What does the handwritten tag on a new car key mean?
2 Answers
The tag on the new car key is the factory password for the vehicle key, used to encode new keys. Additional information: 1. Spare key: High-end cars have both master and spare keys, with the spare key unable to open the trunk and glove box. 2. Key code: After purchasing a new car, be sure to keep the hand tag that comes with the key. This is the key code for the car, and if the key is lost, the key code can be used to make a new one. 3. Key material: High-quality keys are made of alloy, while ordinary ones are made of mixed copper. In terms of usage, the lifespan of a high-quality key is 5-6 times that of an ordinary key, and the wear on high-quality keys and lock cylinders is generally synchronized. 4. Trunk usage: High-end cars have two methods to open the trunk—one using the key and the other using an electric switch. Always ensure both methods work; if one fails, repair it as soon as possible. Never use the key to push against the lock cylinder to open the trunk, as this can easily break the key inside the lock. Also, avoid closing the trunk with the key inserted in the lock cylinder, as this can also easily break the key.
When I bought a new car, the keys also had similar tags, which seemed quite common. That handwritten tag was probably left by the dealership staff as a quick reference, such as writing down the license plate number or a snippet of the VIN to easily identify the corresponding vehicle. The new car delivery process is cumbersome, and they often put temporary labels on the keys to prevent mix-ups, especially in large inventories. It could also be a record of the key battery type—smart keys use button batteries, and the tag might list the battery model for easy replacement. When I picked up the keys, I asked the staff, and they said it was fine and didn’t affect functionality, but the tag could fall off if not stuck firmly, so I removed it. Key tags are a standard practice in the automotive industry, just like the stickers on new phone packaging—they’re simply for internal management purposes.
