Imagine yourself in the middle of a busy day, ready to start your car… but nothing happens. A simple turn of the key that turns into a mechanical nightmare. The cause? A key ring that is too heavy. Few drivers realize that grouping all their keys on the same ring can have serious consequences for their vehicle. However, this everyday action could very well shorten the life of the ignition mechanism and expose you to costly repairs.
So why is it a problem and how can you avoid trouble?
A weight that damages your contactor
The vehicle ignition switch, also called the ignition cylinder, is designed to support only the weight of the car key. Every jolt, turn, or speed bump adds to the pressure from an overloaded key fob.
Result :
- Accelerated wear of the contactor.
- Difficulty turning the key.
- A risk of total failure of the ignition system.
Warning signs of a failing contactor:
- A key that gets stuck or turns with difficulty.
- A need to force to start the vehicle.
- A capricious ignition or an engine that refuses to start.
Avoidable but costly repairs
If the ignition switch does eventually fail, be prepared for a hefty bill. Replacing this part can cost anywhere from $200 to $600, not including labor. And if your vehicle has an electronic starting system, the bill can climb even higher.
The solution? Lighten your key ring!
Get into the habit of only keeping your car key and possibly a small, lightweight key ring on it. Your other keys (house, office, mailbox) can be grouped on another set of keys.
A simple gesture for greater convenience
In addition to the mechanical impact, an overloaded key ring is impractical. Who has never wasted time looking for the right key among a dozen others?
Additionally, if you lose your keys, all your keys disappear at once, which can complicate the situation even further.
