What to Do if Your Car Key is Stuck in the Ignition

Driving with the windows down on sunny Arizona highways, the wind in your hair, can be relaxing after a long day. What isn’t relaxing, however, is if your car key gets stuck in the ignition. While you might think this unlikely scenario would never happen, it occurs more often than most people realize. Every month, at least one or two people contact us at El Mirage Locksmith of El Mirage, Arizona to get assistance with a key that’s stuck or broken off in their ignition lock. 

How Did My Key Get Stuck in the Ignition?

Since most cars being manufactured today have keyless entry systems and remote starters, the vehicles on the road that use locks and keys are older models. As these models age over time, especially with frequent daily use, problems can develop that go unnoticed until they cause a problem. 

To avoid this situation happening in the first place, or a repeat of the situation once it’s been resolved, there are a few preventative measures that professional locksmiths suggest that you take. These are easy and don’t require much effort on your part. Inspect your car key from time to time to ensure that there’s no wear and tear or distortion to the teeth. It can help to lubricate your ignition and door lock’s cylinder occasionally to ensure that the key fits smoothly. If your key ever begins to stick in your ignition lock, it’s time to assess whether you need to replace it. Also make sure to keep your ignition lock free of dirt and debris. 

Even newer vehicles can be susceptible to manufacturing defects and other problems that can cause your key to get stuck in the ignition lock. This is what often causes keys that are so cheaply made that they can break off in the lock. While it’s generally easier to free a stuck key than a broken one, a locksmith may be required in either case depending on the severity of the situation. 

What to Do If Your Key Is Stuck

First of all, don’t panic. While your natural tendency may be to get anxious and upset if you realize that your key is stuck and you can’t get it out, it’s important to keep a clear head. Panicking will only make the situation worse. It could cause you to use too much force on the car key in an attempt to get the key free again. You may damage the steering column or ignition cylinder as well if you try to forcefully manipulate them. It’s better to attempt the following specific procedures to free your stuck key. Often, all it takes is a bit of manipulation to get your key free, although obviously this isn’t always the case. 

• Jiggle the Key

If your key is still stuck even after attempting to free it with this maneuver, it could mean that the shift interlock is holding it in place. Or the teeth on the key may have become warped and gotten stuck on the pins inside the lock. Again, make sure not to use too much force when wiggling or bending the key, as this can cause the key to snap off in the lock, requiring a locksmith’s assistance to extract the broken pieces. If jiggling your key doesn’t work, move on to the next step. It also may be handy to keep a can of spray lubricant and a pair of pliers in your vehicle for just such a situation. Spray lubricant can be applied to the key, which might cause it to have enough slide to allow the key to free itself. It’s important after this occurs to replace your key or have your ignition lock looked at in order to prevent a reoccurrence in the future.  

• Rotate the Steering Wheel

Try rotating the steering wheel to see whether or not you can disengage the ignition cylinder and kick the key loose. If the mechanism is damaged and defective, it may be holding the key in place. Moving the steering wheel back and forth can sometimes kick loose parts that have seized up or become stuck. This happens due to safety features that keep the key in place when the ignition is engaged. If this doesn’t help, it could signal a serious problem with the ignition lock cylinder that may require a complete replacement in order to get you back to driving again.

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Panic Bars, Importance in Commercial Property

During an emergency, safety is very important. It’s not just about keeping your employees and clients safe on a daily basis. As the owner of a commercial property, you need to make sure that your property has enough security devices. Installing panic bars is just one of many things that you can do to enhance the safety of your property.

The professionals at El Mirage Locksmith (located in El Mirage, Arizona) have installed many panic bars before. We can install your panic bars quickly and professionally. You will love the job that we do. Just give us a call and request our services.

What Are Panic Bars?

Have you ever exited a building and noticed a little bar on the door that says emergency exit? That was a panic bar. They are designed to make it easier for people to exit a space if there is an emergency. They do not require electricity or any form of power to work. If you need to exit quickly, all you have to do is push on the bar and the door will open.

There are many other exit devices, but panic bars are one of the best ones. In fact, panic bars are so helpful that in some states they are mandatory once the building has a certain capacity. Although your business may have a small capacity, it is still a very good practice to make sure that you install panic bars.

What Are You Waiting For? Get Panic Bars Now!

Commercial properties that have panic bars installed are often much safer than those that don’t. if it something that you have been thinking about doing, you should stop thinking and get it installed right away. Here are some reasons why panic bars may be the best option for your commercial property.

1. They are inexpensive
   Although they are made for commercial use, you may be surprised to know that panic bars are not very expensive at all. No matter the size of your business or the budget that you are working with, it is highly likely that you will find a panic bar that suits your requirements. Forget about those high-priced security solutions for your doors that cost a fortune. Many of them are really not necessary. A panic bar will provide the security that you need for your doors.
2. You can purchase different types
   Panic bars come in different varieties. Of course, the type you choose will affect the price you pay, but it means that you can choose the features that you consider important. For instance, there are some panic bars that make sounds when they are used, others are quiet. Many of these features do not impact the amount of security that the device provides. They are just personal preferences that will vary from one person to another.
3. They can be used even when there is no emergency
   Using a panic bar when there isn’t an emergency doesn’t mean that you are cheating a system. It just means that you preferred to use that method of exit. As a matter of fact, there are some panic bars that are used as a regular means of exit for many commercial properties.
4. Installing panic bars can lower your insurance rates
   If you are looking to cut costs, it may seem a bit counter-productive, but it may be best to spend some. This is true with panic bars. Spending a few extra bucks to purchase a panic bar can end up saving you a substantial amount of money on your insurance. Not sure if this applies to you and your insurance company? Give them a call and find out. It won’t hurt. At least you will know their position on panic bars.

Installing a Panic Bar Without a Locksmith

You can get a panic bar from many sources. You can get them online from many online stores that sell commercial security devices and stores that sell lock hardware. You can also purchase them in retail stores. Plus, many locksmith companies will have some in stock. They are definitely not a difficult item to find.

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