The freezing temperatures we’re seeing at the moment bring plenty of frost and ice. It sparkles and glistens on the bonnet of our cars, but can be a nuisance when we have to venture outside and have places to be.
Alongside the hazard of slipping on ice, being locked out of your vehicle in minus temperatures could be extremely dangerous. Whilst locking your keys inside the vehicle or losing them when out and about are two of the most common reasons for being locked out of your vehicle, the winter weather can have an adverse effect, such as locking system malfunctions and frozen locks (usually an issue with older cars).
We’ve put together a few tips and tricks for what you should do to prevent a car lock out in the winter. Alternatively, if you’re currently facing a car lockout in the South Wales area, please get in touch.
Don’t leave your car keys in your vehicle
Easier said than done (if by accident), but don’t leave your keys in the car unless there is a trustworthy adult inside with them. When de-icing a car, you might find it tempting to leave the engine running whilst you run back inside to grab something to speed things up. However, this could result in your being locked out of your car - not good!
Keep a spare car key
If you’ve read any of our other blogs, you’ll know that we continuously mention this - only because it’s super important and could save you a lot of time down the road (literally!). To avoid calling out an auto locksmith, make sure you have a spare car key to hand. Give a spare to a trusted family member or friend for peace of mind.
Lubricate your car locks
This won’t apply to everyone, particularly those who have newer cars, but if you place your key into the door lock to unlock your vehicle, this will apply to you. Minus temperatures can cause your locks to freeze - but this can be avoided by regularly lubricating your locks with a spray lubricant such as WD-40.
If you do find that your car lock is frozen, you can try melting the ice with a hairdryer or warming your key with a lighter to melt through the ice. But remember, not to force anything!
Replace damaged keys and batteries immediately
This might be common sense for many, but it’s not always at the top of our to-do list. If you notice the battery in your key fob getting low, replace it right away and if you notice that the key is damaged, get it repaired as soon as you can. Nobody wants their key to break off in the lock, right?
South Wales Auto Locksmith
If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle during the winter or anytime of the year for that matter, you will most likely need to call an auto locksmith. If you find that this has happened to you in South Wales, no matter whether you’re at home or at work or on holiday, you can trust our expertise and professional service.
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