What are the coded car keys?
Maybe you've never noticed, but the car keys, side by side, all look the same. The key slot looks so similar, you'd think you could open several cars with the same key. But is that really the case?
Of course not! The coded car keys contain a smallbrass insertinside the metal frame, protected from the metal and therefore invisible from the outside. This insert contains a code that, once the key is inserted into the lock, allows the control unit to recognize the correct key and start the car.
When this brass segment breaks or demagnetizes, it is necessary to recode the car's coded keys or use an intact duplicate.
Coded keys allow car manufacturers to assemble much less mechanically complex and more secure locks thanks to the coding. The recognition of the correct key is therefore entrusted to the car's control unit and not to a security cylinder such as the one in the front door.
What should I do if I have lost both of my coded car keys?
If you have lost both of your coded car keys, there is no need to panic. There are several ways to obtain duplicate originals or copies made by third parties. The important thing is to have the CODE with you which identifies the code inside the key and allows you to keep the original car lock, reducing the cost of re-encoding the car keys and shortening the time.
Another thing you will need is the log book to determine the exact characteristics of the vehicle.
As mentioned before, the cost of recoding the car keys may increase if you have lost all the car keys and the code itself. If you have actually lost both car keys, you can use a professional lock picker. As soon as the car has started, we recommend that you take it to the garage and replace the cylinder with a new one.
How much does it cost to duplicate car keys?
When you ask yourself "How much does it cost to duplicate car keys", unfortunately, you often have to expect a high figure. While car keys guarantee a high level of security, they have a much higher production and encryption cost.
The cost of duplicating car keys depends a lot on the model and make of the car. The cost for a small car is usually around 30 euros if you have the duplicate. However, if you have lost the duplicate or do not have the CODE, the cost of duplicating the coded car keys will inevitably increase. In addition, some car brands require a fee to be paid to request the release of a new CODE.
The cost of duplicate coded car keys can exceed 400 euros for luxury brands. If your car is a few years old and you intend to leave it soon, it might be worth considering duplicating the coded keys at a generic centre to save money.
What does it take to duplicate coded car keys?
To request a duplicate of the coded car key you almost always need to have the otheroriginal duplicate or the CODE which contains all the details of the code contained in the keys.
As we saw before, in case we lose both keys and the code, the cost of the duplicate car keys will be considerable and we may have to wait a few weeks before recovering the original duplicates.
How much does it cost to code a demagnetized car key?
Due to electromagnetic interference, the code inside the encoded key can be damaged and prevent the car key from being recognized. In this case, once the key is inserted into the steering wheel, the dashboard usually shows a light containing a key indicating locking problems.
Car keys can be coded by the official dealer or by several independent centres. The rekeying of the original car keys is a more complex operation that must be carried out by the official mechanic. Therefore, the cost depends on the rate you choose to impose and is usually around 150 euros.
What is the purpose of coding car keys?
Coded car keys guarantee a very high level of security compared to the common and now obsolete mechanical keys, used almost exclusively on motorcycles and low-end cars.
By means of coding, each key is associated with a specific electronic lock which can therefore only be operated when the correct code is present inside the key. Manually picking a coded lock is very difficult and therefore reduces the likelihood of car theft.
Who can do car key coding?
Nowadays, car keys can be coded by official dealers as well as by common hardware stores or key duplication centers, provided they are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
Given the importance of car keys it is obviously better to go to the official dealer but if you want to save money you can rely on independent centres.
How can you code the remote control of a car
Car remote control is just another way to call the coded car keys. The procedure for coding a car remote control is the same as for coding car keys.
In case you have both car remote controls and you want to code one of the two car remote controls we can follow the following procedure:
- Insert the coded key inside the lock next to the steering wheel, turning until the first click to be able to turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Get out of the car by closing the door and inserting the second key into the door lock.
- Turn the key as if to lock the door by simultaneously pressing the car's remote control button on the coded remote control.
If the procedure is successful, the car will beep, a loud "beep".
