Drivers understand just how important their car keys are. This is why whenever a problem arises that revolves around your car keys or another part of your vehicle, it can leave you in a precarious position if it is not handled properly.

A scenario where your car key gets stuck in the ignition is common and should be taken seriously. If it is not handled in the right way, you can potentially damage your vehicle further, which ultimately causes unnecessary costs to be incurred. If your key is stuck in the ignition, here are some of the solutions you can explore to rectify the problem at hand:

1. Extract The Car Key

When you are dealing with a car key stuck in the ignition of your vehicle, you should approach every solution with calm and patience. This will reduce the likelihood of anything getting damaged as you attempt to fix your car key stuck in the ignition. To start with, drivers can focus on extracting the car key. 

This solution can either be carried out by the driver themselves, or by an automotive locksmith who is more experienced. Personally, I would suggest that you allow the auto locksmith to handle this particular issue.

To extract a broken car key from the ignition, the tool that will be required is the broken car key extractor tool. In the hands of an automotive locksmith, this tool can be used to extract your broken key from the ignition in no time. If you choose to handle the tool yourself and try extracting your broken car key, there is no telling which additional damage may be incurred. 

2. Replace The Ignition Cylinder

In some cases, the problem with your key being stuck in the ignition does not necessarily stem from the key itself. It might originate from a problem within the car. If this is the case, continuously trying to turn a car key in your ignition may result in further damage and can lead to the key itself being damaged. 

Replacing the ignition cylinder, or having it examined and repaired will help solve the issue of your car key being stuck in the ignition. This is also a solution that drivers can refer to trusted auto locksmiths rather than tackling it themselves. 

Doing so will also give your locksmith a chance to see if there are any other inherent problems that might cause a repeat of your key being stuck in the ignition. 

3. Keep The Car Key Lubricated

If your car key is stuck in the ignition and you are looking for ways to solve the problem at hand, keeping your car key lubricated is one of the easiest ways to go. This solution is not bound to work for every single instance where your car key is stuck in the ignition of your vehicle, but it is definitely worth a shot.

Simple lubricants such as WD-40 or TriFlow can be used as solutions in this instance. The reason for lubricating the car key is relatively simple. Ignitions are complex mechanisms, and sometimes some of these components lock up and jam, or they are impaired by obstructions. Taking the time to lubricate the car key and the ignition itself should help with this. 

4. Jump Start The Car Battery

Do not be confused by this particular subheading, we are still discussing what to do when your car key is stuck in the ignition. However, sometimes this problem is not rooted in the ignition itself. Instead, it might be a problem that stems from other parts of the vehicle, like the car battery. 

A car’s battery (in addition to its engine) are the brain that powers your vehicle, which means that they are responsible for controlling certain actions. Issues that arise with your car battery might cause your steering wheel to lock in place, or it might inadvertently leave your car key immobile and stuck in the ignition. 

In order to get your vehicle up and running and to free your car key, simply focus on other parts of the vehicle that are not behaving in the way they should. 

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a car key stuck in the ignition of your vehicle can be a hassle, but if you keep your focus on circumventing the problem, you will not be dealing with it for long. Some of the solutions above can be carried out by the driver, but some will require the assistance of a trained auto locksmith. If you need help from a car locksmith, do not hesitate to reach out to an auto locksmith near you.