When it comes to automobile security, the world is raving about car radio security codes. Most people who use vehicles will often find a car radio security code which is already in use. They may not, however, know about it because different car manufacturers term them differently. They are popularly referred to as radio code, theft-lock, unlock code, security code, anti-thief code, or decoding.

The purpose of the radio code is not to protect your vehicle itself, but as the name suggests, safeguarding your radio/stereo. The car radio security code is not needed for any other vehicle functions. The basic purpose of having such a system in place is to minimize theft by discouraging potential thieves from stealing your car stereo. At any given time, if the factory car stereo is removed from the vehicle, the miscreant can't use the stereo. This is because the radio in question is rendered unusable in the absence of the specified radio code. The functioning of the stereo system is entirely dependent upon the car radio security code which is solely known by the owner. As such, the stolen stereo is of no use to anyone apart from the owner.

If you are the proud owner of a vehicle, quite obviously its security is top priority to you. As a safety measure, most people prefer to have their car audio system embedded with a radio code or an anti-theft feature. Once the feature is operational, you will be required to enter a unique security code in order to unlock the radio.

Apart from instances when your stereo is stolen, the car radio security code may be required by car owners themselves, in case of certain possible snags. You will be required to provide your radio code when your battery dies. If the battery conks out completely, the code is required to get the stereo started again. You will also need the radio code if the factory radio harness is disconnected or if the battery is removed or tampered with excessively.

Of course, there are instances when, you may not be able to recall the radio code. In such circumstances, it is advisable to call your car manufacturer to help you get started. Though your radio will only lose its code in the event of a flat or disconnected battery, don't assume that such events don't take place. It is always wise to remember your car radio security code at all times. You never know when you need it.

You should not attempt to use a master reset option to set your code straight because that feature is not offered, in case of a car radio security code-loss. This is a restriction set for security reasons. There may be times when you purchase a used car and its radio security code provided doesn't work. This may happen because the stereo in use may not be the one that was originally provided by the manufacturer. In other instances, the code could have been reset during an earlier lost key code situation. In such an event, your easiest way out is to have the car radio security code decoded.