The Pertonix 1 will die if the ignition is left on without the engine running. You don't have to do it, a guy at America's Tires killed mine. Same guy who said my truck was stupid because he couldn't figure out how to release the emergency brake. He didn't work there for long. There are Pertonix 2s and 3s for a reason - much needed improvements. I went with the DUI, and have never regretted it.