How to Avoid a Broken Car Key
By far one of the most frustrating events for the average driver is the breaking of a car key. This occurs more often than you would think, and while it is never convenient, it does not have to ruin your day.
At Excalibur Auto Locksmiths we extract broken keys from door locks and ignitions across Wigan, Liverpool, St Helens, Leyland, Preston and Skelmersdale on a regular basis. Here is how to avoid a snapped key — and what to do when it happens.
Why car keys break
Modern keys are more than a simple piece of metal. Remote fobs, transponder chips and delicate blades all add complexity. Keys typically break because:
- Wear and tear — years of use weaken the metal
- Forced turning — twisting a stuck key instead of lubricating the lock
- Cold weather — metal becomes more brittle in low temperatures
- Poor copies — cheap duplicate keys may not be cut to the correct tolerances
Warning signs to watch for
If your key is difficult to turn, sticks in the ignition, or you can see hairline cracks in the blade, act before it snaps. Replacing a worn key is quick and affordable. Extracting a broken key from a lock takes more time and skill.
How to reduce the risk
- Don't use excessive force — if the key won't turn, stop and investigate
- Keep locks maintained — dirt and lack of lubrication put extra strain on the key
- Avoid heavy keyrings — too much weight can damage the ignition over time
- Get quality duplicates — poorly cut spares are a common cause of breakage
- Replace old keys proactively — especially on higher-mileage vehicles
What to do if your key snaps
Do not try to start the car with the broken piece still in the lock, and avoid pushing anything into the lock that could cause damage.
Call a professional auto locksmith. In most cases we can extract the broken key without removing the lock. If necessary, we will strip down the ignition, remove the fragment, and supply a brand new key on the spot.
Contact our broken key extraction service for rapid help across Wigan, Liverpool and St Helens.
Unlike a main dealer, we won't need to tow your vehicle away. Our mobile workshops carry the equipment to cut and programme replacement keys at the roadside.
Need help now?
Excalibur Auto Locksmiths have been helping drivers across the North West for over 30 years. If you have a broken key in your door or ignition, call 07961 589177 for rapid assistance.
We also offer lost car key replacement and vehicle lockout services across Wigan, Liverpool and St Helens.