How to Handle a Broken Key in Your Car’s Ignition: Key Extraction Services

Few things are more frustrating than a key breaking off in your car’s ignition or door lock. Whether the key was worn down over time or you accidentally applied too much force, a broken key can leave you stranded and unable to start your vehicle. Fortunately, Aldo’s Key Shop offers fast and professional key extraction services to safely remove the broken key and get you back on the road.

Why Do Car Keys Break?

Car keys are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Over time, keys can weaken, leading to breakage. Here are the most common reasons car keys break:

1. Wear and Tear: Over time, metal keys can become worn, leading to weak spots that are more likely to snap when turned in the ignition or lock.
2. Using the Wrong Key: It’s easier than you think to insert the wrong key into the ignition or lock, especially if your keys look similar. Forcing the wrong key can cause it to break.
3. Cold Weather: In cold weather, metal becomes more brittle, increasing the likelihood of a key snapping in the ignition or lock.
4. Excessive Force: Sometimes, it’s tempting to apply extra force if the key isn’t turning easily, but this can cause the key to break inside the ignition or lock.

What to Do When a Key Breaks in the Ignition or Door Lock

If your car key breaks inside the ignition or door lock, it’s important to act quickly but carefully. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help, and it could lead to further damage. Take a moment to assess the situation and plan your next steps.
2. Avoid DIY Extraction: While it might be tempting to try and extract the broken key yourself using tools like tweezers or pliers, this can push the broken piece further into the lock, making the situation worse.
3. Call a Professional Locksmith: The safest and most effective way to remove a broken key is to call a professional locksmith like Aldo’s Key Shop. We have the tools and expertise to remove the key without damaging your ignition or lock.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove the Key Yourself

Attempting to remove a broken key yourself can lead to additional problems. Here’s why it’s best to leave this task to the professionals:

1. Risk of Damaging the Lock or Ignition: Using makeshift tools or applying too much force can damage the lock or ignition, leading to expensive repairs.
2. Pushing the Key Further In: Without the right tools, it’s easy to push the broken key further into the ignition or lock, making extraction more difficult.
3. Voiding Warranties: If your vehicle is under warranty, attempting a DIY extraction could void the warranty, leaving you responsible for the cost of repairs.

How Aldo’s Key Shop Can Help with Broken Key Extraction

At Aldo’s Key Shop, we specialize in safe, damage-free key extraction. Here’s how we can help:

• Quick Response: We understand that a broken key can leave you stranded. That’s why we offer fast response times to ensure you’re not stuck waiting for hours.
• Professional Tools: Our locksmiths use specialized tools designed for key extraction. This allows us to remove the broken piece without causing any damage to the lock or ignition.
• On-Site Service: Can’t get your vehicle to the shop? No problem. We offer mobile key extraction services, meaning we can come to you and remove the broken key on-site.
• Key Replacement: After extracting the broken key, we can provide key replacement services right on the spot. Whether you need a traditional key, a transponder key, or a key fob, we’ll cut and program a new key for your vehicle.

Why Car Keys Break in the Ignition

Keys breaking in the ignition can be especially problematic, as they can leave you unable to start your vehicle. Here are a few reasons why keys tend to break in the ignition:

1. Worn Ignition Cylinder: Over time, the ignition cylinder can wear down, making it difficult for the key to turn smoothly. This extra resistance can cause a key to break.
2. Misaligned Key: If the key is not inserted properly or is slightly bent, it can get stuck in the ignition and break when you try to turn it.
3. Heavy Keychains: Carrying a heavy keychain puts extra stress on the ignition switch. This can wear down both the key and the ignition over time, leading to breakage.

Preventing Future Key Breakage

While it’s impossible to prevent every key-related issue, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of your car key breaking:

1. Inspect Your Key Regularly: If your key looks worn or has visible cracks, it’s a good idea to have a duplicate made before it breaks.
2. Use the Right Key: Always double-check that you’re using the correct key for your vehicle to avoid forcing the wrong key into the ignition or door lock.
3. Avoid Using Excessive Force: If your key isn’t turning easily, don’t force it. There could be an issue with the lock or ignition that needs to be addressed by a professional.
4. Keep Your Keychain Light: A heavy keychain can wear down your ignition over time, so try to keep only essential keys on your keyring.