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Heavy bunches of keys can cause irreversible damage to car ignitions.
Auto locksmith specialists at PT Lock & Safe have warned motorists that overloaded keychains place continuous downward strain on delicate internal lock cylinders.
Many modern keyrings carry weighty fobs, supermarket loyalty cards, trolley tokens, souvenirs, bottle openers and GPS trackers.
A spokesman for PT Lock & Safe said: "A multitude of keys on your keyring can actually cause damage to your vehicle's ignition."
"The weight of a cluttered key ring, coupled with how gravity works, can weigh down a vehicle's ignition, which could cause the ignition to fail."
When driving over bumps, braking or taking corners, normal road vibrations turn a heavy bunch into a pendulum that accelerates mechanical wear.
The firm added: "The weight of the keyring pulling down on the ignition can cause the barrels inside the ignition lock to wear down."
"Once these internal parts wear down you might start to experience problems with your ignition."
Over time, the downward drag creates loose or wobbly keys and makes it difficult to turn the barrel smoothly.
In severe cases, keys can stick or snap off inside the cylinder, while electronic immobilisers may detect a fault and lock drivers out completely.
Driver fines and the Highway Code
While carrying multiple keys is not an offence, motoring experts have warned that clutter and loose items inside a vehicle can still trigger legal penalties.
Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that safe driving requires full concentration, with motorists urged to avoid distractions and hazards.
If loose items, cabin clutter or mechanical obstructions impede safe control of the vehicle, police can treat the matter as careless driving.
Careless driving carries an initial £100 on-the-spot fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on a driving licence.
In more serious cases or if contested in court, fines can rise to £2,500 alongside a potential driving ban.