Fixing your car ignition key

It’s common to find a car’s ignition key break for most car owners. This is a frustrating experience and fixing it can be time-consuming. The reason why ignition keys break can vary, but knowing how to fix it is very useful when it eventually happens to you. Here is a simple method of fixing the ignition key; note that this can save you from plenty of trouble later.

-First things first: before attempting to fix the ignition key, make sure that you put the parking brake on. You certainly do not want to roll off the road while you are in the middle of fixing it. If your car uses automatic transmission, make sure to set it to park, as some cars will prevent you from turning the key if the selector is set in any mode other than park or neutral.

Why keys cannot turn in most modern cars

-Once your car is set to park, start by applying pressure on the key while turning the steering wheel. The steering column lock being stuck is a common reason why keys cannot turn in most modern cars. Should this happen to you, you will have to put pressure on the mechanism and force it to unlock.

-You can also try lubricating the lock cylinder with some contact cleaner and either some silicone or a drop of liquid graphite. Make sure that it doesn’t drop on the carpet or upholstery, and have the car door or window open so that you won’t accumulate any fumes. Also make sure that you are nowhere near sparks or an open fire. Once you have lubricated the lock cylinder, try switching it again.

-Sometimes, the key can be the problem. Put it on a flat surface and see if it lies flat or not. If it is the latter, take an object like a small wooden object and hit the key until it is flat again; do not use any heavy objects, as it will simply damage your key.