Are Mechanical Keys Made of Iron?
2 Answers
Car mechanical keys are not made of pure iron but of an alloy. Below are the specific reasons why a mechanical key might not open the car door: 1. Connection Device Failure: The connection device between the door handle and the door lock may fail. Due to the jolts during driving, the door linkage might detach, preventing the door lock from sensing the action of pulling the door handle. 2. Frozen Door in Winter: In winter, if the door lock, handle, or door frame freezes, the key might not open the door. If the door is frozen, do not force it open as this could damage the door. Instead, pour hot water on the frozen parts to speed up the melting process. 3. Incorrect Key Turning Direction: Operating the key incorrectly by turning it the wrong way. In most cases, turning the key clockwise unlocks the door, while turning it counterclockwise locks it. 4. Lock Cylinder Malfunction: Most car owners use remote keys to unlock or lock the car doors and rarely use mechanical keys. The lock cylinder might rust from disuse. In such cases, try adding some engine oil to the lock cylinder.
I've been driving for so many years and have replaced more than one mechanical car key. To be honest, most aren't made of pure iron because it rusts easily. If they were, a car parked outside in the rain would end up with a corroded key that can't open the door—what a hassle! Modern mechanical keys are usually made of brass or steel. Steel contains some iron but isn't pure, mixed with chromium or nickel to resist rust and wear. My old car key is a perfect example—after a few years, the surface was covered in rust. Later, I replaced it with a shiny new key that doesn't rust, and it feels much sturdier. Choosing the right key material is crucial. Brass is common, cost-effective, and offers anti-theft properties, which is why car manufacturers prefer it for its simplicity in production. If keys were made of pure iron, they would have been phased out long ago. Nowadays, smart keys often come with a plastic shell encasing a metal chip, making them even more advanced. In short, picking a good key material saves you trouble, and you won't have to worry about being unable to drive on rainy days.
