Vehicle security mechanisms have evolved significantly over time, yet they remain a standard feature on all new car models, though their visibility may not always be noticeable. Although the specific design and arrangement of these locks can differ greatly among various car models, there are certain overarching similarities and distinctions in the systems used for automotive security.
Given that more than 800,000 cars are stolen annually in the United States, it’s crucial to invest in high-quality locks (and keys, naturally) to safeguard your car and its contents, as vehicles can inadvertently draw the attention of thieves.
Typical car lock varieties include:
Basic key operation
Not overly complex. Basic key operation refers to locks that are unlocked by physically inserting a key into the mechanism that secures the lock. Basic key locks, which we’re referring to as 100% basic and not a mix with a key fob, for instance, are typically found on vintage vehicles.
The most frequent locations for basic key locks (or where they were previously used) include the doors, ignition, and trunk. Initially, vehicles from the early 20th century only had locks on the outside doors. Interestingly, it’s true that many cars in the United States before the 1920s were not equipped with any locks at all! Cars and automobiles were such luxury items that locks were unnecessary, as the individuals who could afford these new forms of transportation would have a driver to take them where they needed to go. Nowadays, it’s not safe to leave your car unlocked due to high crime rates, so it’s a good idea to learn about smart hiding spots for your valuables in your car.
Nowadays, basic keys and locks are still in use, but they are usually used as a secondary or supplementary method of entry to today’s advanced electronic systems. A specific use for basic locks like deadbolts and high-security locks is in securing vans.
Digital Door Locks
Digital door locks are a fascinating area because their popularity has fluctuated over the years. What typically refers to digital door locks are devices like keypads, fingerprint scanners, touch screens, or locks that rely on apps. Indeed, there’s a significant overlap between these digital door lock types and systems that don’t require keys.
Automobiles first introduced remote keyless entry systems in the early 1980s, but it took until the late 1980s for keypads and other digital lock systems to become widespread in the United States. Many cars from that period utilized unique technology, which presented a challenge for many Auto locksmiths at the time. The higher price of vehicles with keypad locks also didn’t help, and by the late 1990s, the technology was largely abandoned in favor of more uniform security measures for vehicles, such as GM’s VATS transponder key and immobilizer technology (which is still in use today, but with more modern versions of VATS technology).
It’s only recently, in the early 2020s, that digital door lock systems are starting to see a resurgence. Apps that control locks and keys, like those used in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, offer significant convenience for drivers, but they also have their drawbacks. What happens if you lose your phone? What about the dreaded “500 server error?” Considering the pros and cons, many car manufacturers have reduced their focus on digital and app-dependent lock systems, with some even choosing to offer physical keys as a fallback to digital locks.
Keyless entry
Undoubtedly, the most widespread and frequently utilized form of automatic lock today is keyless entry, which is essentially a mix of keyless and traditional key and lock systems. This typically refers to various types of key fobs, including those that use proximity technology, transponder technology, key fobs with built-in keys, and key fobs designed for starting the car.
At its core, keyless entry systems that rely on key fobs usually eliminate the need for a physical key as the primary means of entry, although they may still require a physical key as a secondary option in case the key fob malfunctions, such as due to a dead battery or a defective component. Instead, key fobs serve as the primary ‘keys’ for unlocking doors, opening the trunk, activating the alarm, operating power windows, or even starting the engine from a distance. Advanced key fobs can even preheat the car and activate heated seats, making them ideal for cold winter mornings.
In general, key fobs operate by emitting signals that are received by the car’s computer, which then executes the requested action. There are numerous technologies and terminology associated with this process, but for a brief overview, this is how it works. Nowadays, the majority of cars in the United States feature some form of keyless system that utilizes key fobs instead of or in addition to physical keys.
A crucial aspect to note is that key fobs designed for starting the engine typically need transponders that are compatible with the car’s immobilizer. Depending on the specific transponder and immobilizer setup, the key may need to be reprogrammed to work with the vehicle
Child safety locks
A widely used kind of lock in most cars is the child safety lock. Although they’ve been in use since the 1960s, these locks became popular in the 1980s and 1990s and were required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1985 for all new cars sold in the U.S.
These locks typically act like a lever in the back seats that can be operated from the driver’s seat, even while the car is moving. Their main goal is to prevent the doors from being opened accidentally by a child, which can significantly reduce the number of accidents and injuries.
Trunk locks
Trunk locks are a common feature in today’s cars and can be unlocked either with a regular key or wirelessly using a key fob, for instance. In some cases, the key fob has a special button for unlocking or opening just the trunk door, which can be handy for tasks like grocery shopping.
The trunk release on most key fobs provides both convenience and security when the car is parked, allowing the driver to safely access the trunk without having to unlock the doors, which could compromise security.
For certain uses like vans used for work or vans that are converted into homes on wheels, extra security measures like latches and deadbolts might be needed.
Different kinds of car security systems
The lock varieties mentioned above are by far the most prevalent across nearly every car brand and model in the United States at present, meaning that the most dependable car locksmiths should find it easy to handle these locks and their keys. This encompasses a wide range of services, including emergency key release, removing broken keys, programming transponder keys, and more.
However, there are other lock types present on some vehicles that demand specific expertise to repair. For instance, classic cars frequently feature lock systems made of brass (and later, diecast) pin tumbler and wafer lock cylinders. These were introduced in the 1920s and rapidly developed into more secure and superior-quality locking mechanisms and materials. Contact us Now
