It’s hard to believe, but cars didn’t always have ignition keys. In fact, early on, they relied on a crank to start the engine. This was eventually replaced by a key and ignition system. Why did this change? Many factors came into play, but one of the most important was the development of electricity. Cars could now be started with a simple turn of the key, rather than a difficult and time-consuming crank. If you’re looking to learn more about the history of cars and how they got their ignition keys, check out this article. It will give you an overview of some of the key moments in car history and how they led to our current day ignition systems.
How Cars Got Ignition Keys
In 1885, a man by the name of William L. Davidson patented an ignition system for gasoline-powered vehicles. This system used a key that rotated to ignite the fuel in the engine. However, this system was not popularized until 1897, when George Selden patented a similar key system. About 10 years later, in 1912, Cadillac began using keys with an electric motor to start their cars.
How Ignition Keys Work
Cars started needing ignition keys in the early 1900s. Before that, people would use a key to turn the crank on an engine. Cars didn’t have engines until the 1910s, so people would use a key to turn the crank on a machine that would start the engine.
The first cars with ignition keys were made in 1911. The keys were used to turn the crank on an engine that was not yet built into the car. The first year that cars had engines built into them was 1912. Cars did not have electric starters until 1913.
In 1931, Ford began using electronic ignitions and no longer needed keys to start their vehicles. GM followed suit in 1934. Today, all modern cars use electric starters and do not need keys to start them up.
The History of Ignition Keys
The first ignition key was likely developed in 1892. The key consisted of a small metal disk with a hole in the center that fit into a hole on the car’s crankcase. When the key was turned, it rotated the flywheel inside the engine, starting it up.
How to Change a Car’s Ignition Key
If you ever find yourself locked out of your car, there are a few things you can do to get it started. The first thing you need is the key, which can be changed at a variety of mechanical and automotive shops. If the key’s original lock is no longer working or if the key itself is damaged, you may need to replace the entire ignition assembly.
What to Do if Your Car Doesn’t Start
If your car doesn’t start, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. If the car has a keyless entry, try turning the ignition on and off several times. If you can’t get the car to turn over at all, try using a key to open the door. If none of these work, you may need to take your car to a mechanic.