How Phoenix Heat and Monsoon Wear Down Keys and Fobs

Phoenix takes its toll on the components in your key fob over a year, but it’s not the same kind of year that a northern city has. Heat, sunlight, and humidity wear down the electronics and plastics in your fob until either the battery dies or something fails in the lock. key fobs fob checks

Heat kills off your fob battery

Key fobs operate using a small battery, and heat accelerates the reaction enough to drain your battery much sooner than expected. This results in reduced range, especially during a Phoenix summer when temperatures soar well past 140 degrees F, as explained further in our article on what can go wrong with your fob.

UV rays deteriorate plastic and circuits boards

Direct exposure to Arizona sunshine degrades any key fob casing over time and causes the internal buttons fall off apart, it is also bad for the internal circuit board, which means keeping your fob out of sunlight by parking in the shade, parking in garages when possible, and not storing your fob in your vehicle.

Monsoon season brings dust into locks

Once the rainy season comes, blowing dust and moisture get into your door handle and lock cylinder. They accumulate and grind themselves against pins and the key blade. Lubricating the lock with a dry lubricant will resolve any issue with locks getting stuck, and forcing the blade only breaks it.

Keeping your keys protected during summer

Keep the fob inside and not exposed to heat, switch out an aging battery, park in the shade whenever possible, and clean your lock cylinder from dust and dirt. Your spare key needs a similarly safe place as well.