What to Do When Your Car Key Gets Wet?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions for a wet car key: 1. Use a hair dryer on the cold air setting to dry it. Avoid using hot air as the circuit board should not be overheated. Alternatively, place the key in a thin, breathable bag and then put it into a rice container with strong moisture absorption. 2. After the car key gets wet, first wipe the surface dry. If you know how to disassemble it, open the casing, remove the battery, and use absorbent paper towels to wipe the internal components. Gently clean the internal button contacts and other parts with high-concentration anhydrous alcohol, let it dry, and then reinstall the battery. 3. Similar to a wet phone, never attempt to start the vehicle immediately to check if the key still works after it gets wet. Doing so will cause the moisture to penetrate deeper into the key more quickly.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several instances of car keys getting wet. First and foremost, quickly remove it from the water and avoid pressing any buttons, as this could cause a short circuit and damage the internal electronics. Then, use a dry towel to wipe off any surface moisture before placing it in a bag of rice or with desiccants to absorb the moisture—leave it for a full day or even a few days. I've tried using a small hairdryer on the cool setting to gently dry the electronic components, but avoid using hot air to prevent melting the plastic. If the water damage is severe, it's best not to attempt a DIY fix and instead take it to a professional repair shop for inspection, as replacing a smart key could cost upwards of a thousand dollars. Develop good habits like storing your keys in a waterproof case or using a spare key fob to prevent rain exposure. Safe driving starts with attention to detail—being mindful can save you a lot of trouble.
