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Imagine yourself in the busy day, ready to start your car... but nothing happens. A simple turn of a key that turns into a mechanical nightmare. The cause? Too heavy a key ring. Few drivers realize that grouping all their keys on the same ring can have serious consequences for their vehicle. Yet this everyday gesture may shorten the lifetime of the start-up mechanism and expose you to costly repairs.
So why is it a problem and how to avoid trouble?
A weight that damages your contactor
The vehicle ton switch, also known as the ignition cylinder, is designed to support only the weight of the car key. Each shake, bend or wrench amplifies the pressure exerted by an overloaded key ring.
Result:
- Accelerated wear of the contactor.
- Difficulty turning the key.
- A risk of total failure of the ignition system.
Early warning signs of a pending contactor:
- A key that gets stuck or spins hard.
- A need to force to start the vehicle.
- A capricious ignition or an engine that refuses to launch.
Preventable but costly repairs
If the contactor ends up giving in, prepare for a salty bill. Replacing this part can cost between 200 and 600 dollars, not counting the workforce. And if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic starter system, the note may rise even higher.
The solution? Lighten your key ring.
Makes the habit of keeping on it only your car key and possibly a little light keychain. Your other keys (home, desk, mailbox) can be grouped into another keystroke.
A simple gesture for more practicality
Apart from the mechanical impact, an overloaded bundle is impractical. Who has never wasted time looking for the right key among a dozen others?
Moreover, in case of loss, all your keys disappear at the same time, which can further complicate the situation.
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