What to Do If Your Car Key Gets Washed in Water?
2 Answers
Solutions for a car key washed in water are as follows: 1. Shake Off Water: Upon noticing the key has been washed in water, the first step is to pick it up and dry it off. Even after drying, there might still be water inside. If the key has small holes, shake it vigorously to remove any remaining water to prevent rust. 2. Test It: After shaking off most of the water, try using the key's remote at your car to see if it still works or if it's malfunctioning. If it works, there's no need for further concern. 3. Blow Dry: If you're still worried about residual water, use a household hairdryer to blow air into the key's pinholes. A few blows should dry it thoroughly, ensuring complete water removal. 4. Contact After-Sales Service: If the key is damaged from being washed, consult the after-sales service. The purchase invoice usually includes a contact number for after-sales support. Inquire if the manufacturer can provide a replacement key. 5. Repair: If the key isn't broken but is bent and won't fit, you can either straighten it yourself or seek professional help to fix it.
Once I accidentally washed my car key in the washing machine and was extremely anxious. The first thing I did was to fish out the key immediately. If it was a remote key, I quickly opened the back cover to remove the battery to prevent a short circuit. Then, I used a dry towel or tissue to absorb the surface moisture, being careful not to shake the key to avoid pushing water deeper inside. I found a sealed bag, filled it with rice or silica gel desiccant, and buried the key in it for at least 24 hours, as rice is effective at absorbing moisture. After drying, I reassembled the battery and tested the key's functions. If it could unlock the car, I was lucky that it wasn't damaged; if it didn't work, the circuit might have corroded, and I would need to visit a 4S shop or a professional repair center for a replacement or repair. To prevent such incidents, I now always check my pockets before doing laundry and keep my keys in a dedicated waterproof case. Remember, never use a hair dryer to blow hot air on an electronic key that has gotten wet, as high temperatures can damage the chip. Regular maintenance of the key is also important, such as checking the battery and whether the sealing ring has aged.
