Malfunctioning car door locks are not only nuisances; they are safety hazards and invite thieves to break in. Troublesome locks leave your car vulnerable to theft of the car’s contents and the vehicle itself.
More importantly, a bad lock could be a sign of a bigger problem with your car’s opening and closing mechanisms and poses a risk of unexpected and sudden opening, leading to injury or even death.
If you’re having trouble locking or unlocking your car’s door(s), don’t tempt trouble by putting off repairs. If you’re handy, it could be a simple DIY project. If you’re not, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of tracking down parts and making the repairs yourself, a certified locksmith can handle the job for you.
DIY lock installation kits are available from most major auto parts stores or car dealers. You can also find them online on websites like Amazon or specialty car parts sites.
Before undertaking the job yourself, here are some important things to consider:
Know the Type of Aftermarket Lock Installation Kit You’ll Need
Aftermarket lock kits come in a variety of types and quality. Most are advertised as “direct fit,” meaning they can be installed without need for modification to your door or its internal parts. But don’t presume that they’re universal. You’ll need to know the make and model of your car, and maybe even details like its engine size to order the right kit.
Find A Matching Lock
If you can, check the manufacturer’s part number on your old lock and get one that’s an exact duplicate, either from a dealer or a reputable auto parts supplier, and check for a warranty and return policies. Cheap knock-offs are out there and cause more hassle than the few dollars you save. If you can’t find a part number, a locksmith or car dealer will know the right lock for your particular door and which ones are good quality.
Buy New Locks for Each Door
Be sure to order the right number of locks, too. You may only have one bad lock, but the replacement will be keyed differently from your original. If you want one key to work in multiple doors, you need to order matched locksets for each. Be sure to order one that looks right with your car, too. Most are available with either chrome or black finishes. Choose the finish that best matches your other trim.
Use the Right Tools and Read Instructions Carefully
Finally, while most replacement lock kits can be installed with common tools, you may need to do a fair amount of assembly to your internal door mechanisms. Make sure you read and follow instructions carefully or you might end up doing a lot of work just to find out the lock doesn’t work right once installed.
You can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation by having new door locks installed by a professional locksmith. At Alexius Security Lock & Key, Denver’s Hometown Locksmiths, help is just a call away. We have the knowledge and equipment to solve your door lock problems.
Call us at 303.974.0215 for 24/7 emergency service around the greater Denver area and learn more about how we can help you.
