Locks, Keys and Safes on the Road: Securing Your RV

If you've been locked out of your home or car, then of course you want a locksmith to come and open the lock and get you back in as soon as possible. It's important that you call a locksmith like Ameen's Locksmith as quick as you can if you're locked out of your car in an unsafe neighborhood or locked out of your home late at night. However, if you do have a few minutes to try some simple tricks, you might find that you can actually pinpoint the problem with locks that don't work even when you have the key in your hands. Note a few of these trick here.

1. Reprogram your car key transponder

A transponder is a small computer chip inside your car key fob that communicates with your car's computer. This tells the computer in the car that the right key is being used for the door and it's not a thief trying to break in. If something happens to their communication, the key may fail no matter what, as the car itself is keeping the locks in place.

You can often reprogram the transponder on your own by following the instructions in your car's owner's manual, or by finding tutorial videos online. If you can't find such a video or instructions, then you can call a locksmith who can ensure it's the transponder and who can reprogram it properly.

2. Reposition your door

If you're having consistent problems with a wood door not unlocking very easily, it may be that the door has expanded or contracted due to heat and cold. Wood will absorb moisture and expand and then contract as it gets dry. In turn, the lock or deadbolt may not fit so well into the doorframe. If you have any type of strong tool nearby, you might try wedging it into the gap between the door and the doorframe and shifting the door slightly. You might notice that the lock then seems looser and easier to turn. If this fixes the problem, call a locksmith to readjust the door so that the locks fit as they should all the time.

3. Check your key

It may seem too simple, but check your key before you call a locksmith. Is there gunk and debris in the creases and folds? Has it bent or curved almost out of shape? If the key won't fit into the lock or won't push the tumblers out of the way because of debris and dirt on its surface, your lock will stick. Check your key for needed adjustments and then get a new key made if this is the problem.