Can a Car Remote Still Work After Getting Wet?
2 Answers
Generally, a car remote can still work after getting wet. Here are the steps to handle a wet car remote: Do not press the buttons: After the car key gets wet, do not press the buttons immediately, as this may cause water to seep into the inner components faster. Wipe off the moisture: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to clean the surface. Open the remote's casing, remove the battery, and use absorbent paper towels to wipe off any internal moisture. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to dry it—never use hot air, as the circuit board inside the key should not be exposed to excessive heat. Place it in a rice container: You can put the key in a breathable bag and place it in a dry rice container. Rice is highly absorbent and can help draw out moisture.
Whether a car remote control can still function after getting wet depends on the extent of water exposure and how promptly it's handled. If it's just slightly splashed, such as accidentally dropping it into a puddle on a rainy day, don't panic—remove the batteries immediately to prevent internal short circuits. Then, thoroughly dry the exterior and use a low-power hairdryer to blow-dry the circuit board, keeping it at a moderate temperature to avoid overheating, or use the rice absorption method to let it dry for a day or two. Afterward, reinsert the batteries and test the buttons—in many cases, it can still recover its functionality. However, if it's fully submerged, like falling into a washing machine or pond, the electronic components may corrode or short-circuit. In such cases, even drying might not help, and you'll need to disassemble it to inspect and clean the corroded areas or simply replace the remote entirely. I've dealt with several similar cases and found that timely drying can save about 80% of remotes, but those left wet for too long are often beyond repair. It's best to store the remote in a dry place to avoid such mishaps.
