How long does an ignition lock cylinder last?

Most car owners don't think about getting in the car and starting it. For a car to start properly, a number of different components must work together. One of the most important of these elements is the ignition lock cylinder. Inside the knot where your key goes is a cylinder that holds the key and allows you to turn the knot. Once the assembly is rotated, the ignition coil fires and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. This lock cylinder should fire every time you try to start the car.

The ignition lock cylinder should last as long as the car, but usually this does not happen. When the ignition unit is installed, there will be some grease in the lock cylinder, making it much easier to turn it with the key. Over time, the grease will begin to dry out, making it difficult for the ignition assembly to work. Once you start noticing problems with the lock cylinder, you will need to fix them to avoid breakdowns.

There are many things that can make your ignition lock cylinder useless. In some cases, the key you have will only fit that cylinder in a certain way. Attempting to pick the key if it is turned incorrectly may result in internal damage to the lock cylinder. Instead of causing such damage, you will need to pay attention to how to insert the key and how to properly care for the lock cylinder. In some cases, problems with the lock cylinder can be fixed with an aerosol lubricant.

Below are some of the things you may notice when it's time to get your ignition lock cylinder.