How To Fix A Sticky Car Door Lock

How To Fix A Sticky Car Door Lock: Having trouble with a sticky car door lock? You’re not alone. Many car owners experience issues with sticky or malfunctioning locks, and while it might seem like a hassle, there’s a relatively simple fix that does not involve using oil. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to lubricate your car door lock effectively.

How To Fix A Sticky Car Door Lock

Introduction

Why You Should Avoid Oil

First, let’s get one thing straight: **do not use oil**. Oil attracts dirt and can gunk up the lock mechanism over time, making the problem worse. WD-40, in particular, is not ideal for this purpose. While it’s a versatile product, the WD-40 penetrating oil is not suitable for lubricating locks as it gathers dirt quickly.

The Right Lubricants to Use

Nowadays, there are various lubricant options available, including silicone-based products from WD-40. These newer lubricants are designed to avoid the pitfalls of traditional oils. I recommend trying out the WD-40 silicone-based lubricant for car locks because it is water-resistant and quick-drying.

If you’re dealing with high-security locks like Primus or Medeco, they recommend dry lubricants, which we’ll cover in another video.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lubricate Your Car Lock

Here is a practical guide to fixing a sticky car door lock using WD-40 silicone-based lubricant:

1. Preparation: Identify the sticky lock. It could be your car door lock, house door lock, etc.

2. Application: Spray the WD-40 silicone-based lubricant into the lock. Apply more lubricant than usual for locks that are particularly troublesome.

3. Manipulation: Insert your key into the lock and work it in and out several times. Avoid trying to turn the key immediately.

4. Reapplication: If necessary, apply more lubricant and repeat the process.

5. Testing: Once you’ve worked the key in and out and added lubricant multiple times, test the key by turning it to see if the lock moves more smoothly.

6. Patience: Sometimes, the lubrication process might need a bit of time. If the lock is still sticky, let it sit for a few hours or a day and try again.

This method resolves about 80% of sticky lock issues, unless it’s a key problem or a specific lock type like the Honda Sidewinder, which has its unique challenges.

BMW Car Locks

BMW owners frequently encounter unique issues with their locks, especially with the driver’s door lock, which is often covered and rarely used. When the remote batterydies, which is non-replaceable and expensive to fix, owners resort to using the key, leading to rapid wear and eventual failure of the lock. Typically, these locks are only designed for emergency use and may fail after about 50 uses. Unfortunately, no amount of lubricant can fix these locks once they are worn out, necessitating a costly replacement of the remote unit.

Closing Thoughts

Lubricating your car lock can make a significant difference and is a simple task that most people can do at home. For typical locks, a good silicone-based lubricant, like the one from WD-40, can keep your locks operating smoothly and prevent dirt buildup. However, for specialized locks, like those.

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