Winter in Alberta presents unique challenges for vehicle owners. The extreme cold does more than just drain your car battery. Our team knows that it can also damage your keys and fobs. At Super G & R, we see many more calls during the winter months for broken keys and failing fobs. Understanding how the cold affects your security hardware helps you avoid a trip to see our professional technicians for automotive locksmith help.
Preventing Frozen Lock Damage
The most common issue our team sees involves frozen lock cylinders. Moisture gets inside the lock and freezes, so the internal parts cannot move. You risk snapping the metal blade if you force your key into a frozen lock. Instead of forcing it, our professional technicians recommend using a specialized lock de-icer. You could also gently warm your key. Our car key cutting services get you back on the road with a fresh copy if you do end up with a broken key.
Maintaining Key Fob Battery Life
Batteries in key fobs react poorly to the cold. You might notice that your remote starts to work only when you are very close to the car. It may even stop working entirely on a frozen morning. Our team suggests changing your fob battery every autumn before the temperature drops. This simple step prevents you from needing 24/7 lockout assistance when you are in a rush to get to work. Super G & R always recommends keeping a spare battery in your glovebox or at home.
Dealing with Road Salt and Corrosion
The salt and sand on our roads also cause many problems. These materials often find their way into your locks. This leads to corrosion and sticking. A small amount of graphite lubricant keeps your locks turning smoothly all winter long. Please do not use oil-based lubricants. These products gum up in the cold and cause more harm. Super G & R use these same maintenance techniques when our professional technicians service residential door locks to ensure they stand up to the weather.
Professional Support for Fleet Vehicles
Safety is our primary concern during the winter season. Being stuck outside in sub-zero temperatures is very dangerous. Consider our business security services to keep your company cars maintained if you have a business with a fleet of vehicles. Our team can inspect the locks on all your vehicles. This ensures your drivers never stay out in the cold. Super G & R is here to support you through the toughest weather conditions.
By taking these small steps, you protect your keys and your vehicle. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in avoiding the stress and cost of a winter lock failure. Stay warm and keep your keys in good working order. Reach out to our team today for help with your locks.
FAQ
What should I do if my key is stuck in a frozen lock? Do not pull on it with force. You should try to warm the lock with a hair dryer if possible. You can also use a commercial de-icer spray to melt the ice inside the cylinder.
Why does my key fob stop working when it is very cold? Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside batteries. This reduces their power output. A weak battery that works in the summer will often fail in the winter.
Can I use WD-40 in my car locks? Our team does not recommend it for long-term use in locks. It attracts dust and dirt. This eventually creates a sticky mess that prevents the lock from working properly.
How do I know if my lock is frozen or broken? It is likely ice if the key will not go in at all. It is likely frozen if the key goes in but will not turn and the lock feels “mushy.”
Is it safe to pour hot water on a frozen lock? Our professional technicians advise against this. The water can seep deeper into the door and freeze again. This potentially damages the power lock electronics or causes a bigger ice block later.