Extreme weather can impact the functionality of your locks. Here's how to protect them.
Humidity and Rain:
Moisture can cause rust and corrosion. Regularly lubricate your locks with silicone spray to keep them functioning smoothly.
When it comes to lubricating the lock, don't use regular WD40! The WD stands for Water Displacement. It will get rid of the water, but will not lubricate the lock, as that's not what it's for. A good lubricant is Houdini. There are other specific lock lubes also, but it should clearly state its purpose.
Cold Temperatures:
Locks can freeze in cold weather. Use a lock de-icer or warm the key before insertion to avoid jamming. Vehicles locks are the worst in the freezing temps. Take special care with Honda's, as their high security locks are already quite vulnerable.
Heat and Sun Exposure:
Heat can warp doors and misalign locks. Ensure your doors fit properly to prevent locking issues. The weatherstripping often causes alignment issues as the seasons change. It expands and becomes softer and more gummy in the heat. In the cold, it compresses, but also becomes more firm. Your door alignment may change with the seasons.
When we're talking about Kwikset's SmartKey, never use powdered graphite in those locks! It can destroy the lock, by filling in the grooves where the combination is stored. This allows the combination to slip and the key stops working. The lock is effectively trashed after this happens.