It happens fast. The one moment, your car key falls out of your pocket in salty water. Or perhaps it went swimming in a pool. Log or have been through the washer. These kind of lifestyle accidents are a dime a dozen, especially here in Oz.
Your car keys today are more than a sliver of metal. They’re packed with electronics. This makes exposure to water a very big issue. But don’t panic. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to retain your key and avoid losing your wallet.
Follow these few simple steps in sequence once your key meets the water.
Step 1: Remove the Key & Switch the Power Off
When you find out your key is soaked is when minutes count.
Get the key in as fast as possible. Then immediately stop using it. If there is moisture inside and you press some buttons, it can create short circuits.
If your key has a removable battery inside, remove it immediately. This stops power, and minimizes damage inside.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t test the buttons because “it still works”
- Do not insert the key into any charger
- Don’t lock or unlock the car
It is better to call car locksmith services to seek their guidance instead of taking the risks of guessing at this point. Quickly might be the best way to avoid long-term failure later.
Step 2: Properly Dry the Key
When a car key falls in water, drying it seems simple enough, but if it’s done incorrectly, it does even more damage than the water itself.
Begin by shaking the key to remove excess water. Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth.
Then emphasize on air drying at normal temperature.
The safest options include:
- Store it somewhere dry out of light
- Using silica gel packets (if accessible)
- Put it in a jar with raw rice
What you should never do:
- Use a hair dryer
- Place it in the oven
- Leave it in direct sunlight
Moisture gets pushed deeper into the circuit board by heat. This is another area where most people destroy otherwise salvageable keys.
If the key was dropped in/on salt water, the chance of corrosion is significantly higher. Well, in that case, auto locksmith Melbourne professionals contacted early makes a lot of difference.
Step 3: Test it Cautiously or Seek Help
You can then gently try testing the key after a minimum of 24 to 48 hours of drying.
Place the battery back in, then try a press of only one button. If it works, great. But even if a key is currently functional, it may not work later if rust started inside.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Delayed response
- Buttons working intermittently
- Warning messages on the dashboard
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, discontinue use of the key.
This is the moment you need professional car locksmith services. Experts can determine if the key is cleanable, repairable, or needs to be replaced.
Enter companies such as Speedy Car Keys, who deal in water-damaged keys every day, and frequently save keys that drivers divined as dead.
Rising Incidents of Pool, Beach, and Laundry Accidents
Nowadays, people have more active lifestyles, and as such, we expose our keys to the elements far more than we used to. The risk goes up with beach days, gym bags, children, and speed washes.
Prevention tips for the future:
- If you are going to the beach, waterproof key pouches
- Do not leave keys inside the pocket of swimwear
- Avoid putting keys on laundry baskets
Still, accidents happen. And when they do, knowing these few steps is what makes you in control.
Final Thoughts
Just because your car key got wet, it does not mean disaster. Forceful, proper drying, and calling up car locksmith services, on the other hand, can save both time and money.
Any time you are uncertain, it is best to get an expert auto locksmith in Melbourne to check the key thoroughly before unrevealed damages take root even deeper.
Knowledge is your best backup key when the unexpected happens to your lifestyle.
