Keys to our cars are an essential part of our everyday lives. They help us start our cars and get us where to go. But car keys also tend to break, leaving us stuck and frustrated. In this article, we'll discuss common reasons why car keys break and what to do about it.
Reasons Why Car Keys Break
Wear and Tear: Since car keys are used daily, they get a lot of wear and tear. The metal can wear down over time, making it more likely to break. This is especially true for car keys that have been used for a long time.
Stuck Key: If you try to force a stuck or hard-to-turnkey, you could bend or break it. This often happens when the lock on your car is dirty or broken, making it hard to turn the Key.
Extreme Temperatures: Extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause the metal in the Key to expand or shrink. This can cause the Key to break or lose its strength over time. For example, if you leave your car key in direct sunlight on a hot summer day, the metal will expand and weaken.
Heavy Keychains: If a heavy keychain puts your car keys under a lot of stress, they may break more easily. When you carry your Key around in your pocket or purse all the time, a heavy keychain can bend or break the Key.
Locks that are broken or hard to turn: If the lock on your car is broken or hard to turn, the Key can get stuck and bend or break. This is especially true if you try to force the Key out of the lock instead of gently working it out.
How to handle a broken car key
Check for Spare Keys: It's time to use a spare key if you have one. Ensure you keep your spare Key somewhere safe and easy to get to in an emergency. If you don't have a spare key, think about getting one made.
Call a Locksmith: If you don't have a spare key, calling a locksmith is the next best thing. Depending on what you need, a locksmith can make you a new key or fix the one you already have. Locksmiths are trained to work with all kinds of car keys and can help you get back on the road quickly.
Remove the Broken Key: If part of the Key is still in the lock, you can use pliers or tweezers to get it out. Be careful not to force the broken Key more profoundly into the lock. If you can't get the broken Key out, it's best to call a locksmith so that you don't do any more damage.
Lubricate the Lock: If the Key broke because the lock was hard to open or stuck, you could put graphite powder or silicone spray on it to make it easier to open. This can make the lock easier to turn and stop more damage. It's important to remember that lubricating the lock is only a short-term solution that should be independent of long-term.
Consider a Keyless Entry System: If you're sick of dealing with broken keys, a keyless entry system might be a good upgrade. With this system, you can start your car by pressing a button or using a keypad. You don't need a physical key anymore. More and more consumers are opting for the safety and convenience offered by keyless entry systems, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
How to Prevent Your Car Key from Breaking?
Keep Your Key Clean: If you clean your car key often, dirt and other things will stay in the lock, making turning easier. You can use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to clean your Key.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your automobile key away from extreme heat or cold to avoid any problems. It would be best if you stored it somewhere cool and out of the sun to avoid damage. In other words, never in your car.
Use a Light Keychain: Use a light keychain to keep your car key from getting too much stress. Don't put heavy or oversized things on your keychain. Instead, use a separate one for non-essential things.
Check Your Locks: Having your car locks checked and serviced regularly can help keep them from getting broken or hard to turn. If you notice something wrong with your locks, fix them immediately to keep your Key from worsening.
Upgrade to a Smart Key: If you're tired of dealing with physical keys, consider upgrading to an intelligent one. Smart keys use high-tech software to open and start your car, so you don't need a physical key. They are also much more challenging to copy than regular keys, which makes them safer.
Ultimately, car keys are essential to our daily lives, but they tend to break. If you know what causes car keys to break and how to stop them, you won't have to worry about being stuck without a key. Don't worry if your car key breaks. Instead, follow the steps above to get back on the road quickly and safely.
