How to Maintain Your Car Locks for Long-Term Reliability
Car locks are one of the most overlooked components of vehicle maintenance until they fail.
From frozen doors to jammed ignition barrels, neglected locks can quickly cause inconvenience, delays, and even breakdowns.
At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we regularly attend vehicles with seized, broken, or damaged locks, many of which could have been prevented with a little regular maintenance.
With colder weather on the way, now’s the perfect time to make sure your locks are ready for winter. Here's how.
1. Lubricate Locks Regularly
Over time, dirt, moisture, and temperature changes can cause your car locks to become stiff or seize entirely. Using a graphite-based lock lubricant helps keep internal components moving freely without attracting dust.
Top Tip:
Avoid WD-40 and oily sprays, they can gum up the internal mechanisms and worsen the problem over time.
2. Use Your Physical Key Occasionally
If your car has keyless entry, it’s easy to forget the traditional key even exists. But if the battery dies and the manual lock has seized from lack of use, you could be locked out completely.
Turn your key in the door lock and ignition occasionally to keep everything moving. This also helps prevent internal corrosion.
3. Inspect for Signs of Wear
Check your key for damage, a bent or worn key can gradually damage your lock barrel. Also listen for clicking, grinding, or increased resistance when locking or unlocking manually. These are early signs something isn’t quite right.
4. Keep Locks Dry in Winter
Water ingress is a common cause of frozen locks. After washing your car or during prolonged rain, dry off around keyholes and door seals with a soft cloth.
During winter, consider using a lock de-icer and keep it handy at home. Never use boiling water on frozen locks, it can damage internal components.
5. Don’t Force Stiff Locks
If the lock or ignition feels unusually stiff, don’t force it. Doing so risks snapping your key or jamming the barrel entirely. Instead, contact a locksmith for diagnosis and preventative repair.
When to Call Rush Auto Locksmiths
If your lock has already seized, your key is stuck, or the barrel has failed completely, our mobile locksmiths are ready to help. We provide:
Emergency entry for seized or jammed locks
Lock barrel repairs and replacements
Key extraction from damaged barrels
Spare and replacement key cutting
Advice and preventative maintenance tips
We’re based in Blackpool and cover the whole of North West Lancashire. Our fully equipped mobile vans can be with you quickly wherever you are, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Don’t Let a Stiff Lock Ruin Your Day
It’s always better to prevent lock failure than to deal with the disruption and cost of repairs after it happens. Especially during winter months, a little lock care goes a long way.
📞 Call Rush Auto Locksmiths on 07482 546011 or visit rushautolocksmiths.co.uk to book a check-up or get expert help with any lock-related issue.
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