Have you ever stopped to think about the locks on your vehicle? Most people haven’t unless they find they’ve locked the keys inside. Locking mechanisms in today’s vehicles have quite a history and you may be surprised to learn how these locks came to be an integral part of a car’s security features.

The first vehicle door locks

It was until the 1920s that locks were fairly regularly installed on vehicles. Most vehicles before that were only owned by fairly well off people. These vehicles were maintained by the vehicle owner’s employees and rarely was a vehicle left alone without anyone looking after it. However, as production numbers increased, it became more apparent that vehicle locks were going to be a necessity.

Improving the original locks

In 1935, General Motors introduced its six-cut sidebar lock. By 1959, Chrysler was using the same type of lock on trunks. However, in 1966, deadbolt locks replaced trunk and door locks. These locks lasted longer and vehicle owners had fewer problems with the locks internal mechanism.

The newest car locks and today’s car locksmith

Previously, it was only necessary for an automobile locksmith to open a vehicle with a simple deadbolt lock. However, advancements in car locks have caused the locksmith industry to grow and change as well. Now there are keyless entry systems, touch panel systems, and even biotech recognition systems. As these types of entry systems have become standard on many vehicles, locksmithing has had to take on a whole new meaning.

Many of today’s locks are very complicated and require a lot of training to open and repair. Just a few years ago, a locksmith needed a set of skeleton keys, a couple of special tools, and maybe a wedge to make the job easier. However, today’s locksmiths must be highly trained and even specialize in certain types of locks.

How to find the right locksmith for your vehicle

You certainly don’t want just any locksmith working on your vehicle. You want one that has experience with your type of vehicle. Not all locks are created equal and some will require special tools that only a few locksmiths will have. When you start calling, be sure to ask if they are qualified to work on your vehicle. This is especially new with the newer model of vehicles.

Don’t settle for just any, or you could end up with damage that is very expensive to replace. Sometimes an auto locksmith will ask you to sign a waiver stating that you are not responsible for any damage. This could be a sign that the company has had problems in the past. Avoid signing this waiver and you may want to contact a different company.

In conclusion

Choosing a qualified auto locksmith is important if you want to avoid costly repairs. Use only licensed and insured companies and get a quote for unlocking before allowing work to begin.