Then again, maybe they took this phrase seriously. We’ll never know.

One thing we do know is that there are several locksmith services available to Dallas-Fort Worth residents that they would be interested in if they only know about them. From installing voice intercoms to programming key fobs, there are several services a DFW locksmith can provide. Here are five of them:

1. Safe Installation and Maintenance

Not all locksmiths sell and install safes, but we do at A-1 Locksmith. In reality, we deliver, install and can even maintain safes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for both businesses and homes. Whether you’re trying to decide which safe is best for your needs, have a safe you need to install or remove, or you’re looking for ways to improve your safe with accessories, we have you covered with our safe installation and maintenance services.

2. Voice Intercoms

Business owners in North Texas will be happy to know that a locksmith can provide professional intercom services as well. Whether voice or video, we can ensure you have peace of mind and awareness when it comes to who is accessing or visiting your business. Thanks to today’s technology, intercom systems are more reliable than ever and are helping more and more businesses prevent unwanted access to entry points.

3. Key Fob Programming

You don’t have to go to the dealership or an expert for your vehicle brand to get a key fob programmed. Whether you’re replacing an existing key fob or buying a new one, we can ensure it’s set up properly and we are a more affordable option than most dealers. In fact, DFW security companies like A-1 Locksmith can provide a variety of auto security services.

4. Security System Assessments

Maybe you don’t even know what you need? A reputable Dallas-Fort Worth locksmith like A-1 Locksmith can provide assessments and consultations for any security need, including security systems. This is especially beneficial if you’ve had your system for years and it hasn’t been checked in a while. You can also ask about upgrades that would make sense.

5. Emergency Response

Most people know that they can call emergency services for life-threatening situations, plumbing emergencies and so forth. But did you know this can apply to locksmiths as well? The most common type of emergency situation is when someone is locked out of their home or business, but A-1 Locksmith can provide a quick response for any timely security issue that doesn’t deal with an immediate threat to physical safety. 

These are just a few of the wide variety of locksmith services we offer at A-1 Locksmith. To learn more about how we can help you and the security needs of your Dallas-Fort Worth home or business, visit one of our locations today.

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In fact, more car manufacturers are embracing the benefits of remote technology as it has improved and become more popular. More and more, they are crafting vehicles with key fobs that can unlock vehicles remotely.

But dealerships don’t want you to know too much about your options. Let’s discuss what you need to know, whether it’s legal to make a new key fob without the dealer’s permission and whether you can use an auto locksmith to create or duplicate a key fob. 

What You Need to Know About Key Fobs

With a key fob, the owner can simply press a button to open the door, and many have a feature that lets you press a button remotely to start the car.

Unfortunately, if a car owner misplaces his or her key fob, or wants to make an extra copy, the dealership may claim that they have proprietary rights over the device. As such, only they can make a copy and program it, which comes with an absurd fee. 

While creating a new key fob—as well as programming it to work with your car—may require the assistance of a professional, a skilled locksmith can aid you with this effort for less money and without requiring you to head back to the dealership for help.

Is It Legal to Make A New Key Fob?

First off, is this even legal? Some dealers may assert that creating a new key fob is against the law if this task is not performed by a licensed operator. While this may be the case with a leased or rented car, it is within your rights to make as many copies as you would like with a vehicle you completely own. 

Can You Use a Locksmith for a Key Fob?

Getting a key fob programmed to operate with your car is not an extensive task. While you should not attempt to make a copy yourself, a professional locksmith can help you create a new key fob in relatively short order.

If you have lost the key fob to your new car, or you would like a new one made to give to a friend or a family member, don’t head back to the dealership. Instead, reach out to the auto security professionals at A-1 Locksmith today. We have experience programming all types of key fobs, and we have been offering our expertise to residents of DFW for more than 65 years. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau speaks volumes.

Call us today at (972) 284-7500 to learn how we can help you with your car keys and key fobs.

“If ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the attitude many of us have in life, which is fair. After all, most of us are trying to save time and money where we can and want to maximize our investments in the equipment, tools and devices we use daily.

The truth is, making a change with the items you use most often can make your life easier in the short run and even help you save money in the long run. Your car key is one such change. Should you stick with a traditional key or upgrade to a push-start version? Let’s discuss.

Traditional Car Key Advantages

These are the tried-and-true keys we’re all accustomed to using. The design has always been pretty simple, focused around a metal part that you manually place in the ignition barrel to release the locking mechanism and open the door or gate you’re trying to access. Here are some of the benefits that come with traditional car keys:

• More people are comfortable with using them and they’re easy to use in general.
• They tend to cost less than other car key options.
• They are durable and last longer than other keys, especially electronic ones.

Push-Start Car Key Advantages

Push-start car keys are known by a variety of terms, such as remotes and fobs. But they basically involve sending a signal to your vehicle to start it remotely. You don’t even have to be in the vehicle and these keys also usually won’t let the car lock while they’re inside. Here are some of the other benefits that come with push-start car keys:

• They’re much more convenient, as they can stay in your bag or pocket.
• You can warm up or cool down your car remotely before you even enter it.
• It’s more difficult to duplicate push-start car keys.

Dealership or Locksmith for Car Keys?

Whether you go the traditional or push-start route, you have to decide where you’ll get your keys the next time you upgrade, duplicate or swap them out. While a dealership will know the design of your vehicle and be able to provide factory-standard key and fob options, prepare to pay more. With a professional car locksmith, on the other hand, prices are usually a bit more affordable and you partner with someone who has your vehicle security and safety in mind.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a push-start car key or are interested in going over your options, stop by any of our DFW-area A-1 Locksmith locations today.

In particular, how your typical key fob operates. Let’s cover the different key fobs components, how they work and where to get the best key fob for your needs.

Key Fob Components

Key fobs are advanced pieces of technology with origins dating back to the 1970s. They’ve been improved over the years, but typically involve only two components: the key fob and the remote reader. (They also involve the locking mechanism of the car and the door itself, but the fob itself has only two main parts). Fob shape, size, functionality and components can also vary depending on the manufacturer.

How They Work

In a key fob, the reader houses a microchip with unique codes that communicate with the car door and locking mechanism (via specific frequencies). Multiple fobs can have the same code (but not usually vice versa), so there can be more than one key fob for one vehicle. Common fob buttons include lock, unlock, trunk and alarm functions. 

Batteries need to be replaced on key fobs, since they are a portable remote entry method, but key fobs can usually be duplicated just like keys.

Where To Get Key Fobs

Where to get your key fob depends on a few factors. If you don’t have your vehicle yet and are purchasing or leasing from a dealer, you may be provided a fob or two. (More and more auto manufacturers are making them standard.) Dealerships can also repair or replace key fobs, as well as potentially fix certain components. But having a dealership repair or replace a key fob is often your most expensive option.

A professional locksmith, on the other hand, can program, duplicate and repair/replace key fobs just like a dealer, but at a more affordable price. You also have the option of adding a key fob to an existing car for added convenience if you have multiple drivers or want an extra backup. Or, you might just want another entry option that is more convenient. Whatever motivates you, a key fob is worth the investment.

If you’re interested in getting a key fob or another vehicle entry method, contact A-1 Locksmith today and we’ll help you out.

From locking the doors to parking in well-lit areas, here are some general best practices for keeping your car safe in Dallas.

Lock Doors and Windows

Back to basics! Get into the habit of locking all doors and windows whenever you’re out and about in Dallas (or at home, for that matter). Folks from smaller towns might be used to lower crime and not having to worry about their vehicles, but in large metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, making a mistake here can have consequences.

Ditch the Spare Key

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to rely on your spare key in situations when you’ve lost your key or locked it in the car. Key fobs are rising in popularity these days, as many of them won’t let your vehicle lock while the key is inside. There are also digital and combination entry methods available, but the fact is, a spare key is a liability to your vehicle’s security.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Traffic may not be popular in North Texas, but it’s a good thing when it comes to parking your vehicle. When you park in an area with proper lighting and regular foot or automobile traffic, it decreases your chances of being a victim. Thieves don’t like being seen!

Invest in Automobile Security Upgrades

Alarms and other anti-theft devices can be a smart upgrade if you work or live in an area of Dallas with higher crime. Or, if you’ve experienced your fair share of automobile security issues, this can save you some headaches down the road. A professional auto locksmith can give you recommendations to secure your specific vehicle. 

Stay Vigilant

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do when it comes to vehicle safety is stay defensive. This applies to when you’re driving, but also applies to where you park, what you leave in your car and how you treat others on the road. Stay vigilant when it comes to your automobile and you’ll avoid many security problems that others experience.

For the best auto locksmith in Dallas, trust A-1 Locksmith. Contact us for a quote today!

One thing’s for sure, though: if you have a car manufactured within the last 10 years, it likely has a key fob. So what happens when your key fob has an issue? If you think you need a key fob replacement, here are some tips to do it the right way:

1. Don’t Go Straight to a Dealer

It might seem like the easiest option to go straight to your dealer for a key fob replacement, but you might want to think twice about this idea. For starters, it can be much more expensive to go to a dealer than your other options. Secondly, you might have to endure a lengthy wait. Then there’s always the possibility that it might just need a simple repair. While you might have to go to a dealer depending on your automobile’s manufacturer, other options will save you time and money.

2. See If It Can Be Reprogrammed or Repaired

Sometimes, a key fob is working correctly, but there’s a problem with the outer shell. Other times, the fob simply needs to be reprogrammed. Either option is cheaper than replacing the entire key fob, so make sure that you don’t need a replacement first.

3. Make Sure You Have at Least Two Fobs on Hand

Whether your key fob is lost or damaged, it’s a good idea to have a spare on hand. If you lose the only key fob you own, you’ll be in a tough situation. If you’re down to one, get a second fob made while you can.

4. Check Your Warranty

Before you pay for that key fob replacement, check your warranty to see if a damaged or lost key fob is eligible for replacement. This applies to extended warranties as well.

5. See if an Aftermarket Fob Is an Option

As hinted at in the first tip, some car manufacturers (like Audi) design their key fobs so that you can’t buy a new aftermarket key fob anywhere. This enhances the security, sure, but it is more expensive, inconvenient and limiting when it comes to options. Many European cars don’t have aftermarket fobs available.

6. Ask for an Auto Locksmith’s Opinion

Not sure whether your key fob can be replaced or repaired? Have questions about the best route to take? An auto locksmith can often guide you toward the correct decision. If you have limited car or security knowledge, this is extremely helpful.

7. Consider Other Security Upgrades

While you’re replacing your key fob, you might as well consider other security upgrades for your car. Need a spare key or fob? Want more security with a laser-cut key? Want a different type of lock? An auto locksmith can help with any of these requests.
If you’re in need of a key fob replacement (or any other automotive locksmith service), contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

As a company that has been around for more than 70 years, we’ve seen how car keys have changed over the years. Let’s look at some technological advancements of car keys and look at the options you have today.

Early Car Key Designs

Believe it or not, early cars didn’t used to have starter keys. There were keys for doors (and keys to lock the ignition) in the 1910s, but there weren’t any keys to start the vehicle itself. It wasn’t until 1949 when the starter mechanism was introduced by Chrysler and the first “car keys” (as we know them today) were created. These Chrysler keys looked a lot like your average house key today and only had one side. Prototypes of “flip keys” were soon developed after that (in the 1950s) and double-sided car keys were manufactured in the 1960s. 

Technological Advances

Car keys took a large step forward in the late 1980s with the development of remote entry for doors. Keyless entry fobs would gain mainstream success shortly after that in the 1990s. Another phase of technological advancement happened in the same decade was the invention of laser-cut keys and first (unsuccessful) early versions of proximity keys. Different forms of key cutting and shapes were also developed during the 1990s, but major breakthroughs didn’t occur again until the 2000s.

Car Key Options Today

Vehicle manufacturers started making remotes standard with car keys in the early 2000s and variations have included standalone remotes, integrated remotes and smart keys. Most remotes have the ability to unlock and lock doors, open the trunk and sound the alarm. Keyless vehicle ignition soon followed. Today, there are smart keys with all sorts of technology and the features continue to advance. There are touchscreen keys that connect to smartphone apps and can park the car with no driver, as well as keys that tell you the fuel level, whether the lights are on and more. The future is definitely exciting for car keys!
We hope you enjoyed this short history lesson. Whether you need a new car key or an auto key duplication, A-1 Locksmith is here for you. Drop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations today and we’ll get you a key that meets your needs.

A Host of Vulnerabilities

According to researchers at the University of Washington and UC San Diego, hacking a sophisticated onboard computer system in your car is much easier than you think.  Modern computer systems are designed to tell drivers, mechanics and even the U.S. Government (helllooo big brother) minute details about your car’s performance, maintenance history and emissions.  On the outside, this kind of technology makes for an efficient driver experience and nearly flawless operation as various systems communicate and interact to make driving your car more engaging, effortless and entertaining than ever before.

What this interconnectedness also does, however, is create multiple entry areas for those looking to exploit security loopholes.  Multiple systems communicating, researchers say, creates multiple areas where differing software platforms may not mesh properly.  This creates security loopholes and access points for the criminally minded and tech savvy.

Just What’s at Risk

But just what are the implications of these loopholes on your daily driving experience?  As an example, your car’s OBD port, a little electronic connection required for emissions and diagnostic testing, can be used by someone with sophisticated computer networking knowledge to turn on your car, engage or disengage locks and, ultimate, make off with your vehicular asset.  In one lab experiment, researchers were even able to wirelessly connect to a vehicles onboard computer system and take control of vital safety and mechanical operations.  Scary stuff, and we haven’t even begun talking about the whole autonomous car bit yet.

So, Technology is Bad, Right?

While your first inclination after reading all this gloom and doom about technology may be to make a quick trip to the junk yard for that old 1960’s Chevy, rust-laden or not, it turns out that these vulnerabilities can be corrected with the right knowledge and expertise.  After learning of some of the most common security exploits, many car manufacturers took it upon themselves to plug up the loopholes, albeit a few years after they were originally discovered.

The good news is that the everyday driver (that’s you) has other options when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of their vehicle.  Experienced security and locksmith experts, such as those at A-1 Locksmith, have the industry and technological knowledge to assess your individual vehicle needs and recommend and install a security system that locks down known hacker access points.  A-1’s experienced security staff has a wide range of experience in the corporate and private consumer world.  To rest easier and find out if your car is as protected as it should be, call A-1 to discuss an automobile security system that won’t leave you vulnerable to a bored computer genius residing in their parent’s basement.  A-1 Locksmith has everything you need to ensure your vehicular peace of mind.

What happens, however, if you don’t use keys to enter your car, but instead use a key fob or some other sort of keyless entry? Is there any way for you to regain access to the interior of your vehicle?

Don’t worry if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry. To be sure, you’re only one of many individuals throughout the nation who have suffered the same fate.

Key Fobs Not the Answer to Being Locked Out of a Car

Ultimately, key fobs were widely adopted, in part, to ensure that vehicle owners had a much smaller chance of locking themselves out of their cars. Of course, just like a pair of keys, it is fairly easy to accidentally lock a key fob inside of the vehicle. Unlike traditional keys, however, many modern key fobs are often designed to allow for the car to be unlocked as long as they are within a certain range. Here, then, an individual may lock a key fob within the car, yet still open the door due to the fob’s proximity to the computer.

Unfortunately, like anything with batteries, the key fob may eventually fail to work, leaving these vehicle owners locked out. And this certainly is not a rare occurrence; a 2013 report from AAA asserted that millions of motorists still find themselves locked out, even those who utilize smart keys.

As such, it is important to realize that if you have been locked out while using a smart key or key fob, you’re not alone. In this situation, however, it is imperative that you contact a professional locksmith to regain entry immediately.

How A-1 Locksmith Can Help

How can you ensure that you will still retain access to your car, even if you have been locked out with keyless entry? By contacting a professional with A-1 Locksmith, you can receive the assistance of a locksmith, often in less than 25 minutes, and be on your way home. Our mobile technicians carry in their trucks all of the equipment necessary to replace both traditional and chip or transponder keys, meaning that you’re never without help, even if you’re locked out. And, we offer this service at a cost not available at any local dealership.

So if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry somewhere in the Dallas area, don’t panic. Instead, call us today at A-1 Locksmith and we’ll be on our way in minutes.