The ignition lock ensures that you can easily start your car. In the ignition lock is a plate with four contact points and a lock cylinder with 2 elongated steel plates. When you turn the lock, the steel plates come against the contacts. This causes current to flow through the contact. This current goes to the starter motor and ensures that your engine starts to turn.
Because parts of the lock move past each other, they wear out every time you start the car. Over time, the parts no longer make good contact. The car then no longer starts reliably. You can also notice this because you feel no resistance when you turn the key.
Another sign that the ignition lock is worn out is that you can no longer turn the key. The lock cylinder is then stuck in the housing.
If you have one of these problems, the entire ignition lock needs to be replaced. Of course, it can also happen that you lose or break your car keys. If that happens, you can also choose to replace just the lock cylinder. This is easier and cheaper than replacing the entire ignition lock. A new lock cylinder comes with matching keys. You will probably also want to replace the door lock. If your car has central locking, you will need a special lock cylinder for that.
All parts of your car locks, both the door locks and the ignition lock, can easily be found at Winparts using your licence plate number. This way, you know that the part fits your car. If you are unsure what you need, our customer service is ready with advice.