Seasonal Security Tips: Preparing Your Locks for the Winter Season
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, many homeowners and business owners turn their attention to winter preparations like insulating windows or stocking up on salt for icy driveways. But one often-overlooked aspect of seasonal readiness is your locks and preparing your locks for the winter seashon. Harsh winter weather can turn a reliable lock into a frustrating—or even dangerous—obstacle. At ApexAccess (Colorado Springs, CO based commercial locksmith), we’ve seen countless cases where frozen or malfunctioning locks leave people locked out in the cold. In this post, we’ll explore common winter lock problems and share practical tips to keep your security systems functioning smoothly all season long.
Why Winter Wreaks Havoc on Locks
Winter brings a unique set of challenges to locks, primarily due to cold temperatures, moisture, and fluctuating weather conditions. Understanding these issues is the first step toward prevention.
- Freezing and Jamming: Moisture from rain, snow, or even humid air can seep into lock mechanisms. When temperatures plummet below freezing, this water turns to ice, expanding and causing the lock to seize up. This is especially common in exterior door locks, padlocks, and car doors, where exposure is constant.
- Metal Contraction: Locks are made of metal components that contract in extreme cold. This can make keys harder to insert or turn, leading to stiffness or complete failure. Over time, repeated contraction and expansion from temperature swings can wear down internal parts, increasing the risk of breakage.
- Rust and Corrosion: Snow and ice often come with road salt or de-icing chemicals, which can accelerate rust on metal locks. Once corrosion sets in, it compromises the lock’s integrity, making it easier for intruders to tamper with or forcing you to replace it prematurely.
- Electronic Lock Failures: For modern smart locks or keyless entry systems, cold weather can drain batteries faster than usual. Frozen sensors or condensation inside electronic components can also lead to malfunctions, leaving you reliant on a backup key that might not work either.
These problems aren’t just inconvenient—they can pose real security risks. A jammed lock might prevent you from entering your home during an emergency, or worse, make it vulnerable to break-ins. According to industry reports, lock-related calls to locksmiths spike by up to 30% during winter months, often due to preventable issues.
Essential Tips for Winterizing Your Locks
The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can safeguard your locks against winter’s wrath. Here’s how to get started:
1. Lubricate Regularly
Lubrication is your lock’s best friend in cold weather. Avoid oil-based products, as they can attract dirt and gum up over time. Instead, opt for lubricants locksmiths use like Triflow , for lubricating the keyway only, or LPS silicone-based sprays designed for locks (use LPS only on the lock bolts, latches, and exposed lock parts). Apply a small amount into the keyhole and work the key in and out a few times to distribute it evenly. Do this every few weeks, or after heavy snowfall, to prevent freezing. Pro tip: If your lock is already stiff, warm the key with a hairdryer or a lighter before inserting it to melt any ice gently. See Important Note at end of this post below!
2. Protect from the Elements
Exposure is the enemy, so minimize it where possible. For padlocks on gates or sheds, consider using rust-resistant models made from brass or stainless steel. If you have a garage or carport, park vehicles inside to shield car door locks from direct weather. For homes with storm doors, ensure they’re properly sealed to reduce moisture buildup around the main lock.
3. Upgrade to Winter-Ready Hardware
Not all locks are created equal when it comes to cold climates. If your current setup is outdated, consider upgrading to high-security, weather-resistant options. Deadbolts with anti-freeze features or electronic locks with extended battery life can make a big difference. At ApexAccess, we recommend brands like Schlage or Kwikset for their durability in harsh conditions. For businesses, investing in commercial-grade locks which hold up better overtime, not just in harsh environmental conditions.
4. Maintain and Inspect Routinely
Prevention beats cure, so incorporate lock checks into your winter routine. Inspect all locks for signs of wear, such as loose screws or keys that are hard to use (miscut or worn keys tend to be more difficult to use in the colder months), and tighten or clean as needed. For electronic systems, replace batteries at the start of the season and test backups. If you notice persistent issues, don’t DIY a fix that could void warranties—call a professional. Regular maintenance not only extends lock life but also ensures your property remains secure.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Even with the best preparations, surprises happen. Keep a de-icer spray (like those for car windshields) in your bag or glove compartment for quick thaws. Avoid forcing a frozen lock, as this can bend keys or damage internals. Instead, use gentle heat from a portable warmer (lighter or hair dryer, even dipping the key in a cup of hot coffee will warm it up to defreeze a lock, but the lock will need proper lubrication to prevent the next freeze up) or call for help. Stock up on spare keys stored in a warm, accessible spot, and consider a keyless entry app if your system supports it.
Wrapping Up: Stay Secure This Winter
Winterizing your locks is a small investment that pays off in peace of mind and avoided headaches. By addressing potential problems early and following these tips, you’ll keep your home, vehicle, or business protected through the coldest months. If you’re unsure about your locks’ readiness or need professional installation, the experts at ApexAccess are here to help. Give us a call today for a free consultation—we’ll ensure your security is as solid as ever, no matter the weather.
Stay warm and secure!
Important Note: The lubricants noted here are what we use regularly. The links are not full product endorsements nor do we receive any monetary gains from these producers. You may also find these lubricants at your local Ace Hardware store. However, avoid any promoted lock lubricants that contain graphite. Graphite will eventually pack the lock as dirt accumulates and will prevent smooth operation. It is only useful in certain applications and rarely works well over time without fully disassembly and cleaning the locks key cylinder before using graphite. The graphite products one squirts into the keyhole will create a service call to ApexAccess to resolve the problem.