Are your keys too heavy?

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Here is a maintenance tip to help prevent an unnecessary trip to the Service Department 

Look Familiar?!

Everyday we see key chains loaded up with everything from the obvious handful of keys, to knives, pictures frames, flashlights, bottle-openers, knick-knacks and everything in between. Although key chains are a great way to organize all the little things you need in day-to-day life,  adding too much to yours could damage your ignition and prevent you from starting your car. 

How much is too much? Probably less than you might think.  3 Lbs is often the weight limit that ignitions are designed to bear without undue wear.

Why is weight bad for your ignition? The extra weight will put additional stress on the tumblers, particularly as the car bounces and shakes down the road, causing them to wear irregularly and prematurely fail. A worn tumbler does not engage the locking mechanism properly, meaning your key will no longer be able to turn the lock.

To extend the life of your ignition system, drive with only the ignition key hanging off of your switch.

You should separate your car key(s) from the remaining clump, leaving just the car key and key fob to place as little load as possible on the ignition. A key ring like the one above, makes this simple.

Your car will thank you for following this advice (as well as your nerves and checkbook).