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247 Auto Locksmith

Water Damage & Car Keys What Really Happens Inside the Fob

Your car key fob might seem tough, but inside it’s a delicate piece of technology. One of the most common causes of failure is water damage —and unlike your mobile phone, it usually doesn’t recover after being left in a puddle, washed…

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Published: 8 September 2025 Service area: London, Surrey, Sussex & Kent Author: Garry · 247 Auto Locksmith

Quick answer

Your car key fob might seem tough, but inside it’s a delicate piece of technology. One of the most common causes of failure is water damage —and unlike your mobile phone, it usually doesn’t recover after being left in a puddle, washed with clothes, or dropped in the sink.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers for drivers searching this topic.

Can I put my car key in rice to dry it out?

Rice may help with surface moisture, but it won’t stop long-term corrosion. Professional cleaning or replacement is the only reliable solution.

Why does my key work sometimes after water exposure?

That’s intermittent corrosion—metal contacts are partially damaged, so performance becomes unreliable until it fails.

Does insurance cover water-damaged keys?

In some cases, yes. Check your vehicle or home insurance policy.

Can a water-damaged key be saved?

Sometimes, if the battery is removed quickly and corrosion has not destroyed the PCB or transponder. Often a programmed replacement is the reliable fix.

Can a mobile auto locksmith help with this?

Yes. 247 Auto Locksmith diagnoses and fixes car key, immobiliser, ignition and steering-lock issues on-site across London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Do you charge a call-out fee?

No. There is no call-out fee. You get a fixed price before work begins.

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Mobile auto locksmith across London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. No call-out fee. Fixed price before we start.