With rapid advances in technology pervading every aspect of life, it’s little surprise that smartphones and apps are now being integrated into the automotive industry. With the advent of features such as Apple’s CarKey, smartphones are being transformed into virtual car keys.
According to official figures, domestic transport in the UK emits 107.5 million tonnes of CO² each year. While emissions are falling compared to pre-pandemic levels, the government has committed to drastically reducing the nation’s carbon footprint by banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Auto locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the security and functionality of vehicle locks. To deliver top-notch services, it is essential for these professionals to source their products from quality car key wholesalers, such as Advanced Keys.
A surge in the number of rogue auto locksmiths operating in the UK has led the country’s largest trade body, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), to issue a warning to homeowners and motorists alike. Losing car keys is an alarming situation, especially when the vehicle is essential for commuting or ferrying children to school, so it’s unsurprising that car owners may panic and fail to check out the credentials of their chosen auto locksmith.
The theft of cars with keyless entry systems is accelerating rapidly and now accounts for approximately 94 per cent of all thefts, according to research. Keyless entry and starting may offer drivers the ultimate convenience, but there’s little benefit if these systems can be easily bypassed by criminals. Therefore, vehicle owners must take action to protect their assets and frustrate thieves’ efforts to gain unauthorised access to their cars.
It wasn’t until 1910 that the first car key was invented at a time when car ownership was low, vehicles had no doors, and the speed limit in urban areas was less than the walking pace of the average pedestrian. In 1910, car keys were introduced for the first time to lock a vehicle’s electronics, but a hand crank and a high degree of physical willpower was still needed to start the engine.
Advances in remote technology have stimulated a revolution in the automotive sector in recent years, with keyless access being just one of many developments. While vehicle security has been one of the main reasons why car manufacturers have moved away from traditional metal blade keys, changing consumer expectations, convenience, and the need for enhanced access and vehicle sharing are also important factors.
Independent garages should be aware of some important automotive aftermarket news in the UK that could affect their provision of some services, such as key fob programming. In May 2023, the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MVBER) will expire, ending the guarantee of automatic exemptions relating to the sale, purchase, and resale of spare vehicle parts, and the delivery of maintenance and repair services for vehicles.
Half a century ago, obtaining a replacement car key was relatively simple. Flat metal blade keys could be easily cut using the spare as a template, a service that could be obtained on the high street for a minimal price.
According to recent statistics, more than 58,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK in 2022, a rise of nearly one-fifth on the previous year and equivalent to 159 thefts every day.