Car Keys by Vehicle Make in Reading
Matt Ladds cuts and programs car keys for most makes at your vehicle in Reading and across Berkshire, with Volkswagen Group dealer software for VW, Audi, SEAT and Škoda and specialist equipment for BMW, Ford, Mercedes and most other cars and vans.
Why Some Brands Get Deeper Coverage Than Others
Key cutting and programming equipment varies by manufacturer, which is why depth of coverage is not identical across every make. Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Škoda share much of the same electronics and security platform as part of the Volkswagen Group, so access to ODIS, the dealer diagnostic and programming software of Volkswagen, covers all four. BMW and Ford are supported through Autel, Xhorse and ACDP equipment. Every make builds its own security system to the insurance industry standards for vehicle security, and understanding how that system talks to a key is central to diagnosing faults correctly, whichever make is involved.
Car Keys by Make, Most Popular First
Seven makes have their own page below, with Volkswagen first as the make Matt covers most. Vauxhall, Toyota, Land Rover and Peugeot follow with the jobs Matt has done on them, and every other make is covered in the next section.
The make Matt covers most often, programmed with ODIS, the dealer software Volkswagen uses itself, on immobiliser 4, immobiliser 5 and MQB platform keys.
In a recent job, the ignition on a VW Beetle would not switch off or release the key. Diagnosis pointed to a faulty steering lock, replaced at the vehicle from stock.
Common job, ignition and steering lock repair Volkswagen key services AudiAudi shares the electronics and security platform of the Volkswagen Group, from immobiliser 4 keys to the comfort access smart keys on newer models.
The same ODIS programming and diagnostic access used across the group applies here, for key cutting, programming and fault diagnosis.
Common job, car key programming Audi key services SEATSEAT shares its electronics and security architecture with the rest of the Volkswagen Group, with MQB platform keys on the Leon, Ibiza and Ateca.
The same ODIS programming used for VW and Škoda covers SEAT models too, rather than a generic universal tool.
Common job, car key replacement SEAT key services ŠkodaODIS gives Matt dealer level access to Škoda key programming on the Octavia, Fabia and Enyaq, matching what a franchised dealer would use.
In a recent job, a Škoda Enyaq owner had a key stolen with a bag at the airport. A new lock set, two fobs and programming through ODIS removed the stolen key from the system of the car.
Common job, car key replacement Škoda key services BMWOne of the makes Matt sees most, from CAS3 and CAS4 keys to the FEM and BDC systems on newer models, covered with Smart Pro, Autel, Xhorse and ACDP equipment.
That combination covers most current BMW models for lost keys, spare keys and programming faults.
Common job, lost car keys BMW key services FordFord keys use the PATS immobiliser, from the Fiesta and Focus to the Transit, and are programmed with the same diagnostic equipment carried for other makes.
That includes most current petrol, diesel and hybrid Ford models, cars and vans alike.
Common job, van key replacement Ford key services Mercedes-BenzMercedes keys talk to the EIS ignition switch and the electronic steering lock, so both are diagnosed before any parts are replaced rather than defaulting to a straight swap.
In a recent job, a Mercedes B Class that would not start was traced to a faulty electronic steering lock, fixed by programming a replacement with the data of the car itself.
Common job, immobiliser diagnostics Mercedes-Benz key servicesCorsa, Astra, Insignia and Vivaro keys cut and programmed at the vehicle, from transponder keys to the remote flip keys most Vauxhalls use.
In a recent job, a Corsa D with all keys lost was given a new key at the vehicle, one of the most common Vauxhall jobs in Reading.
Common job, lost car keysYaris, Corolla, C-HR and RAV4 keys, including the smart keys on hybrid models, programmed to the Toyota immobiliser at the vehicle.
In a recent job, a Toyota RAV4 with all keys lost was given new keys at the roadside.
Common job, car key replacementRange Rover, Discovery and Evoque smart keys programmed to the keyless vehicle module, among the more involved key jobs of any make.
In a recent job, a Range Rover with all keys lost was given new smart keys at the vehicle.
Common job, lost car keysPeugeot 208, 3008 and Boxer and Citroen Berlingo and Relay keys programmed to the BSI module, cars and vans alike.
In a recent job, a spare key was supplied and programmed for a Peugeot Boxer van.
Common job, spare car keysOther Makes Covered in Reading
Matt cuts and programs keys for most other cars and vans too, and each make below uses its own security system.
Nissan
Nissan Micra, Qashqai and Juke keys, including Intelligent Key smart keys, are programmed through the body control module, from 100 pounds for a spare.
Honda
Honda Jazz, Civic and CR-V keys are programmed to the immobiliser in the engine management unit, from 100 pounds for a spare.
Kia
Kia Picanto, Sportage and Ceed keys, from flip remotes to smart keys, are programmed at the vehicle, from 100 pounds for a spare.
Hyundai
Hyundai i10, i20, i30 and Tucson keys share much of the Kia system and are programmed the same way, from 100 pounds for a spare.
Renault
Renault Clio and Captur key cards and Trafic van keys are programmed to the body control unit, from 60 pounds for a spare blade key and more for a key card.
Mini
Mini keys use the BMW CAS and FEM systems, so the same BMW equipment covers them, from 150 pounds for a spare.
Lexus
Lexus smart keys use the Toyota system, and when every key is lost Matt picks and decodes the door lock to cut emergency blades before programming, as on a recent Lexus job in Reading, from 200 pounds.
Jaguar
Jaguar smart keys are programmed to the keyless vehicle module shared with Land Rover, among the more involved jobs, from 200 pounds.
Fiat
Fiat 500, Panda and Ducato keys are programmed to the Fiat immobiliser, cars and vans alike, from 60 pounds for a spare.
Volvo
Volvo keys are programmed through the central electronic module, so a diagnostic connection to the car is always needed, from 150 pounds for a spare.
Mazda
Mazda 2, Mazda 3 and CX-5 keys, including smart keys, are programmed at the vehicle, from 100 pounds for a spare.
The most involved makes for lost keys are Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes and newer BMW models, because their keys are matched to several modules at once. Japanese imports often use different chips and blanks from UK models, so the chassis number is checked before Matt sets off.
How Much Does a Car Key Cost by Make in Reading?
A car key in Reading costs from about 60 pounds for a spare on a Ford, Vauxhall or Peugeot to 200 to 400 pounds or more for a smart key on a Land Rover, Jaguar or Lexus, with the price set by the make and its security system and agreed before Matt sets off.
| Makes | Spare key | All keys lost |
|---|---|---|
| Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Renault | 60 to 150 pounds | 150 to 250 pounds |
| VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda | 100 to 200 pounds | 150 to 300 pounds |
| BMW, Mercedes, Mini, Volvo | 150 to 300 pounds | 200 to 400 pounds or more |
| Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar, Lexus smart keys | 200 to 400 pounds | 250 to 400 pounds or more |
There is no call out fee, and the exact price depends on the model year and whether a working key is still available.
Services and Coverage Area
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All Berkshire areasCar Keys by Make FAQs
Does the price of a car key depend on the make?
Yes, the make sets the price because each one uses its own security system, from about 60 pounds for a spare on a Ford or Vauxhall to 200 pounds or more for a smart key on a Land Rover or Lexus.
Which car makes are the hardest to get new keys for?
Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes and newer BMW models are the most involved, because their keys are matched to several modules at once, and Matt covers all of them at the vehicle.
Can you make keys for Japanese imports?
Yes, in most cases, although imports often use different chips and blanks from UK models, so the chassis number is checked before Matt sets off.
How much will a locksmith charge to get into my car?
Getting into a locked car costs from 60 pounds in Reading in the daytime, whatever the make, with no damage to the lock or glass, and the locked keys in car service covers evenings and boots too.
Do you cover vehicle brands not listed here?
Yes, in most cases. The seven makes above have their own pages because Matt works on them most, but most other manufacturers and models are covered too, so call to confirm your vehicle.
Is key programming different between brands?
Yes. Each manufacturer uses its own security system and, in some cases, its own dealer software, which is why ODIS is used specifically for VW Group vehicles rather than a single universal tool for everything.
Is a locksmith key as good as a dealer key?
Yes, a key from Matt is cut and programmed to the same standard, and on VW Group cars it is programmed with the same ODIS software a dealer uses, at your vehicle rather than at the dealership.
Are vans from these brands covered too?
Yes, the same make and platform coverage applies to vans as well as cars, across most major manufacturers.
Do you need my original key to program a new one?
No, not on most makes. A new key can usually be cut and programmed without the original, although this depends on the make, model and security system.
Not sure if your vehicle is covered?
Call 0118 469 3408 and Matt will confirm in a minute.