Can the original car key still be used after getting a replacement if lost?
2 Answers
If a car key is lost and a replacement is made, the original key cannot be used. Below are precautions regarding car key usage and an introduction to obtaining a new key: Obtaining a new key: You can directly take the original remote key of the vehicle to a locksmith company for matching, or go to the after-sales service department for matching. If the key is not lost, it can be directly matched. If the key is lost, you cannot directly match a new key for the vehicle; the central locking system of the vehicle needs to be replaced. Release the key immediately after ignition: After the driver starts the car, they should immediately release the key and not keep turning it, as this can damage the engine belt. Frequently placing the smart car key together with a mobile phone will inevitably cause the smart car key to malfunction. The battery life of a smart car key is approximately one year. Depending on the frequency of use, the battery consumption will vary. Using the car key at different distances will also affect the battery drain. Be very cautious when replacing the battery of a smart car key, as any mistake can burn out the circuit board inside the key.
The other day I lost my car key and went straight to a locksmith to get a new one. Whether the original key still works depends on the duplication method – if they just copied the physical key cuts, the lost one could still unlock doors and start the engine. That's why it's better to use professional equipment to reprogram the electronic system, making the car recognize only the new key's encrypted signal. Nowadays, a regular car key copy costs around 200 yuan, while chipped keys are more expensive, possibly over 500 yuan. Dealerships charge more but ensure security by wiping all old key programming. I recommend checking your car's anti-theft system type first before deciding whether to fully deactivate the old key. Always keep a spare key at home – it can save you major headaches in emergencies.
