How Cold Weather Affects Your Locks

With the weather getting colder, it’s important to understand the effect lower temperatures have on your locks. For example, people often wonder, “Can weather prevent my lock from opening?”

In fact, extremely cold temperatures could cause your locks to freeze, making them almost impossible to open.

Read on to learn about more common weather effects on locks.

Freezing

One of the most common cold weather effects people experience with their locks in winter is freezing. When exposed to cold air, the key slit in locks can fill with a layer of ice, making it difficult to insert a key.

You don’t want to get home on a cold day only to find out you can’t go inside because of a frozen lock. Freezing can occur on almost any lock, including your car door locks and window locks.

Contraction

Another common lock problem in winter is contraction. If your locks contract due to cold temperatures, you may not be able to get your key inside the slit. Contraction can even permanently damage your locks.

Maintaining your locks

The best way to keep your locks from getting damaged during winter is by providing them with proper maintenance. Proper lock maintenance should always include regularly oiling all your locks, including your door locks, car locks and window locks. Regular oiling will help prevent rusting and other issues. Just be sure to use a top-quality oil.

It’s also important to prevent moisture from getting into your locks. Moisture will not only lead to rust, but it can also cause your locks to freeze in cold temperatures. Keep your locks away from rain and snow as much as possible. If your locks do get wet, be sure to warm and dry them right away.

Get help when you need it

So, can weather prevent your lock from opening? Absolutely. Common weather effects on locks include freezing and contracting. These issues may not seem like a big deal, but they could cause a major disruption in your day and make it difficult to properly secure your home. That’s why it’s important to take care of problems with your locks as soon as you notice them.

Sometimes you can fix issues with your lock by simply spraying them with a top-quality lubricant. You could also try warming the key a bit in your hand before inserting it into the lock. If these solutions don’t work, you’ll want to get in touch with a professional locksmith.

You don’t want the problem to get worse, and trying to repair a lock on your own could lead to disaster. Instead, let a professional quickly and efficiently repair your lock, so you won’t have to worry about it.

Speak with the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key

At Artie’s Lock and Key, our expert locksmiths will ensure your locks work properly all winter long. Contact us today, and we’ll be at your location in no time to help you get into your home, car or place of business. Some of our great services include door repairs, key replacements and lock replacements.

Categorised in: Locksmith

This post was written by Writer