ADVERTISEMENT
Imagine yourself in the middle of a busy day, ready to start your car... but nothing happens. A simple turn of the key turns into a mechanical nightmare. The cause? A key ring that's too heavy. Few drivers realize that grouping all their keys on a single ring can have serious consequences for their vehicle. Yet, this everyday action could shorten the lifespan of the ignition mechanism and expose you to costly repairs.
So why is this a problem and how can we 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 bump, turn, or speed bump amplifies the pressure exerted by 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 faulty contactor:
- A key that is stuck or difficult to turn.
- 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 finally fails, prepare for a hefty bill. Replacing this part can cost between €200 and €600, not including labor. And if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic ignition 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 a separate set of keys.
