to entering a place of business, to unlocking your motel room ~ is somehow protected by access control. This means that only you, plus the people you authorize, will be able to gain access to your property.
Access control has three aspects:
1. Identification. An access control system is required for guarding your property from unauthorized access. You will control the movement of all the individuals who come in. Accordingly, the system you choose should enable you to prove, without a doubt, the identity of everyone who wants to come inside your property, or to enter any restricted area.
2. Authentication. After your system confirms a person’s identity, then that person will be allowed access to the building or to any highly sensitive area you’ve designated. There are numerous ways to accomplish authentication ~ from standard smart-card identification, passwords, passcodes, encryption keys, and other smart devices, to biometrics (such as a fingerprint or handprint).
3. Authorization. Based on a list of principles you establish for your property’s access control system, with proper identification and authentication, a person will ultimately be granted authorization to gain access.
Whether you have residential, commercial, or automotive property, the principles of securing your property are the same. If you want to take proper security measures, then you should establish a trustworthy access control system. Nowadays, almost everything ~ from opening the car door and firing it up, to logging in to your computer, to entering a place of business, to unlocking your motel room ~ is somehow protected by access control. This means that only you, plus the people you authorize, will be able to gain access to your property.
Access control has three aspects:
1. Identification. An access control system is required for guarding your property from unauthorized access. You will control the movement of all the individuals who come in. Accordingly, the system you choose should enable you to prove, without a doubt, the identity of everyone who wants to come inside your property, or to enter any restricted area.
2. Authentication. After your system confirms a person’s identity, then that person will be allowed access to the building or to any highly sensitive area you’ve designated. There are numerous ways to accomplish authentication ~ from standard smart-card identification, passwords, passcodes, encryption keys, and other smart devices, to biometrics (such as a fingerprint or handprint).
3. Authorization. Based on a list of principles you establish for your property’s access control system, with proper identification and authentication, a person will ultimately be granted authorization to gain access.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Practical Ways to Secure Your Garage Door
If you use your garage to store things like gardening equipment, home electronics or appliances, lawn equipment and other valuables, it’s likely that you want to make sure they are safe and secure. Many people store valuables in their garage. There are also some people who use their garage as workspace, where they may also have valuables, such as computers, printers and other things that are of value to them. What if you have decided to use your garage as a home gym? You likely have started investing in good equipment to create your home gym. When you have a garage that is attached to your home, you have to consider the possibility of someone breaking into your garage with the possibility of getting something that might also be of value to them. Since many homeowners do not take precautions to secure their garage door, burglars know that they can often get what they want simply by breaking into their garage. They also know the ins and outs of how security systems operate and in which parts of your home a person will seldom connect the system. Unfortunately, the garage door is one of the most susceptible areas of your home to be compromised. Simply put, homeowners rarely secure their garage door like they would do their home doors and windows. At Secure Menifee Locksmith, we are here to tell you that you can avoid a garage break-in.
The Right Type of Garage Door
If you want to make sure no one breaks into your garage, it is important that you select a good durable garage door. A good, strong and sturdy garage door would be one that is made from steel and one that rolls up. These offer you a great deal of durability and are cost-effective.
The Right Type of Garage Door
If you want to make sure no one breaks into your garage, it is important that you select a good durable garage door. A good, strong and sturdy garage door would be one that is made from steel and one that rolls up. These offer you a great deal of durability and are cost-effective.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
BENEFITS OF HOME SAFE
Home safes are NOT just for the super wealthy. You don’t
have to be a money mogul in order to enjoy keeping your valuables in a safe and
secure place that locks. Here at Secure Menifee Locksmith we often get calls
for safe installations for local businesses and many times customers call us
for home safes, as well. Read on and see how having a safe at home can be one
of the smartest things you do to protect your cash and valuables.
Not just for the rich
Our Menifee, CA community is hardly Beverly Hills and we
don’t try to be. Yet, a good number of local residences already have safes in
them. This is because residential safes are perfect for keeping your valuables
secure from uninvited intruders, nosy neighbors, pesky relatives and anyone
else that has no business with seeing or having access to your property.
You can put just about anything you want inside your home
safe. Many of our customers use safes to secure cash, art, guns, insurance
policies, flash drives, warranties, passports, stock certificates, special
photographs, jewelry, tax returns, property titles, real estate appraisals, key
codes and combination lists, old letters, private correspondence, and anything
else that you deem of value. Keeping your valuables in your home safe not only
protects them from theft, it also protects them from fire, wind, dust, rain and
moisture. Let’s break down some of these and see how you can use your
residential safe to make your life more secure.
Money
Money can be a lot of things. Any form of hard currency
counts as money. This can be cash, coins, IOU’s, credit cards, debit cards,
gift cards, foreign currency, etc. The amount in your safe is totally up to you
and will probably fluctuate from time to time. You’ve heard the term “save for
a rainy day?” well this is one smart way to do that. On hand money can be so
useful. If you are a “prepper” you’ll want to have some cash on hand anyway. If
not, you’ll get peace of mind in knowing that you always have fast access to
money when you need it WITHOUT making a trip to the ATM or having to stand in
line at the bank only to ASK for some currency that is really already yours.
Money on hand is great for emergencies or last minute expenses.
These can include medical needs, pet emergencies, funeral expenses, fast
business deals, charity donations, real estate transactions, gifts, auto
repairs, dental needs, fast food tips, and a dozens of other uses.
Guns
Wait! Aren’t guns supposed to be in gun safes? Don’t worry
about what you call it; a place where you can securely keep a weapon is all
that matters. Now, if you have a large arsenal of firearms and ammunition, you
are of course better off with a real gun cabinet but for a pistol, handgun or
something of that size, a regular home safe is perfect. The main point is this;
don’t leave a loaded weapon within easy reach in your Menifee, CA home!
Accidental shootings, domestic violence, home invasions and other incidents
happen all too often because of haphazard gun treatment in the residence.
Jewelry in your safe
Right away people read or hear this and think of women’s
jewelry. They think bracelets, rings, diamonds and other jewels that adorn
ladies. In truth though, jewelry for both sexes is what we are talking about.
It’s not a gender “thing” as men also have watches, rings and other items of
value that are worth protecting. Some of our Secure Menifee Locksmith customers
buy estate jewelry at auctions and store their purchases in their home safes.
Others have heirloom jewelry that has been bequeathed to them from family
members. They have no intention of selling these items but they also want to
keep them in a secure place where they can see and have access to them anytime
they like.
Documents
Documents in your home safe? Isn’t that what file cabinets
are for? Yes and no. File cabinet locks are very low-level and provide minimal
protection. They do serve the purpose of keeping your files locked away and not
easily accessed but for more valued items; a home safe is head and shoulders a
better choice! Like money, it’s up to you to decide what document items should
be secured in your home safe. We recommend hard or impossible to replace items
like birth certificates, passports, appraisals, stock certificates, licenses,
awards, bonds, valued letters, foreign currency, key codes, car titles, tax
returns and anything else that you really want to secure.
Miscellaneous items
These can be literally anything! It’s your home safe; what
do you want to keep secure in it? You can add flash drives, old photographs,
letters, diplomas, software licenses, art, bank books, credit reports and
hundreds of other items.
Be discreet
Will having a safe at your home make you a target for
burglary or home invasion? That’s up to you. Our Menifee, CA locksmiths always
recommend discretion. You shouldn’t be bragging about your possessions anyway
and the fewer people that know about your safe and its contents; the better. We
also recommend that you keep your home safe in a not-so-obvious place at your
home. You don’t need to camouflage it but you also don’t need to display it in
a prominent place for all to see, either.
Where to buy your
safe
You can buy safes pretty much anywhere in town. Most of your
major retailers carry them. These include national chains like Wal-Mart,
Target, Sears, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy. Store like these are good for
seeing your potential purchase in person. Remember though; the sales help is
usually part-time, minimum wage assistance so don’t count on getting many
answers to your questions.
Safe stores are more specialized but can be expensive as
they outsource installation, repair and maintenance tasks to area locksmiths.
Why not go directly to the source and call your favorite Menifee, CA residential
locksmith shop?
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
ARE YOU HAVING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!
When you cannot start your car, there are many reasons it could be happening. One likelihood is that your automobile has a malfunctioning ignition switch. If so, then investigate further. A worn-out ignition can actually become a hazard, so don’t ignore it. In some cases, you will be able to discover the nature of the issue yourself.
Possible Causes for Ignition Problems
There may be too much wear and tear. If so, your car key will grow increasingly ineffective, and stop working altogether in the end. If so, the key must be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, to make sure it’s correctly cut and completely functional.
One typical reason ignitions fail is that they’re defective from the beginning. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you are still under warranty, the dealership will replace your ignition cylinder. If you’re no longer under warranty, then it’s time for you to hire a dependable automotive locksmith specialist.
Did you put the wrong key in the ignition switch? If it went all the way in, don’t try pulling it out! You could cause irreparable damage. Call a locksmith right away.
The battery might be drained. When you start up your car, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs. This ignites the fuel so the car will start up. If you ever have to turn the engine over too many times to get it started, you could drain your battery until there isn’t any power left.
Did you break the car key off, or is there any other object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt to handle this yourself! Contact a trusty automotive locksmith expert instead. Otherwise, you might wield irreparable damage. Normally, any foreign object such as a broken key can easily be removed by a professional automotive locksmith, without having to replace the entire ignition switch.
Take a look at your dashboard lights. Natural wear and tear on your vehicle can eventually lead to ignition switch failure, especially in older model cars. If your ignition switch is malfunctioning, you may not be hearing any clicks from the main relay, which fires it up. If you’re stalling out, check your dashboard lights. Turn the key to position 2, and if the charge light, oil light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something is wrong. You can also test the ignition switch’s integrity: When you get the car key to the “start” position, as soon as it begins to start up, let go of the key, and then let it snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights turn off as the switch snaps back, then the switch is definitely bad.
Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on your car key, can get worn out. Your ignition switch will malfunction if it gets gummed up with dirt and grime. Individual wafer replacement, or good old cleaning, will be your best bet. You shouldn’t have to pay for a complete ignition replacement.
Is your ignition switch overheating? You might have a short in your system. If your ignition switch is overly hot to the touch, then the problem is probably in the electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected can overheat, which could melt the insulating base. If it indeed does get fried, your vehicle will jerk violently, and certainly won’t start.
Your transponder key may not be working right. Usually, this means that its computer chip has lost its programming. You can get your existing transponder key reprogrammed; or, you can ask a professional to duplicate the existing cuts to program a whole new key. This precise task needs to be carried out by a reliable expert automotive locksmith.
Has there been a failed attempt to steal your automobile? What often happens in this case is that an amateur car thief will mess up your ignition switch and steering column. If so, you need to replace the entire ignition assembly.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
• the car key comes out, even if the car’s still running
• you’re observing car battery problems
• you may see higher auto emissions or increased fuel consumption
• you cannot even put the key in the ignition at all
• the steering wheel sometimes sticks, or even becomes immovable
• your vehicle might be prone to stalling while idling
Check the Status
When you stick the car key in the ignition switch and turn it, typically there are 3 status positions:
1. In the “off” status position, no power is transmitted to the engine or the system.
2. In the “on” status position, the dashboard lights turn on, but the engine is still off.
3. In the “start” status position, you exert full key pressure, and that’s when the engine fires up.
DIY
If you want to replace the ignition switch yourself, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s not an easy undertaking, particularly with newer vehicles, because they generally include anti-theft devices. Removing or replacing your ignition switch without taking the correct safety precautions, and without using the proper tools, will easily render your car inoperable! The electrical current running through the system can actually cause bodily harm. Therefore, keep all metallic objects away from the electrical wires. Before you can install a new ignition switch, the process involves removing the wiring harness that’s connected to the ignition switch, taking out the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, and so forth. So unless you’re a mechanic, it’s better to hire a professional. If you’re located anywhere in Menifee, California, it’s a good idea to hire a professional automotive locksmith specialist, such as the mobile technicians on staff at Secure Menifee Locksmith.
Possible Causes for Ignition Problems
There may be too much wear and tear. If so, your car key will grow increasingly ineffective, and stop working altogether in the end. If so, the key must be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, to make sure it’s correctly cut and completely functional.
One typical reason ignitions fail is that they’re defective from the beginning. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you are still under warranty, the dealership will replace your ignition cylinder. If you’re no longer under warranty, then it’s time for you to hire a dependable automotive locksmith specialist.
Did you put the wrong key in the ignition switch? If it went all the way in, don’t try pulling it out! You could cause irreparable damage. Call a locksmith right away.
The battery might be drained. When you start up your car, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs. This ignites the fuel so the car will start up. If you ever have to turn the engine over too many times to get it started, you could drain your battery until there isn’t any power left.
Did you break the car key off, or is there any other object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt to handle this yourself! Contact a trusty automotive locksmith expert instead. Otherwise, you might wield irreparable damage. Normally, any foreign object such as a broken key can easily be removed by a professional automotive locksmith, without having to replace the entire ignition switch.
Take a look at your dashboard lights. Natural wear and tear on your vehicle can eventually lead to ignition switch failure, especially in older model cars. If your ignition switch is malfunctioning, you may not be hearing any clicks from the main relay, which fires it up. If you’re stalling out, check your dashboard lights. Turn the key to position 2, and if the charge light, oil light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something is wrong. You can also test the ignition switch’s integrity: When you get the car key to the “start” position, as soon as it begins to start up, let go of the key, and then let it snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights turn off as the switch snaps back, then the switch is definitely bad.
Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on your car key, can get worn out. Your ignition switch will malfunction if it gets gummed up with dirt and grime. Individual wafer replacement, or good old cleaning, will be your best bet. You shouldn’t have to pay for a complete ignition replacement.
Is your ignition switch overheating? You might have a short in your system. If your ignition switch is overly hot to the touch, then the problem is probably in the electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected can overheat, which could melt the insulating base. If it indeed does get fried, your vehicle will jerk violently, and certainly won’t start.
Your transponder key may not be working right. Usually, this means that its computer chip has lost its programming. You can get your existing transponder key reprogrammed; or, you can ask a professional to duplicate the existing cuts to program a whole new key. This precise task needs to be carried out by a reliable expert automotive locksmith.
Has there been a failed attempt to steal your automobile? What often happens in this case is that an amateur car thief will mess up your ignition switch and steering column. If so, you need to replace the entire ignition assembly.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
• the car key comes out, even if the car’s still running
• you’re observing car battery problems
• you may see higher auto emissions or increased fuel consumption
• you cannot even put the key in the ignition at all
• the steering wheel sometimes sticks, or even becomes immovable
• your vehicle might be prone to stalling while idling
Check the Status
When you stick the car key in the ignition switch and turn it, typically there are 3 status positions:
1. In the “off” status position, no power is transmitted to the engine or the system.
2. In the “on” status position, the dashboard lights turn on, but the engine is still off.
3. In the “start” status position, you exert full key pressure, and that’s when the engine fires up.
DIY
If you want to replace the ignition switch yourself, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s not an easy undertaking, particularly with newer vehicles, because they generally include anti-theft devices. Removing or replacing your ignition switch without taking the correct safety precautions, and without using the proper tools, will easily render your car inoperable! The electrical current running through the system can actually cause bodily harm. Therefore, keep all metallic objects away from the electrical wires. Before you can install a new ignition switch, the process involves removing the wiring harness that’s connected to the ignition switch, taking out the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, and so forth. So unless you’re a mechanic, it’s better to hire a professional. If you’re located anywhere in Menifee, California, it’s a good idea to hire a professional automotive locksmith specialist, such as the mobile technicians on staff at Secure Menifee Locksmith.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Secure Menifee Locksmith: What To Do In Different Lockout Situations
The team at Secure Menifee Locksmith knows just how worrying
it is to get locked out. That’s because it’s a problem they have seen many
times before. For this reason, they have been kind enough to put together a
list of ideas that would be useful to anyone who ends up misplacing their key,
or otherwise just being unable to get into their property. Often times, people
don’t realize in their moment of stress that one of their doors is actually
accessible. One of the first things a locksmith might tell you to do is check
another door. If you’re locked out of your vehicle, they might have you check
the back doors. If you are locked out of your home, they might gently remind
you to check the patio or garage door. Often times, the situation isn’t this
simple, unfortunately. Have a look at the tips provided by one of the best lock
and security providers around – these will be useful to you whether you are in
Menifee, CA or anywhere else.
- If you are locked out of your house, ask yourself if a neighbor or family member might have a spare key. It is easy when our minds become filled with anxiety to forget little details. If you made a copy of your house key and gave it to a neighbor, friend or family member, make sure to reach out to them if possible. This could save you the cost of needing to have a locksmith come out to get you back in.
- If you are locked out of your vehicle, be sure to get to a safe place. Maybe you just left a local mall or office, and the sun is going down. It might not be the safest thing for you to hang out in a parking lot. If you have the option, go back inside to the place that you were, before you realized you couldn’t get into your car. If you’re in a parking lot that doesn’t feel safe, and you don’t have the option to go inside somewhere, consider calling a police officer or even a security guard to come wait with you. Try to stay in a well-lit area. These are just basics to ensure your protection. No matter where you happen to live in the country, it is always important to exhibit caution.
- Locked out of your house late at night? Keep in mind some of the tips in point number two. Be sure to get to a safe place, whether that means asking to wait inside your neighbor’s home, or even going back inside of your vehicle. If needed, call a police officer so you have someone to make you feel safer.
- Whether you are unable to get into the house or vehicle, or even a commercial property, avoid breaking a window. Sure, this might seem like the logical next step, especially if you are in a rush to get somewhere. Using your fist to break glass could end up causing physical injury. Using some sort of tool to break open a window will leave you having to deal with shattered glass, which can also cause personal injury. In addition to potentially hurting yourself, you will also be left with damaged property. Do the math – it would almost certainly be less expensive to call in a local locksmith to have them deal with the lockout, than to have to pay to replace broken glass or go to a doctor because you have glass pieces stuck in your hand.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Avoiding a Locksmith Scam
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that it can’t happen to you. Anyone can unknowingly be ‘taken’ by a scam. Nobody is exempt. This is why anytime you require the services of a professional service provider, you should always be aware of the various types of scams that any type of service provider is known for. In the case of a locksmith service, they are known to go after homeowners and motorists. This happens when they are in the most vulnerable situations, like being locked out. You can find a reputable and trustworthy Menifee locksmith, such as, Secure Menifee Locksmith, by performing little research.
Searching the Internet is not the most reliable resource for finding a reputable locksmith service since scammers are mimicking legit locksmith services. The reality is that many of the scammers do not even operate a locksmith service; they just set up out of state call centers and then reroute your calls to someone they work with who may not even be a trained or certified locksmiths. This opens up a host of issues and problems for you. One of these is your safety and security. If you want to make sure you’re not being ‘taken’, it is up to you to perform you r due-diligence to ensure you’re dealing with a legit and qualified locksmith service.
Steps to Finding a Legitimate Locksmith
1. Search Locally – Research, research, research! Call up a couple of local locksmiths and have a list of questions ready to ask them about their services. Be specific in your questions and make sure they give you clear and concise answers to your questions.
Listen out for how the service answers your call. If they do not have a company name and they answer by using the phrase ‘locksmith services’, be cautious.
When a locksmith has a local business address, check to make sure there are no other businesses operating, using the same address. Get confirmation from the locksmith service if you find that they share the same address with another service provider. If the addresses match it is likely a SCAM!
If the locksmith service uses an 800 number and there is no other number listed, be wary. The place that you’re calling is likely an out-of-state call center.
2. Check Locksmith Credentials – If locksmiths in your area are required to carry a license, make sure the first thing you ask for when they arrive to your location is their id and license. You wan to be sure that they are who they say they are and that they are qualified to address your lock or key issue.
Alabama, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Virginia and Texas all require that locksmiths have a license. If you have telephoned a locksmith service and they claim that they are licensed, yet they do not live in any of these states, proceed with caution!
Legitimate locksmith services will always ask the customer to show them some id before they will begin handling the work they need done. This clears them of any liability if they should unlock the home or car of someone whom it doesn’t belong to.
Check to make sure the locksmith arrives in a vehicle that is clearly marked. If they arrive in an unmarked car or do not have the name of the business that you thought you were hiring on the vehicle, walk away and find another locksmith service.
3. Get an Estimate for the Job – When you’re contacting a locksmith call center, you’ll notice that they will give you a starting rate less than $50. They get customers by promoting their services way lower than the actual cost of the job. This is known as a bait-and-switch approach. However, once they arrive, the price will undoubtedly go up much higher than the low price they initially offered you. They will tell you that the job is more challenging than they anticipated.
On average, a locksmith service call will typically cost between $50 to $60. If you receive a price of $15 to $40, this is usually the sign of a scam because these are the numbers that are usually most attractive to a potential customer. The reason the cost is a little more for legitimate locksmiths is that the cost of traveling to your location is often including.
Keep in mind the expenses that are incurred by the locksmith service, such as, licensing, tools and travel. Do you honesty think that anyone could pay for these things charging customers only $15 per job?
If you ask for a price quote and the locksmith service doesn’t provide you with one, don’t use their services. They will often charge you what they want and it will likely be a lot more than you can imagine. Don’t let them touch anything until you have a written estimate in your hand. It is also in your best interest to also get a quote for any emergency lock and key services they might offer.
Be aware of any price changes. We understand that an estimate is just that, an estimate. However, if the price that they offer to you on the phone far exceeds what they tell you once they have performed an onsite evaluation, find another locksmith service.
4. Customer Satisfaction – If it is clear that the problem you have hired a locksmith to perform has not been performed efficiently, you shouldn’t have to pay. A legitimate locksmith wants the customer to be satisfied and they will do whatever it takes to make sure the customer is happy. This mean that they will ‘willingly’ come back to perform the job the right way. A locksmith that refuses to make things right, should be avoided.
The bottom line again is to make sure you do your research before hiring just any locksmith service. You have to protect yourself and your family and cannot risk just allowing anyone into your home or handing over your keys to anybody. Get what you pay for by hiring a legitimate locksmith service.
Searching the Internet is not the most reliable resource for finding a reputable locksmith service since scammers are mimicking legit locksmith services. The reality is that many of the scammers do not even operate a locksmith service; they just set up out of state call centers and then reroute your calls to someone they work with who may not even be a trained or certified locksmiths. This opens up a host of issues and problems for you. One of these is your safety and security. If you want to make sure you’re not being ‘taken’, it is up to you to perform you r due-diligence to ensure you’re dealing with a legit and qualified locksmith service.
Steps to Finding a Legitimate Locksmith
1. Search Locally – Research, research, research! Call up a couple of local locksmiths and have a list of questions ready to ask them about their services. Be specific in your questions and make sure they give you clear and concise answers to your questions.
Listen out for how the service answers your call. If they do not have a company name and they answer by using the phrase ‘locksmith services’, be cautious.
When a locksmith has a local business address, check to make sure there are no other businesses operating, using the same address. Get confirmation from the locksmith service if you find that they share the same address with another service provider. If the addresses match it is likely a SCAM!
If the locksmith service uses an 800 number and there is no other number listed, be wary. The place that you’re calling is likely an out-of-state call center.
2. Check Locksmith Credentials – If locksmiths in your area are required to carry a license, make sure the first thing you ask for when they arrive to your location is their id and license. You wan to be sure that they are who they say they are and that they are qualified to address your lock or key issue.
Alabama, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Virginia and Texas all require that locksmiths have a license. If you have telephoned a locksmith service and they claim that they are licensed, yet they do not live in any of these states, proceed with caution!
Legitimate locksmith services will always ask the customer to show them some id before they will begin handling the work they need done. This clears them of any liability if they should unlock the home or car of someone whom it doesn’t belong to.
Check to make sure the locksmith arrives in a vehicle that is clearly marked. If they arrive in an unmarked car or do not have the name of the business that you thought you were hiring on the vehicle, walk away and find another locksmith service.
3. Get an Estimate for the Job – When you’re contacting a locksmith call center, you’ll notice that they will give you a starting rate less than $50. They get customers by promoting their services way lower than the actual cost of the job. This is known as a bait-and-switch approach. However, once they arrive, the price will undoubtedly go up much higher than the low price they initially offered you. They will tell you that the job is more challenging than they anticipated.
On average, a locksmith service call will typically cost between $50 to $60. If you receive a price of $15 to $40, this is usually the sign of a scam because these are the numbers that are usually most attractive to a potential customer. The reason the cost is a little more for legitimate locksmiths is that the cost of traveling to your location is often including.
Keep in mind the expenses that are incurred by the locksmith service, such as, licensing, tools and travel. Do you honesty think that anyone could pay for these things charging customers only $15 per job?
If you ask for a price quote and the locksmith service doesn’t provide you with one, don’t use their services. They will often charge you what they want and it will likely be a lot more than you can imagine. Don’t let them touch anything until you have a written estimate in your hand. It is also in your best interest to also get a quote for any emergency lock and key services they might offer.
Be aware of any price changes. We understand that an estimate is just that, an estimate. However, if the price that they offer to you on the phone far exceeds what they tell you once they have performed an onsite evaluation, find another locksmith service.
4. Customer Satisfaction – If it is clear that the problem you have hired a locksmith to perform has not been performed efficiently, you shouldn’t have to pay. A legitimate locksmith wants the customer to be satisfied and they will do whatever it takes to make sure the customer is happy. This mean that they will ‘willingly’ come back to perform the job the right way. A locksmith that refuses to make things right, should be avoided.
The bottom line again is to make sure you do your research before hiring just any locksmith service. You have to protect yourself and your family and cannot risk just allowing anyone into your home or handing over your keys to anybody. Get what you pay for by hiring a legitimate locksmith service.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Transponder key problems
What exactly is a transponder key?
Are you driving a late model car dated around 1995 or after? If so, you are most likely using a transponder chip key to open your car or start your engine. These keys look like traditional keys with a metal blade with grooves and chips cut into it to place in the lock and a larger, rounded head for holding the key and turning it. What’s different is that it’s a “smart key” due to it having a programmable chip embedded in the key’s head. This chip communicates with the computer in your car’s engine by sending a signal when you turn the ignition on. If the signal matches, your car will start! If not, forget it. This is why transponder keys are such good theft deterrents; you can’t just have them copied at your local convenience store and use it to drive off with someone else’s car. They are difficult to program and duplicate and unless the electronic signal matches, your car is staying put!
Not perfect
Transponder keys are not perfect, but they are quite beneficial. In fact, since they have been introduced into the automotive market, they have been instrumental in decreasing auto theft by quite a margin. They can however, have their problems. For instance, they can break, become lost or stolen and are quite expensive to program and duplicate. Sometimes, the chip can literally fall out of the key and while the key still works to open the car door or trunk, it can’t start the engine with no signal to transmit to the car’s computer.
Breakage
It’s a fact that people use keys for many things that they probably shouldn’t! Transponder car keys have been used to open boxes, soft drink cans, heavy packages, bottled drinks and lots more. These keys are used to cut cords, ribbons, string, plastic binders and even to pry open metal items like boxes, trunks and lids. Naturally the transponder key can break, become damaged or even snap in two.
Theft and loss
People become distracted all too often. Watch shoppers in the grocery store; they leave their carts momentarily with purses wide open to go get something at the end of the aisle. Kids can drop keys in lakes and drains. Dogs can dig holes and bury them. We lose keys behind couch cushions, at crowded sports events and even at the theater where they fall out of coats or pants pockets while we fidget with our popcorn. Sometimes keys are taken right off of desks or lockers while no one looks. Hotel lost and found departments are always populated with an assortment of keys that patrons left in the room or in a coat pocket in the closet.
Keys can fall
It’s so easy to drop your keys. What can it hurt; they are made of metal, right? It’s easy to multi-task and attempt too many errands at once. If you drop your keys, the transponder chip can fall out of the head. Unless you are specifically looking for it, it’s easy to simply bend over, pick up your keys and walk off leaving the fallen out chip still lying on the pavement. They key part should still work but without the transponder chip, your car won’t start.
Stuck key
Sometimes transponder keys become stuck in the ignition. Whatever you do; don’t force it out! You can complicate the situation by breaking the key and then you have additional costs and problems. The first thing to remember is to stay calm and not panic. Try jiggling the steering wheel back and forth and see if this releases it. Also, be double sure to check and see if you are in the PARK gear. Your transmission and ignition systems have a built in safety precaution so that you can’t accidentally remove your key at the wrong time (like while driving!). If you are not in PARK, your transponder key will not be released so before you call for help; check your gears!
Battery issues
Did your transponder key open the driver’s side door but did NOT start the engine? The problem may be your battery. Low batteries can lack the power to send a proper signal from your key to your car’s engine. To see if this is the case, turn on your radio, headlights or windshield wipers. If they work, it’s not your battery. If they don’t, your transponder key is fine but your battery will need a boost or replacement depending on the wear.
Avoid these solutions!
There are many places here in Menifee, CA where you can get your transponder key copied, programmed or duplicated. Be choosy and you can save lots of time and cash! Secure Menifee Locksmith recommends that you call either our shop or a similar licensed, bonded and insured lock and key company. Local auto mechanics and car dealers can help with transponder key problems but they can be quite costly to deal with. To begin with, your car will need to be towed to them since the ignition is not working. Then, these places call their own locksmith to do the service and then add his bill to theirs! Add to that long waits, overbooked appointments and other hassles and you can see why locals are much better off calling an established automotive locksmith in Menifee!
Be prepared!
It’s always wise to think ahead and be ready for any transponder key or other automotive locksmith problem. You can do this by adding the phone number to a trusted or experienced locksmith shop to all of your smart phones in the house so that you don’t waste valuable time or nerves trying to find one when it’s really needed!
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