Are Car Keys Waterproof?
2 Answers
Car keys are not waterproof. When a car key gets wet, do not immediately press the buttons, as this can allow moisture to seep into the inner layers. First, wipe the surface dry, then open the key casing and remove the battery. Use highly absorbent paper towels or high-concentration alcohol to clean the internal button contacts and other parts. Use a hair dryer on the cold air setting to dry the key—avoid using hot air, as the internal circuit board should not be exposed to excessive heat. Precautions for using car keys: 1. Do not keep car keys together with mobile phones, as the magnetic field interference from the phone may prevent the key from functioning properly. Prolonged exposure to phone frequencies can cause the key to malfunction. 2. Avoid exposing car keys to high-temperature or humid environments for extended periods, and do not leave them in direct sunlight.
Just talked about this with a veteran mechanic at the auto shop the other day. Nowadays, car keys fall into three categories: The oldest purely mechanical keys are completely waterproof – you could literally rinse them under water. The foldable remote keys are slightly more vulnerable – they can handle rainy days just fine, but soaking them for half an hour will usually kill them. The most delicate are the keyless entry card-style keys – while manufacturers claim they're splash-proof, dropping one into a fish tank will destroy it nine times out of ten. The most extreme case of key water damage I've seen was when an owner left their key in jeans that went through the washing machine – the remote stopped working, and when opened, the circuit board was covered in water stains. If your key does get wet, immediately remove the battery and bury it in rice for two days – there's still hope for saving it.
