Why Can't the Key Open or Turn the Lock?
2 Answers
The reason the key can't open or turn the lock could be due to low temperatures freezing the door lock cylinder or a malfunction in the door lock mechanism. Here are some car maintenance measures: 1. Don't blindly pursue high-octane fuel: The octane rating of gasoline only indicates its anti-knock performance and has no direct correlation with cleanliness or fuel efficiency. Higher octane doesn't necessarily mean better fuel, and even luxury cars don't always require high-octane gasoline. Follow the fuel specifications in the owner's manual to match the engine's compression ratio with the gasoline's anti-knock properties. Price should not be the deciding factor. 2. Buy high-quality lubricants: Besides gasoline, lubricants are another major expense for car owners. They typically need to be changed every 5,000 kilometers. As one of the most important protective products for your car, using high-quality lubricants can effectively protect the engine, reduce wear, and improve the vehicle's overall fuel economy.
The key won't turn and the lock won't open - this is something I encounter frequently, and it's quite annoying. The main reasons could be debris stuck inside the lock cylinder, such as dust, small fragments, or ice formation in winter, preventing the key from turning properly. Or the key might be severely worn, with flattened grooves that no longer align with the lock pins. Additionally, this often happens when the car door isn't fully unlocked, as the complex locking mechanism complicates the action. I recommend not forcing the key to turn, as this might break it or damage the lock cylinder. Try gently jiggling the key back and forth a few times - this might loosen any debris. If that doesn't work, spray some lubricant into the keyhole (products like WD-40 from supermarkets work well), wait a few minutes, then try again. If these methods fail, the problem might be more serious, possibly due to aging or malfunctioning internal components of the lock cylinder, requiring a professional auto locksmith to disassemble and inspect it. Remember to regularly clean the keyhole after parking and perform routine maintenance to avoid this hassle, preventing unexpected situations where you might get locked out of your car.
