How to Choose the Correct Roof Rack Key: The Complete Guid

Misplacing your roof rack key often happens at the worst possible moment—just before a trip or while trying to access your gear. Whether your system is made by Thule, Atera, Rhino, or a vehicle manufacturer like BMW or Volvo, choosing the correct replacement key is essential for keeping your equipment secure.


Why Choosing the Right Roof Rack Key Matters

Each roof rack lock cylinder is paired with a unique key code. Using the wrong key can:

  • Damage the lock

  • Prevent you from installing or removing accessories

  • Create unnecessary replacement costs

  • Compromise the safety of your equipment

Once you know your brand and key code, finding the correct key is quick and simple.


Step 1: Identify the Roof Rack Brand

Before doing anything else, determine the brand of your roof rack, lock, or accessory. This helps you understand what type of key you need and how the key code is formatted.

Common Roof Rack Brands:

  • Atera

  • Auto-Plas

  • BMW

  • Blau

  • Eurolocks

  • Exodus

  • Halfords

  • Honda

  • Land Rover

  • Mont Blanc

  • Rhino

  • Ronis

  • Thule

  • Volvo

  • Westfalia

  • Witter

  • Givi

  • Terzo

  • Prorack

  • Yakima

These brands use different locking systems and key numbering formats.

Tip: If your rack is second-hand, check each component separately—mix-and-match setups are very common.


Step 2: Locate the Key Code

The key code is the most important piece of information when choosing the correct replacement key. This code specifies the exact key pattern your lock requires.

Where to Find Your Key Code

  • On the face of the lock cylinder (visible once the dust cap is removed)

  • On your original key (often engraved or stamped)

  • Inside your rack or accessory paperwork

  • On a metal tag that may have come with the lock set

Typical Key Code Examples by Brand

Brand Key Code Example
Thule N118, N217
Yakima A149, A141
Rhino 108, 157
GIVI 145, 050
Prorack 001, 045
Terzo A01, B07
Blau A101, A125
Halfords
199, N199

If your key code is faint, shine a flashlight or clean the core.


Step 3: Find Your Key On Our Website 

Check out the link below to all of the roof rack keys we supply. Each product page will show the key code range and the manufacturers. 

Alternately, enter your key code in the search bar at the top of our website.

codedkeys.co.uk/collections/roof-rack-keys

Step 4: Keep Your New Key Secure

Once you have the correct replacement key, take steps to ensure you never lose access again.

Key Management Tips

  • Store a spare key in your glove box

  • Keep another spare safely at home

  • Take a photo of your key code and save it on your phone

  • Label your keys with their code

  • Attach your roof rack key to your gear bag or a lanyard

A few minutes of organisation can prevent future frustration!

For any queries, please get in touch support@codedkeys.co.uk