
The method to use the spare key for a Cruze is: 1. Locate the keyhole under the left car handle, insert the key to open the small cover; 2. Insert the key into the keyhole beneath the small cover to unlock the car door. Taking the 2018 Cruze as an example, it belongs to the compact car category, with body dimensions of: length 4666mm, width 1807mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase of 2700mm, fuel tank capacity of 52 liters, and curb weight of 1240kg. The 2018 Cruze features a front McPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 114ps, maximum power of 84kw, maximum torque of 146nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

That spare key has been a lifesaver for me in critical moments, my Cruze has this little metal key. I usually keep it in my pocket or hide it in a safe spot at home. The usage is quite simple: first, locate the keyhole next to the driver's side door handle, gently insert the key, and turn it half a turn to the right in the direction of the lock to unlock the door. Don't use too much force; sometimes the key might get stuck and you'll need to wiggle it a bit. If the door is locked, just insert the key directly; but if you've previously activated the alarm system, the car might sound a few alarm beeps after opening the door—quickly insert the key into the ignition slot and turn it clockwise to start the engine. This spare key doesn't have remote functions, it's all manual, but it's reliable. I recommend testing its functionality every six months, as the key teeth can wear out over time; if you lose the main key, this thing is your guardian angel. Keep it safe and don't lose it, getting a new key made can cost you several hundred bucks.

When we young car owners use the Cruze spare key, I think it's best to operate it in a straightforward manner. First, remember that the spare key is that small metal piece with a black handle. Insert it into the small hole under the left door handle and gently turn it clockwise to unlock the door; avoid twisting it forcefully, as it can easily break. Once the door is open and you're inside, the dashboard might sound an alarm—don't panic. Sit in the driver's seat, locate the key slot near the steering wheel, insert the key, and turn it to the right to start the car. This thing is purely mechanical, so there's no worry about dead batteries, but handle it with care—keep it away from water or strong magnetic environments, as rust can affect its performance. I usually keep one on a keychain in my backpack and rely on it for emergencies during business trips. By the way, regularly check the key handle for looseness or rust. If you encounter such issues, use sandpaper to clean the teeth part to extend its lifespan. For safety, it's better to have two spare keys stored in different places, especially in urban areas where it's easy to forget the primary key when parking.

After driving the Cruze for so many years, I'm extremely familiar with using the spare key. It's quite simple: There's a keyhole on the exterior of the door. Align the spare key with the slot, push it in, and gently turn it clockwise for half a turn to unlock the door. To start the engine after entering the car, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the right. The whole process takes just a few seconds. The key is to apply gentle force to avoid damaging the lock cylinder. If the key feels sticky, a little WD-40 can make it smoother. I must say, having a spare is always a good idea—it comes in handy when the main key suddenly fails. Remember to store it securely in the car's safe box to prevent theft, but it's not recommended for frequent use as excessive friction can wear down the teeth, requiring timely replacement.


