How to Remove the Car Key?
3 Answers
After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, shift to neutral (for automatic transmission models, shift to P), engage the parking brake, rotate the key in the opposite direction, and then pull it out. Here are some important considerations: 1. Parking: Ensure the steering wheel is straightened when parking. If the steering wheel is not straightened, the tires will have maximum contact with the ground, leading to accelerated tire wear. Over time, this will reduce the tire's lifespan. Additionally, if the tires are not straightened, the vehicle may not drive straight upon the next startup, increasing the risk of accidents. 2. Windows: Remember to roll up the windows. This is for safety reasons, as leaving windows down makes it easier for items inside the car to be stolen. 3. Turning the Key: Typically, turning the key involves two steps. The first is turning it to the ignition-off position, where you can feel a slight pause, and then continuing to turn it in the opposite direction to completely shut off the car. Only then can the key be removed. 4. Locking the Car: After removing the key and closing the door, remember to lock the car.
A few days ago, I also encountered the issue of the key not coming out, which is quite annoying. Usually, it's because the gear isn't in the Park position. Automatic transmission cars are like this—it's a safety design. First, bring the car to a complete stop, press the brake pedal, shift to Park, turn the key to the OFF position to shut off the engine, and the key should come out smoothly. Sometimes, the steering wheel lock is engaged and blocking it—just give it a slight turn to unlock. Remember, don’t force it out, or you might damage the ignition switch or internal components of the gear lever. My old car’s ignition lock was a bit worn and got stuck once, but adding some lubricant at the shop fixed it. In daily driving, develop the habit of shifting to Park before turning off the engine to reduce issues. With cars, small details matter a lot, especially with automatic transmissions—neglecting them could even lead to the car rolling and causing harm.
I'm a mechanic and have dealt with many stuck key issues, mostly due to incorrect gear position or mechanical jamming. For automatic transmission cars, you must park in 'Park' to remove the key, while manual transmission cars just need to be in neutral. If the key won't budge, first check if the gear indicator on the dashboard isn't aligned properly. If that doesn't work, try adjusting the angle. Sometimes, the lock cylinder is worn or has debris inside—spraying some WD-40 for lubrication might help in an emergency. For severe cases, replacing the ignition switch might be necessary, costing around a few hundred bucks. A reminder: electronic key models might experience signal interference, so try moving away from potential sources. Don't skimp on these small details while driving—repairs can be costly, and prevention is always cheaper than fixing.
