Is it okay to leave the car key inserted in the car all the time?
2 Answers
Leaving the car key inserted in the car all the time won't affect the vehicle, but it's not recommended for safety reasons. The basic components of a remote key consist of the following two points: 1. Transmitter: Composed of a transmission switch, transmission antenna, integrated circuit, etc., containing an identification code storage circuit and amplitude modulation circuit, with a button-type lithium battery installed on the opposite side of the circuit. The transmission frequency uses radio waves, and the transmission switch button sends a signal once each time it is pressed. 2. Receiver: After the transmitter sends the identification code using shortwave modulation, it is received by the car's shortwave antenna and enters the shortwave high-frequency amplification processor of the receiver's electronic control unit through a distributor for demodulation, where it is compared with the identification code in the demodulator.
Last time when I helped my neighbor move his car, I noticed the key was still in the ignition. It immediately reminded me of my colleague's painful experience. That guy forgot to pull out the key when he went to the restroom at a service area, and when he returned a few minutes later, he found the car window smashed. Although no valuables were stolen, replacing the window glass alone cost him over 800 yuan. Actually, leaving the key in the ignition for a long time is most harmful to the battery. Once during a camping trip, we tested it: listening to music with the key in the ignition while the engine was off. In three hours, the battery voltage dropped from 12.6V to 11.3V, and we ended up needing a jump start from another car. Now I’ve developed a habit: I always pull out the key and close the windows when getting out of the car, especially for short stops like picking up a package at a convenience store—both to prevent theft and protect the battery.
