Just wondered if all car keys are specific to the car they are bought with or if they are mass produced?

Answer 1

Mass produced.

You have a 1 in 350,000 chance of getting into the wrong vehicle and starting it up.

Answer 2

The keys are specific to each car yet there are odds as one of the first users suggests, that your key will fit another car. There was a 70's model of car whose door lock sucked beyond imagination and most keys would open these cars door. But not any longer.

The computer chipped key also mentioned only prevents the car from being started unless a properly coded key is in the ignition. You can get a key blank cut to open the door of your car still, but this spare won't start your car. It costs anywhere from $80 and up to get a new key with a chip. This prevents the car from being stolen, but still allows the contents to be pilfered.

Locks are also not perfect and can be picked open without a key. You may be interested in reviewing the link below to see how a lock works.

Answer 3

They're specific to the car. If you ever have to get a new key cut for your car, take your registration or insurance (something that proves you own the car so they don't think you're trying to get a key to steal someone else's car...) to the dealership. They will cut you a brand new key. There's a code in the Vehicle Identification Number that tells them where all the little ridges and dips go in the cut of the key.

Answer 4

All car keys are specific to the car they are made for as all keys are specific to the locks they are made for. I think you are confusing the one idea that car makers all agreed on back in the 60's and that was that all door and ignition keys would have square heads and all trunk key would have round heads. Probably the only commonsense idea ever espoused by the car industry.

Answer 5

The cut of the key is mass produced, but with these new keys with the chip in them that will work with the one car that it was made for. Years ago I owned a ford car and a friend of mine owned a ford truck, my car key would fit his truck, and his truck key would fit my car.

Answer 6

1 car key can open several cars. I was on a train once, we were going alongside a motorway. I was playing with the remote lock on my key and, on the motorway, a cars lights flashed as if I had triggered the lock (it wasn't my car). Coincidence? Imagination? Maybe. I have also heard of a person that used their remote lock in a car park and six cars flashed (though that could be an urban legend)

Answer 7

I think newer models are specific but not necessarily true for older models. I had a terrible habit of locking my keys in the car and on several occasions the local police station lent me all the car keys that had been handed in and never claimed and 1 of them always opened my car.

Answer 8

Depends on the age of the car if it is new you are unlikely to be able to unlock the same model car with your key if it is an older vehicle alot of the keys were made the same or very similar

Answer 9

I am sure they are specific to the car they are bought with, I don't think the car companies would give people keys that fit yours and other peoples cars.

Answer 10

Every key is specific. That's why it costs a lot to redo a car key and only the car manufacturer can have it done (at least for the new cars)

Answer 11

Well the other night i opened what i thought was my car and discovered a child seat in the back! it was exactly the same car and my key opened it. Its scary to think my car key can open the same model!