There’s nothing that will drop your stomach more than realizing you’ve broken the key to your car. A broken car key, whether busted physically or not, is a huge obstacle to get around.
All of a sudden, your day’s schedule is out the window and you’re stuck figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B. It’s safe to say when you find yourself in this kind of situation, you’ll want to get things rectified as soon as humanly possible.
What should you do when you’re stuck with a broken car key? Read on and we’ll walk you through a few simple ideas.
If Your Car Key Won’t Turn
Many people make the assumption that if your car key won’t turn in the ignition that it is broken. However, this might not be the only reason why you can’t seem to get your vehicle started.
One way to fix this issue is to try to loosen up your steering wheel. If the wheel is locked, it can prevent your key from working. It might not be an issue with the key itself at all.
If you can loosen up your wheel enough and get it unstuck, you might find that the key turns in the ignition with ease. Don’t try to turn the key too hard in this position, as you might snap it into two pieces.
Is The Key The Problem?
If you’ve got a broken key, you have a more serious problem with your hands. However, how can you ensure it is the key that is causing the issue and to something else with your vehicle?
If you have a spare key, that can help to solve the issue. If your spare key works but your current one doesn’t, that will be all the evidence that you need.
If you don’t have something to compare to, try to closely inspect the body of the key itself. Are there signs of damage to the key, for example, twists or bends? If you notice physical damage on the key, it is likely the source of your frustration.
A broken or bent key might be able to be worked back into place by a repair expert. You’ll just need to bring it in to see.
Replacing a Broken Car Key
If you can’t get your broken car key repaired, you’ll need to have it replaced. This process will differ depending on what kind of vehicle you drive and the state of the key itself.
Sometimes a damaged key can still be copied and produce a working new key. Sometimes the damage will be too much and you’ll need to have a new key made from scratch. As you can imagine, this can be a lot more expensive.
Fixing Your Car Key
If you’re struggling with a broken car key, it’s understandable to feel extremely frustrated. The above information can help you determine what your next steps should be.
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