How Many Car Keys Come with a New Car?
3 Answers
When purchasing a new car, you typically receive two car keys: a primary key and a spare key. Some models may have primary and spare keys with different designs, while others may have identical ones. If the primary key is a standard key, the spare key is usually the same. Both the primary and spare keys can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle, and each comes with a mechanical key. The mechanical key is a traditional metal key that can be detached from the primary or spare key and inserted into the mechanical lock on the car door to unlock it. This allows you to open the car door using the mechanical key if the remote key runs out of battery.
Last time I bought a new car, I was so excited that I only noticed they gave me two keys—one primary and one spare—after receiving the vehicle. The salesperson said it was an industry standard to have a backup plan in case the main key got lost. For me, this detail was quite thoughtful, avoiding any last-minute panic. If you're a first-time car buyer, remember to check the keys and accompanying items like the manual or remote control when picking up the car to avoid missing anything. It's important to keep the spare key safe, storing it at home or in a secure place rather than carrying it around. If you lose a key, getting a replacement isn’t cheap—smart keys require programming at the dealership, sometimes costing hundreds or even over a thousand yuan. So, when buying a car, don’t just focus on the excitement; clarifying this service detail can save you a lot of trouble.
I've bought cars many times, and in most cases, I received two keys: one main key for daily use and a spare key kept as a backup. This is nothing new; almost all cars come this way, except in special circumstances, such as buying a used car that might be missing a key or certain custom-branded cars that may provide an extra one. For safekeeping, I usually keep the main key in my pocket and lock the spare in a safe. If the main key is lost, the spare can be used immediately, saving the cost of calling a tow truck or taking a temporary taxi. When purchasing a car, don’t forget to ask about the number and type of keys. Pairing smart keys is especially important—don’t be tempted by a cheap deal on a problematic used car that results in insufficient keys. Safe driving starts with this small detail.
