Your locks work quietly in the background every day, so it is easy to forget about them until something goes wrong. But a few warning signs are worth acting on before they turn into an emergency.
If your key is sticking, wobbling, or needs a wiggle to turn, the internal pins are likely worn down. This is one of the most common reasons for a lock failing completely, often at the worst possible moment.
Moving into a new home is another obvious trigger. You never know how many copies of the existing keys are out there, so changing the locks on move-in day is one of the cheapest security upgrades available.
If you have recently had a break-in attempt, even an unsuccessful one, the lock has likely been weakened and should be replaced rather than just repaired.
Finally, if your current locks do not meet British Standard BS3621, your home insurance may not be fully valid in the event of a claim. Upgrading is usually a quick, same-day job.