Disclaimer: C-3 Keys Plus Automotive LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages to any reader’s vehicle caused by following any tips or tricks found on this blog.

Hello everyone, this is where you will find Industry Tips and Tricks; helpful information about your car locking systems and other facts I’ve come across through the years. I hope all who visit here will find a nugget or two that can save them some headache, and cash in the future.

This month, I’d like to talk about the cold weather, depending on where you live. One of the most frustrating things that can happen this time of year, is your door locks freezing up. A little prevention prior to sub-freezing temperatures, can go a long way to avoiding potential problems later on. And for you folks with proximity key fobs (push button ignition switch) you’re not exempt from this just because you don’t use a physical key to enter your car! What happens when your key fob battery dies? Do you know that your fob most likely has a metal emergency key in it? Do you know that you have a door lock cylinder for that key as a way to gain access to your car?

Cold Weather Lock Tips:

• Prior to freezing weather, use Isopropyl Alcohol to squirt in your lock cylinder to remove any moisture that may be in there
• Follow this with WD40 or equivalent lubricant, and work your key in the lock back and forth several times.
• Use silicone spray on your door seals, and wipe any excess with a clean rag.
• Also lubricate the latch mechanism itself, closing and opening the door several times after lubricating.
• These tips should help prevent any freeze-ups this winter.

Let’s talk about that bling bling!

Personal expression is a wonderful thing, especially when talking about our cars! However, there is one form of this expression that can lead to a lot of heartache and expense. Some folks like to decorate the inside of their cars with various things, but there is something that you should stay far away from if your car uses a transponder key. (Today, most cars do!) This item is the ignition switch Bling Ring!

Above is an example of what some folks call a “Bling Ring”. And while this looks good, it causes a problem with the immobilizer antenna ring below it. This can interfere with your car, being able to detect the transponder signal from your key, causing a no start situation.

Save yourself some time and money, avoid putting “Bling Rings” around your ignition switch!!