How many car keys are usually provided when purchasing a car?
2 Answers
When purchasing a car, two keys are usually provided: one is the master key, and the other is a spare key. The car key set consists of a key and a metal or plastic tag. On this metal or plastic tag, there is usually a series of numbers printed, which is the key's tooth shape code. When a car key is lost, service stations or manufacturers can use this tooth shape code to reconfigure a new key for the owner. Different car models have different key functions. Taking the Shanghai Volkswagen Santana as an example, the Santana comes with three keys. They look similar in appearance, but in reality, only one is a spare key that can unlock the doors and start the engine.
When purchasing a car, it's almost standard practice to receive two keys, just like when I bought a new car last year. During the delivery ceremony, the dealer proactively handed over a key box containing two identical keys, reminding me to use one for daily purposes and keep the other as a backup. This design is quite reasonable since keys can easily be lost or damaged—who hasn’t experienced misplacing a key at some point? Having a spare solves the problem immediately. If only one key is provided, losing it would mean expensive and troublesome replacements, costing hundreds and taking days. I advise new car owners to verify the number of keys during delivery and confirm everything before signing to avoid disputes later. Additionally, many 4S stores now recommend registering for digital key services, allowing temporary car unlocking via a mobile app, which is more convenient than traditional physical keys. However, keeping a spare physical key remains crucial as it ensures access to the car in the worst-case scenario.
