What Can You Do About a Broken Car Key?

Car keys — They can seem pretty small and insignificant on their own. But, anyone who’s ever lost their keys knows just how debilitating it can be when you suddenly lose the one thing that will make your car go.

The average American wastes two and a half days every single year rummaging between couch cushions looking for missing keys. That said, it’s nothing compared to the chaos of breaking your keys.

Our keys withstand way more wear and tear than we think. So, we shouldn’t be all that surprised when they finally snap. Fortunately, a broken car key is not the end of the world.

Has a broken key left you stranded? Don’t panic! We’re here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to handle a broken car key.

How to Repair a Broken Car Key

Unfortunately, repairing your key is not the best option when it comes to broken car keys or any keys.

No matter how well you stick the parts of your key back together, those fractures will forever be weak points. So, it won’t be long until it snaps again.

That said, if you’re careful, you might be able to repair your keys just long enough for a replacement set to come in.

Carefully apply a small dab of superglue to the break, and hold the piece together for at least 30 seconds, or until the glue sets. Then, order yourself a new set of keys and be very careful in the meantime.

What to Do If Your Car Eats Your Keys

This situation is the ultimate nightmare scenario of car keys breaking.

If your key snaps off in the lock of your car, the first thing you need to do is come to terms with the fact that your ride will not be going anywhere for a while.

Removing the lock or purchasing an extractor tool can help you remove the remaining bits of your key from the lock. But, both of those options require time and an alternate mode of transportation.

If you’re in a pinch, you may also want to consider calling a locksmith. A locksmith will already have the tools and experience they need to extract the broken key quickly and efficiently.

How to Replace Your Car Keys

While replacing car keys can get a bit pricy, it’s the only way to ensure not winding up with another broken key in the foreseeable future.

One of the most obvious ways to replace a broken car key is by calling your dealership. And while your dealership will have the necessary parts, you could end up paying a pretty penny to get a new key.

Alternatively, you could call a locksmith.

Locksmiths have the tools to replicate and replace your key quickly and for a fraction of what you could end up paying at a dealership.

How to Prevent Your Car Keys From Breaking

Finally, while car keys are not built to last forever, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself from winding up keyless.

Regularly lubricating your locks can help ease a bit of the stress your keys endure every time you use them.

You may also want to consider investing in a few replacement keys. So, if your key does break, you’ll have plenty of backups waiting and ready to go.

Time to Start Practicing Key Kindness

Nothing can throw a wrench in your day quite like a broken car key.

Fortunately, broken keys aren’t the end of the world, and are easy to replace — if you know where to turn.

Now that you know how to take care of a broken key, it might be time to think about ordering a few spares just in case.

Whether you need a new key or locked yourself out of your car, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us for more information about our services or to find the help you need today.