The expense associated with altering a vehicle’s lock mechanism to accept a different key varies based on several factors. This process, which involves changing the internal configuration of the lock cylinders, effectively renders the old keys unusable. A typical scenario where this service might be required is after purchasing a used vehicle or if the original keys are lost or stolen.
The advantages of this procedure include enhanced security and peace of mind, knowing that unauthorized individuals cannot access the vehicle using the previous keys. Historically, this was a common practice among locksmiths, offering a relatively inexpensive way to safeguard a vehicle without replacing the entire locking system. It’s a practical solution for ensuring vehicle security without incurring the higher costs associated with full lock replacement.