Winter is a lovely season, but it also arrives with a myriad of car lock PROBLEMS that will leave you stranded and frustrated. With lowered temperatures comes increased susceptibility of your car to issues, particularly concerning the locking system. You shouldn’t let winter car lock issues surprise you—here’s what to be aware of and how to avoid the issues.
Frozen Locks
Frozen locks are probably the most typical of all the car lock problems during the winter. As the temperature goes down, moisture can freeze within the locking mechanism, and it will be very difficult to turn the key or operate the car key fob.
How to Prevent Frozen Locks:
- Leave your vehicle in a garage to protect it from harsh freezing temperatures.
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant near the lock to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Always dry your keys before putting them into the lock.
If frozen locks refuse to move, have a professional provide car key replacement to keep your key and lock systems in check.
Lubricating Car Locks
Another preventive measure to prevent winter car lock issues is lubricating your car locks regularly. Winter car issues tend to stiffen the internal parts of the lock, resulting in jammed locks or keys that will not turn.
Top Lubricants to Apply:
- Silicone spray: Will not freeze in cold weather, which is great for frozen door latches.
- Graphite powder: A non-dirty lubricant that will not attract moisture or dirt, which can exacerbate the issue.
- Lock de-icer sprays: These can melt ice inside the lock and are designed especially for extremely cold temperatures.
Frozen Door Mechanisms
Not just the locks are frozen. When it becomes cold outdoors, the entire door mechanism—frozen door latches and stuck handles included—can become a major annoyance.
Things You Can Do:
- Before attempting to open frozen doors, warm up your car. This allows some thawing of the internal workings.
- To keep the seals around the door from freezing, apply an anti-freeze solution to them.
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the handle of your door to try to dislodge the frozen parts if it’s still frozen. In more severe cases, where gentle treatment is insufficient to free the stuck handles, professional maintenance is recommended.
Keyless Entry Failures
Keyless entry systems can also malfunction during winter as a result of the cold weather compromising the sensors in the car or draining the car key fob’s battery. This can render it impossible to lock or unlock your car remotely.
Solving Problems with Keyless Entry:
- Check the battery in your car key fob and replace it if needed.
- Verify that the sensors in your car are not blocked by snow or ice.
- Have the keyless entry system inspected by a professional if the issue persists.
Auto Key Masters offers expert services to replace or repair automobile key fob issues, or even replace the ignition system if required, for people who are having persistent keyless entry issues. For additional information, see ignition repair and replacement services or car key replacement.
Winter maintenance is crucial to prevent these typical winter car lock prolems and maintain your vehicle in good condition during the winter season.