Spring has officially sprung, and with the longer days and warmer temperatures comes an increase in travel, day trips, and time spent outdoors. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a scenic drive through the countryside, or simply enjoying the lighter evenings, it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle security a seasonal check-up.
At Parker Auto Locksmiths, we specialise in helping drivers stay safe and secure with professional auto locksmith services. As the weather changes and people spend more time on the move, it’s important not to let your guard down when it comes to car security.
In this blog, we’ll explore our top car security tips for UK drivers this spring—covering everything from lock checks and immobiliser upgrades to key safety when out and about.
1. Check Your Car Locks After Winter
British winters can be tough on vehicles, especially when it comes to locks. Moisture, freezing temperatures, and grit from the roads can all take their toll on your car’s locking mechanisms.
As we move into spring, now is the ideal time to check:
- All door locks for signs of stiffness, corrosion, or delayed response.
- Boot locks that may have been rarely used over the winter months.
- Central locking systems to ensure they’re functioning as they should.
If any locks feel sticky, slow to respond, or no longer function altogether, it could be time for a professional repair or replacement. At Parker Auto Locksmiths, we offer reliable vehicle lock repair and replacement services, ensuring your car stays secure and accessible when you need it.
2. Test Your Key Fob and Battery
After a long winter, many car owners find that their remote key fobs become unreliable. If you’ve noticed increased difficulty unlocking your car remotely or need to press the button multiple times, your battery may be on its way out.
Signs your fob may need attention include:
- Reduced range
- Intermittent functionality
- Complete failure to unlock or start the car
At Parker Auto Locksmiths, we offer car key programming and battery replacement for a wide range of makes and models. Don’t wait until you’re stranded—get your key fob checked and refreshed before the spring road trip season begins.
3. Consider Upgrading Your Immobiliser
Older or factory-installed immobilisers can be more vulnerable to modern theft methods, especially with the rise of keyless entry and relay attacks. If your vehicle is more than a few years old, spring is a great time to explore upgrading your immobiliser for added protection.
Modern immobilisers offer improved security features such as:
- Rolling codes that change every time you use your key
- Engine start-blocking without the correct key signal
- Tamper-resistant internal wiring
We can assess your current system and advise on immobiliser upgrades that enhance your vehicle’s protection—perfect for deterring opportunistic thieves during the busier spring months.
4. Secure Your Keys While Out and About
Spring brings with it more time spent outdoors—whether that’s in parks, shops, garden centres, or on countryside walks. But with more opportunities to be out and about, the chances of misplacing or having your car keys stolen increase.
Here are a few key safety tips:
- Avoid leaving keys in jacket pockets while on the move or sitting at cafés.
- Keep keys out of sight and securely zipped inside bags.
- Never hide spare keys inside or under the car (thieves know all the tricks).
- Be cautious when using valet services or car parks with remote access.
If your keys are lost or stolen, Parker Auto Locksmiths provides rapid response key replacement services, getting you safely back on the road without delay.
5. Watch Out for Relay Theft
Relay theft is a growing concern in the UK, particularly for keyless entry vehicles. Thieves use a relay amplifier and transmitter to pick up your key’s signal and trick your car into unlocking—even if the key is inside your house.
To reduce your risk:
- Store keys in a Faraday pouch to block signal transmission.
- Keep keys away from doors and windows at home.
- Switch off keyless entry features if your vehicle allows it.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is at risk, our expert team can advise and recommend additional measures, including deactivating remote signals or reprogramming keys for improved security.
6. Don’t Forget the Spare Key
Spring is a popular time for UK drivers to plan trips and visit family. Before you hit the road, it’s wise to check your spare key is working properly—especially if you plan to lend the car to another driver or keep a back-up on hand.
Many people don’t realise their spare has a dead battery or hasn’t been programmed correctly. At Parker Auto Locksmiths, we offer spare key programming and duplication, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong during a journey.
7. Respond Quickly to Broken or Snapped Keys
Cold temperatures and frequent use during winter can weaken key blades or remote cases. Spring is when many breakages finally occur—often when unlocking the boot or forcing a stubborn lock.
If your key breaks in the ignition or door, don’t attempt to remove it yourself, as this can cause further damage. Our locksmiths are trained in non-destructive removal and can supply you with a freshly cut replacement on-site.
8. Invest in Visible Deterrents
While much of modern vehicle security is digital, visible deterrents still play a major role. Devices such as steering wheel locks, gearstick locks, and window etching all send a clear message to would-be thieves: this car is not an easy target.
Pairing physical deterrents with advanced immobiliser systems provides layered protection—ideal for spring and summer travel when car parks and roadside stops are more frequent.
Stay Safe This Spring with Parker Auto Locksmiths
With spring offering more freedom to travel and enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to make sure your car’s security isn’t left behind. From checking and upgrading locks to responding to lost or broken keys, Parker Auto Locksmiths are your trusted experts for keeping vehicles secure across the season.
We provide:
- Emergency car lockout assistance
- Lost or stolen key replacement
- Remote fob and transponder programming
- Lock repairs and upgrades
- Immobiliser fault diagnosis
Our experienced, mobile locksmiths cover a wide area and operate with fast response times—whether you’re at home, in a car park, or miles from where you started.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more.