Take a look at the key ring you are using to hold your ignition key. How many other keys are hanging there? More than 4 or 5? Do you have charms, a flashlight, a can opener on the ring? How about the mini plastic scan card from Borders or another store you frequent? Your child’s photo? A cute, stuffed animal? It’s amazing how many of us, (and I have to say it is usually us women!), use our key ring as a place to collect mementos and other gadgets we are fond of or want to have immediate access to.
Having a large and heavy key ring may make it easier to find in your purse, but there is a critical down side. Over time, that heavy key ring swaying to and fro from your ignition, will wear down the tumblers in the lock and cause problems with starting your car. The worst case scenario is when your car won’t start at all. Think of your own front door in your home. The key inserts in the lock and turns the tumblers inside until the lock is released. If the tumblers wear down or become damaged in some way, your key is not going to work as it should.
The best way to solve this potential problem is to keep your ignition key on a detachable ring from your other keys and paraphernalia. That way, when you get in your vehicle, you can simply detach the key for use while you are driving. More and more vehicles today use the remote keys, but if you still have to put your key in an ignition slot, be mindful of the weight of your key ring and the possible damage it can cause. The cost to replace your ignition tumblers is not cheap, but something you can easily avoid.
Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive
Mountain View Auto Repair