Encrypted keys are essential in protecting modern vehicles thanks to increasingly sophisticated anti-theft systems.
These keys, used to unlock and start vehicles, are designed to be highly secure and virtually impossible to hack.
If you want to know what encrypted car keys are or how encrypted car keys work, keep reading!
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Encrypted Keys: What are they, and how do they work?
Unlike traditional keys, encrypted car keys work like your car’s fingerprint. That is, each key has a unique chip or transponder.
An electronic code that belongs to your car is stored on the chip. This chip allows for all communication to be carried out with your car’s security centre, allowing you to open your car door or start your car.
The code is unique, so only the person with the key can use the vehicle. Thus, it is possible to prevent cars with an encrypted key from being stolen.
Your Encrypted Key Doesn’t Work. Now what?
While encrypted car keys can have many benefits, they may also have certain drawbacks or common faults. The causes may be the following:
1. Damage to the Chip
Like any electronic device, you must be careful with your encrypted key. As such, avoid dropping it, as falls can break the chip and prevent your key from working.
You may need to buy a new key if the damage is severe. Remember that any vehicle maintenance you have done must be done by a professional, including any work on encrypted keys.
2. Poorly Installed Devices
If you have recently installed electrical components, such as electric windows or sound systems, they may interfere with your keys.
As your key works via an electrical security system, your encrypted key only works on vehicles where there is no interference.
3. Encrypted Keys are not Compatible with your Vehicle
It may seem obvious, but if the encoded key is not compatible with your vehicle, it will not work. So, make sure you are using the correct model.
As with traditional keys, you must use your spare key whenever you lose your encrypted key.
What Should you do if you Lose your Encrypted Car Key?
If you do not have a copy of the encrypted key, you should resort to one of the following options:
- If your car insurance policy covers these situations, contact your insurer;
- Contact the brand or dealer where you bought your car to ask them to produce a new key.
How do you find out the Code for your Encoded Key?
There are several ways to find out your key code. One is via a programme to encode car keys, which key-making specialists can access. However, you’ll need to use an independent, trusted centre or your car dealer.
Before you get there, you can try viewing the key code in one of the following places:
- Vehicle manufacturer documentation;
- Engraving in the key;
- Metal plate on the glove compartment (not to be confused with the Car VIN).
What Do You Need to Make Copies of Encrypted Car Keys?
To make copies of encrypted car keys, you must use another original duplicate or the code that contains all the key code data.
Can you Programme and Reprogramme an Encrypted Key Yourself?
To programme this type of key, you need to gain access to the programme that encodes car keys. However, similarly to programming a car’s electronic control unit, you are not advised to perform this task yourself, as errors may arise during the process.
If you need to programme or reprogramme your key, it is best to contact a specialist or your vehicle dealer.
How Much Does it Cost to Copy Car Keys?
If you choose to use a locksmith or key copying specialist, the process is faster in addition to being cheaper. On average, you’ll be able to get a copy of your car key within 1 hour. As for prices, they vary depending on the make and model of the car.
However, copies of uncoded keys can range from 15 to 40 euros.
Laser-cut keys or keys with teeth, however, can be much more expensive.
Where can you get Encrypted Keys for cars?
You should get your key coded or make a copy in a specialised independent centre or use the dealership where you purchased your vehicle.
How much does an Encrypted Car Key Cost?
The price of an encrypted key varies depending on the model or make of a vehicle. However, it can cost hundreds of euros, exceeding 400 euros for luxury brands.
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