Can a spare key start the car?
2 Answers
Every car comes with two keys, a primary key and a spare key. Although there is a distinction between primary and spare, both keys have the same functionality and can be used to start the vehicle and lock it. Below is additional information about car keys: 1. A remote key allows you to unlock and lock the car from a distance without inserting the key into the lock. Its biggest advantage is that, regardless of whether it's day or night, you don't need to locate the keyhole and can conveniently unlock or lock the car from afar. 2. The working principle involves the key emitting a weak radio wave, which is received by the car's antenna. The electronic control unit (ECU) then identifies the signal code, and the system's actuator (either a motor or an electromagnetic coil) performs the locking or unlocking action. This system mainly consists of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver.
I was also curious about this issue when buying a car. As a newbie to cars, I received two keys from the 4S store. The main key is for daily use, while the spare key is kept at home just in case. Once, when I lost the main key, I nervously tried starting the car with the spare key. It turned a few times and successfully ignited! It was scary, but luckily my car was an older model with a chip system. Later, I checked online and found that some backup versions of new car smart keys might only unlock the doors, but most can still start the engine. I learned that it's important to find a safe, open area to periodically test the spare key's functionality, so you're not caught off guard in an emergency. Keep it secure—store it in a drawer or out of children's reach, as safety comes first. Testing the ignition is simple: insert the key and turn it to the ignition position; if the lights come on, it's working. Avoid making unauthorized copies of the key to prevent theft risks.