Car ownership is one of the most common forms of transportation today. But where did the car ignition key originate? The answer might surprise you. It actually originated in 1879, when a Frenchman named Georges-Albert Clément developed a way to start cars using a remote control. Prior to this, cars were started with keys that were revolved around cylinders on the engine.
The History of the Ignition Key
The history of the ignition key begins in 1879 when Charles Kettering designed and built the first automobile. At the time, cars did not have keys, they had turn signals that would flash when the car was ready to be moved. To start the car, you would use your hand to crank it.
In 1898, Ignaz Schwinn invented the electric starter which allowed for easier starting of cars. Soon after, other companies began creating electric starters as well.
In 1923, Cadillac developed a push-button starter which became standard on their cars in 1925. The switch allowed for simultaneous turning of all four wheels and made starting much easier.
In 1955, GM introduced a magnetic key system which made starting cars much easier by allowing drivers to insert the key into a hole on the dashboard. This system was eventually replaced by electronic systems in most vehicles.
Cars that Do Not Have an Ignition Key
Cars that do not have an ignition key are becoming more popular. They’re often called “electric cars” because they don’t have a traditional engine that needs to be started with a key. Some people think this type of car is more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t use gasoline.
The first cars without an ignition key were made in the early 1900s. At the time, cars didn’t need keys because they were powered by gasoline or electric motors. Cars with keys started appearing in the 1920s and 1930s.
How to Change Your Vehicle’s Ignition Key
What year were cars first made with ignition keys?
Early automobiles did not have keys, and the engine had to be started by hand. The first documented automobile with an ignition key was built in 1892 by George B. Crump.
Conclusion
When it comes to cars, one of the first things you might notice is that they all have keys. The earliest car models were made without any form of ignition, meaning that you had to manually start them by turning the key in the ignition. As time went on and people began to realize how dangerous it was not to have a way to start their cars in case of emergency, they came up with a solution: starting systems. With starting systems, cars would automatically start when you turned the key in the ignition and would stay running until you turned off the engine or opened the door.