The automotive industry specializes in, well, specialists. When you have a brake problem, for example, there’s an entire chain of stores that specialize in just brakes. When you need new tires, there are retailers who only sell tires and tire accessories. And when you have a problem with your transmission, there’s likely a transmission shop near you.
The same goes for your car’s locks. You might think your car dealership is the best place to get your car rekeyed, but is that really the case? Let’s take a look at the difference between going to a dealership for automotive rekeying services and going to a locksmith.
Drawbacks of Using a Dealership for Automotive Rekeying
Dealerships have their own specialty: selling automobiles. While they do offer a variety of different services, they’re usually more expensive and have several other drawbacks (especially when it comes to automotive rekeying). Here are some of them:
- Lack of locksmithing expertise: Dealership staff is trained in a variety of automobile services, but usually not licensed in locksmithing or part of professional locksmithing organizations.
- More expensive: As with most services, expect to pay a premium for automotive rekeying if you take it to a dealership.
- Long wait times: If oil changes can take up to hours at a dealership, so can getting your car rekeyed. Expect to drop your car off or wait a while.
- Limited key options: Many times, your only option for automotive rekeying at a dealership is a standard factory key.
- You have to go to them: Finally, it can be inconvenient to travel all the way to your automobile maker’s dealership for just a rekeying service.
Benefits of Using a Locksmith for Automotive Rekeying
Locksmiths, on the other hand, specialize in residential, commercial and automotive locksmithing services. The best ones are specially trained and insured, as well as part of multiple professional locksmithing organizations. Here are some of the other benefits of using them for automotive rekeying:
- Locksmithing expertise: Again, a locksmith eats, breathes and lives security, so they’re the experts when it comes to locksmithing.
- More affordable: Most of the time, automotive rekeying services from a locksmith will be much cheaper than at the dealership.
- Short wait: Since each rekeying service is addressed on its own, you don’t have to worry about waiting in a line once your locksmithing technician arrives.
- High-security key options: In addition to factory keys, a locksmith can create laser-cut high-security or programmable keys.
- They come to you: Finally, locksmith companies like A-1 Locksmith will send a locksmith to you to complete your automotive rekeying service.
If you’re interested in learning more about our automotive rekeying services, give us a call today at 972-284-7500 or visit one of our 10 DFW locations.