Discovering a snapped key in your ignition can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially when you are on a tight schedule. It is a common issue that many drivers face, often caused by metal fatigue or a worn-out cylinder. We understand the urgency of this situation and are here to help you navigate the next steps safely.
What to Do If Your Key Breaks in the Ignition
Avoid the Temptation to Use Glue
One of the most frequent mistakes we see involves owners attempting to use superglue to reattach the key fragment. This almost always results in glue seeping into the ignition tumblers, permanently damaging the entire housing. Such a quick fix often leads to much more expensive repairs than a simple extraction, so please keep the adhesives away.
Assess the Key Fragment Position
Before calling for assistance, we recommend checking how much of the key is still visible. If a significant portion is protruding from the cylinder, you might feel tempted to use pliers. However, without the proper tension tools, you risk pushing the shard deeper into the mechanism. It is usually best to leave the extraction to professional hands.
Gather Your Vehicle Information
While waiting for help to arrive, we suggest gathering your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Having this information ready allows us to determine the specific keyway and tools required for your ignition system. Because modern keys often include transponder chips, knowing these details ensures we can provide a seamless replacement once the broken piece is removed.
Trust Specialized Extraction Tools
Professional locksmiths utilize specific extraction kits designed to hook the bitting of the broken key without harming the ignition. These precision tools allow us to slide the fragment out smoothly while preserving the integrity of your vehicle's locking system. Attempting to DIY with tweezers or paperclips often causes internal scratches that can lead to future ignition failure.
Dealing with a broken ignition key is a major inconvenience, but it does not have to ruin your entire day. By staying calm and avoiding risky DIY shortcuts, you can protect your vehicle from unnecessary and costly damage. At Bill's Lock & Key, we specialize in providing fast and reliable auto locksmith services in Albuquerque to get you back on the road. Whether you need a delicate extraction or a brand-new transponder key programmed, we are here to provide the local locksmith expertise you deserve. Contact us today for professional assistance or to learn more about our comprehensive security solutions.