So here’s the big question that, well, most people find themselves asking: “Does ignition interlock device damage car?” Makes sense, right? I mean, when you’re told you need one, suddenly you’re thinking, “Wait, do I really want something hooked up to my car’s ignition?” I get it. You rely on that car every day. Grocery trips, kids, work. No one wants an extra gadget potentially causing trouble. There’s always these stories, y’know? “It’ll kill your battery,” “You’ll be in the mechanic shop every other week,” stuff like that.
Let’s dive in and sort out the truth from the, uh, exaggerations.
What Exactly is an Ignition Interlock Device, Anyway?
Alright, so what’s this thing even do? Basically, an ignition interlock device; often shortened to IID, is like a little breathalyzer for your car. You blow into it, it checks if you’ve been drinking, and if you’re all clear, the car starts. Simple as that. Now, it’s connected to your car’s ignition, which understandably has folks raising eyebrows. It sounds kinda intense, right? Hooked up to the very system that lets your car come to life.
The truth is, though, it is not nearly as invasive as it sounds. Consider it as though I were a doorman, unsure. It asks whether you would be suitable for entering; thereafter, it is simply… there. Not following you about, not monitoring you. Once your car’s started, the device is done with its part. And let’s be real here; if these things were constantly messing with people’s cars, well, we’d probably be hearing about it nonstop. Car manufacturers work closely with these companies to make sure the devices stay, let’s say, “out of the way” once the car’s running.
Does an Ignition Interlock Device Drain the Battery?
This one’s a classic worry. Does an IID drain the battery? Short answer: not really. It does draw a small amount of power, but it’s about the same as a tiny LED light would use, if even that. It’s not like it’s running full-throttle all the time. When your car’s off, the device is pretty much in a low-power state, just hanging out till you need to use it.
Think of it like a cell phone charger you left plugged in overnight. Sure, technically it’s using a little power, but not enough to make much difference. Now, if you’re letting your car sit for weeks on end without driving it? Sure, your battery might go flat; but that’s true with or without an IID installed. And, to be honest, if your battery’s draining faster than usual, it might be due for a replacement anyway. These things have a lifespan, right? Usually about three to five years, so sometimes people are just noticing a problem that was there all along.
In reality, most folks who worry about their IID draining the battery end up realizing it’s not the device at all. It’s just pointing out something that, well, was already an issue in the first place. Kinda like how when you clean a window, suddenly you notice the dust everywhere else; it’s not the window’s fault.
Related Article: Can You Use Remote Start with Ignition Interlock?
Will the Ignition Interlock Device Mess with the Engine?
Now here’s another biggie. People often think that because the IID’s connected to the ignition, it’s somehow messing with the engine while they’re driving. But that’s actually not how it works. Once the car is running, the device is pretty much done. It’s not poking around in the engine, changing how it runs, or anything like that.
Imagine it like a gate; you need a code to get in, but once you’re through, it’s just a gate. Not following you around or checking what you’re up to. The IID’s role is basically to control whether you can start the car or not, and after that, it’s, well, just sitting there, doing nothing. So if your car’s engine starts running funny, it’s probably not the IID’s doing.
Most people find their car’s performance doesn’t change a bit, which, honestly, is how it’s supposed to be. The device is designed to “disappear” in a way once the car’s running, not stick its nose in where it’s not needed.
Does Using the IID All the Time Cause Wear and Tear?
Here’s the deal. The IID requires you to blow into it every time you start the car, and for some systems, even while you’re driving. And sure, people wonder if all this “extra use” might wear things out faster. But here’s the kicker; the device is designed for this kind of use. It’s built tough, y’know?
It only interacts with your car at certain moments; starting up, or doing a rolling retest, which just means you might have to blow into it mid-drive sometimes. And really, it’s less of a drain than, say, cranking up the air conditioning or blasting your favorite song with the bass all the way up every day. Those things are probably putting more of a load on the car than the IID ever will.
So while it might seem like the device is putting your car through its paces, it’s not actually causing wear and tear. It’s designed to be there for when you need it, without being a bother otherwise.
What About Maintenance? Does It Need Special Attention?
Good question! The IID itself does need a bit of care; every few months, you’ll need to get it calibrated, just to make sure it’s working accurately. It’s a bit like taking your car for a regular tune-up. This doesn’t impact the car directly; it’s more about keeping the device’s accuracy in check.
Calibration is usually a quick thing, and the technicians are trained to handle it without messing up your car’s systems. So you’re not gonna have your car’s electronics turned upside down just to keep the IID running smoothly. It’s actually kind of a peace of mind thing; knowing it’s calibrated means it won’t act too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
For most people, the maintenance checks are just another routine stop. Nothing too disruptive, and certainly not causing issues with the car itself.
Editor’s note…
So let’s wrap this up. Does an ignition interlock device damage car? Honestly, the answer is no. These devices are built to be low-key, non-invasive, and safe for your vehicle. They’re not draining the battery, messing with the engine, or causing extra wear and tear.
If you’re still unsure, think about it like this: these devices wouldn’t be allowed on the market if they were known to cause serious problems. They’re here to help keep people safe, and that’s about it. If you’ve been told you need one, just remember; it’s not there to mess with your car.
It’s there to make sure you can keep driving safely, and honestly, that’s a pretty fair trade-off.
