What To Do If You Snap a Key in Your Car Ignition

By Maxess Locks LTD

Snapping a key in your car’s ignition can be a frustrating and stressful situation. It often happens unexpectedly and can leave you worried about how you’re going to start your car or get back on the road. The good news is that in most cases, the problem can be resolved quickly by a professional automotive locksmith. At Maxess Locks LTD, we regularly help drivers across West Wales with broken keys in ignitions.

If this happens to you, here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t Try to Force the Remaining Key Piece

The first instinct many people have is to try turning the ignition or pulling the broken piece out using whatever tools they have nearby. Unfortunately, this can often make the problem worse.

Forcing the key can:

• Push the broken piece deeper into the ignition

• Damage the ignition barrel

• Turn a simple extraction into a more expensive repair

It’s best to leave the ignition alone until it can be checked properly.

2. Avoid Using Glue or DIY Fixes

Some online advice suggests gluing the broken pieces together or trying to stick something to the key fragment to pull it out. This is very risky, glue can easily run into the ignition barrel and damage the internal mechanism, which may result in the ignition needing replacement. DIY attempts with tools like screwdrivers, tweezers, or paperclips can also damage the delicate components inside the ignition.

3. Check If Part of the Key Is Still Visible

If part of the key is sticking out of the ignition, it may be possible for a locksmith to remove it quickly using specialist extraction tools. However, it’s important not to push it further inside while trying to remove it yourself.

4. Contact an Automotive Locksmith

The safest and quickest solution is to call a professional automotive locksmith who has the correct tools and experience to remove the broken key safely.

A qualified locksmith can usually:

• Extract the broken key from the ignition

• Check the ignition for damage

• Cut a new key for your vehicle

• Program the key if your car uses a transponder or remote

In many cases, this can all be done on-site without needing to replace the ignition.

5. Consider Getting a Spare Key Made

Keys often snap due to wear and tear over time, especially if they are bent, cracked, or heavily worn. If your key has snapped once, it may be a good idea to get a spare key made from a good quality original. This can prevent future problems and ensure you always have a backup.

Need Help with a Broken Key in West Wales?

If you’ve snapped your key in the ignition, Maxess Locks LTD can help. We provide professional automotive locksmith services across West Wales, including broken key extraction and replacement car keys.

Call: 07769 137783. We aim to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

Maxess Locks LTD – Automotive locksmith services across West Wales.