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We all know what happens if we drop a smartphone in water, but what about keys? Standard, older car keys won't be a concern, but there could be issues if you drop key remotes or smart keys in water. In the Tampa Bay area, between pools, lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and even washing machines, there are many scenarios where your keys could accidentally end up wet. Learn about steps you can try to take if you drop your car keys in water in areas such as Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, and nearby areas. Don't wait to remove your keys—acting quickly is vital.If your keys fall out of your pocket into a body of water, it's vital that you act quickly and remove them. Waiting can make the problem much worse. The key fob will need to be dried out as soon as you possibly can. Reasons to dry out your car key remote include:
Take steps to dry out the key and remove any water that's left.The first thing you should do is take the key and shake out any water. Leave the remote resting with the button side facing down so water can drain out of it. Once you've let it drain for a few minutes, take an absorbent cloth and wipe the remote with it to remove any water from the crevices or surface. After that, you will have to open up the key remote. For this, you may need a small screwdriver to access the interior of the key. Depending on the make of your car, it could be a flathead, Phillips head, or another type of screw holding it together. Wipe the inside of the remote with a cloth and then carefully wipe the circuit board and battery off as well. If your battery seems damaged at all, then it's best to go ahead and replace it at this time. It's recommended to use a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any battery acid residue and let the area dry before installing a new battery. Reassemble the key and try to see if it will still function.After these steps, you'll have to reassemble the key and head out to your car to see if the key is still functioning. Test out each button to ensure none were damaged in the process. If one isn't working, you may need to take the fob apart again to clean it more. If the entire key has stopped working, then you'll have to get a replacement key, which will cost you money. Save money on key replacement by going to a locksmith instead of the car dealership. If your keys aren't working after dropping them in water, then give our mobile locksmiths a call now.At Cheap Lock & Key, we have the tools and experience needed to replace most types of car keys and car key remotes. If yours stops working after you drop them in water in areas such as Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Brandon, and more, then call our mobile locksmiths now at (813) 545-5462!
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Forum Rules Can a wet key cause car not to start?Water and electricity generally don't mix. If it's left wet, you could end up with a rusted-out, corroded key that won't work at all. The battery could also die. A dead battery, or one that leaks or explodes, will also leave you with a non-working key.
What happens if a car key goes through the wash?Corrosion - A wet circuit board is also one that'll see its metal traces and other components succumb to rust and corrosion. Battery failure - A wet circuit board can also cause the key fob battery to dump its charge. At best, you'll end up with a dead battery. At worst, the battery could leak or even explode.
What happens if you put a wet key in the ignition?This includes the starter, instrument cluster, fuel pump and so on. Water is an electrical conductor, so, if the switch gets wet, power can transfer to places it is not supposed to go. It may be possible for you or a technician to remove the ignition switch and dry it out; worst case: replace it.
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