Whether it’s the ignition or the door, it’s a fact that keys can sometimes get stuck in your vehicle. Let’s go over why this happens, some steps to take if this ever happens to you and how you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Common Reasons Keys Get Stuck

First, let’s discuss why this happens. Here are a few of the most common reasons why key get stuck in vehicles:

• Obstructions like dirt and debris can get in the ignition
• Colder temperatures can cause a key to freeze to the ignition or door
• The steering wheel locks because a wrong key was inserted
• The car battery may die, and leave your key stuck or reduce the temperature
• The key could break off in the ignition or door preventing use of a spare key

What To Do When Your Key Is Stuck

When a key is stuck, you have to decide if this is a situation you can address yourself or if you need to call a professional auto locksmith. If there’s an obstruction, for example, you can attempt cleaning out the ignition yourself. (If it’s an emergency situation and anyone’s life is in danger, be sure to call 911 first!)

Battery issues, and troubleshooting steering wheel problems are also potential DIY issues. If the key is broken off in the ignition and you can’t get it out, however, it’s time to call a locksmith. This is probably also the best option if you’re not sure why the key is stuck, or you don’t feel confident in addressing the issue yourself. 

Preventing Keys From Getting Stuck

You can prevent many of the issues above by being a little proactive. Clean the interior of your car (and its ignition) regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Keep a duplicate copy of your original key in a safe place, and maintain other elements of the car. Finally, make sure you’re using the right key, and don’t leave a key in the ignition when there are cold temperatures.

If you’re in need of automotive locksmith services, don’t hesitate to reach out to A-1 Locksmith. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 or stop by any of our DFW-area locations today.

As a company that has been around for more than 70 years, we’ve seen how car keys have changed over the years. Let’s look at some technological advancements of car keys, and look at the options you have today.

Early Car Key Designs

Believe it or not, early cars didn’t used to have starter keys. There were keys for doors (and keys to lock the ignition) in the 1910s, but there weren’t any keys to start the vehicle itself. It wasn’t until 1949 when the starter mechanism was introduced by Chrysler and the first “car keys” (as we know them today) were created. These Chrysler keys looked a lot like your average house key today, and only had one side. Prototypes of “flip keys” were soon developed after that (in the 1950s) and double-sided car keys were manufactured in the 1960s. 

Technological Advances

Car keys took a large step forward in the late 1980s with the development of remote entry for doors. Keyless entry fobs would gain mainstream success shortly after that in the 1990s. Another phase of technological advancement happened in the same decade was the invention of laser-cut keys, and first (unsuccessful) early versions of proximity keys. Different forms of key cutting and shapes were also developed during the 1990s, but major breakthroughs didn’t occur again until the 2000s.

Car Key Options Today

Vehicle manufacturers started making remotes standard with car keys in the early 2000s, and variations have included standalone remotes, integrated remotes, and smart keys. Most remotes have the ability to unlock and lock doors, open the trunk and sound the alarm. Keyless vehicle ignition soon followed. Today, there are smart keys with all sorts of technology, and the features continue to advance. There are touchscreen keys that connect to smartphone apps, and can park the car with no driver, as well as keys that tell you the fuel level, whether the lights are on and more. The future is definitely exciting for car keys!
We hope you enjoyed this short history lesson. Whether you need a new car key or an auto key duplication, A-1 Locksmith is here for you. Drop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations today, and we’ll get you a key that meets your needs.