Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Attach Any Other Keys to Your Ignition Key

While modern vehicles come with an array of safety features and sophisticated computer systems, some seemingly harmless habits can still cause significant damage to your car. One such habit is attaching too many keys to your ignition key. Here’s why this is a problem and other things you should avoid doing to your car.

1. Damage to the Ignition Cylinder

Attaching too many keys to your ignition key can cause serious damage to the sensitive interior components of your ignition cylinder. According to Jake McKenzie, content manager for autoaccessoriesgarage.com, “Your ignition cylinder wasn’t engineered to hold much weight on it. When you hang a heavy keyring from your ignition, every bump, turn, and vibration will slowly wear down the delicate inner elements”.¹ This can lead to intermittent starting problems and other major safety issues.

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2. Intermittent Starting Problems

Lauren Milligan shared a personal story that illustrates the risk: “My husband had probably three dozen keys on his ring. The weight shifted around the ignition so badly that he could pull the key out while driving and continue to drive”. This kind of wear can cause the key to become loose in the ignition, leading to unexpected engine shutdowns or difficulty starting the vehicle.

3. Safety Concerns

Worn ignition cylinders pose a safety risk. The weight from too many keys can cause the ignition to fail while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. Most experts recommend keeping only five or six keys on your keyring to avoid this problem. A better option is to keep your ignition key on its own keyring to completely reduce the weight.

4. Don’t Press “Off Engine” While Driving

Modern cars are equipped with safety features to prevent the engine from turning off while driving. However, it’s still not a good idea to press the “off engine” button at high speeds. This can cause confusion and potential system errors.²

5. Don’t Select “Reverse” While Driving

Selecting “reverse” while driving can confuse your car’s computer system. While the system is designed to ignore such commands, consistently giving conflicting orders can eventually damage the transmission.

6. Don’t Select “Park” While Driving

Similar to selecting “reverse,” choosing “park” while driving can cause harm. The computer will block this command for safety, but it’s best to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the system.

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7. Regular Oil Changes

Following the manufacturer’s specification for oil changes is crucial. Some manufacturers use very thin oil when cars leave the factory, which must be changed at around 1,000 km to prevent engine damage.

8. Don’t Overfill the Engine

Filling the engine oil beyond the indicated “full” point on the dipstick can cause catastrophic failure. Overfilling leads to excessive pressure and potential engine damage.

9. Avoid Running on Empty

Driving with a near-empty fuel tank can cause sediment from the bottom of the tank to be sucked into the engine, leading to damage. It’s good practice to refill when the tank reaches about one-quarter full.

10. Check Tire Pressure and Wheel Balance

Maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring wheel balance and alignment are critical for safe driving. Unbalanced wheels and under-inflated tires can lead to poor handling and increased wear.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can extend the life of your vehicle and enhance its safety. Keep your ignition key lightweight, follow proper maintenance practices, and stay vigilant about your car’s needs to ensure smooth and safe driving experiences.

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