Undercover frozen locks...

I have an undercover which is awesome. I love everything about it - great looks, helps mpg, easy to use and keeps things secure. The only thing I don't like is how the locks freeze up in the winter and can be bitch to turn with the key. My only solution so far is to pour some hot water over them - they loosen up pretty quick but if there's a better way to keep them unfrozen - I'd love to know.

Maybe some sort of spray or something to prevent freezing....?

Any solutions out there?

 

I haven't had any problems with my Undercover locks and the weather has been very cold with plenty of snow and ice.The plastic covers over the locks helps big time.
Pouring hot water on the locks is not a good idea.
The locks will be frozen the next time you try to use the key.
Try heating your key with a bic lighter.
Also try adding powdered graphite in your locks when the locks dry or maybe some WD-40..

 

Lock de-icer.

Try Sears automotive for about a buck. Or maybe a Valu. Many places have it but some hammer you for it. Get several, as they don't have a lot in each can.

Also - If you are washing the truck in the cold weather, hit the locks up right after to keep them from freezing up on you.

 

X2 w/ the graphite . . . haven't had good luck with liquid anything (wd40 or the like). Mine also get difficult to turn and/or frozen so I make sure I exercise them regularly. One advantage I have is that the truck stays in the garage and pretty much thaws them by morning if they do get frozen. I have to exercise my pop-n-lock too but the graphite seems to be helping. I'm also looking for the BEST solution to keep them from freezing w/o having to upgrade to an 'ARE' top or something like that.

 

WD-4O has water in it from my understanding.

Not rocket science to figure out why it is not the best for use in sub-freezing temperatures.

Lock De-icer is made for use in locks with freezing temps. That is its #1 purpose.

 

No water according to this buy still has liquid that may freeze..


What does WD-40 contain?

While the ingredients in WD-40 are secret, we can tell you what WD-40 does NOT contain. WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer-causing agents.

Lock De Icer is the smart choice.

So much for the secret ingredients.



WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:

• 50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits -- primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
• 25%: Liquified petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
• 15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
• 10-%: Inert ingredients

 

Lock deicer to free it up and WD-40 to keep it from happening. It's my understanding that the "WD" was short for either water displacement or water displacer. I'm on my 3rd trouble free winter with my undercover.

 

Anybody ever try a wet graphite like this?




Product Description
- Use for year round lock protection - Seals out moisture and protects against lock freeze-up - Helps locks work easier, prevents sticking, guards against rust and corrosion - Flushes out dirt and grease, and helps free stuck and frozen locks - Colloidal graphite penetrates to every part of a lock, then the special carrier evaporates leaving a graphite, long-wearing protective film - Won't run in the hottest climate and won't gum or harden in sub-zero cold - With flexible snorkel for ease of use - 3.5 oz aerosol

 

Ahhh, i stand corrected. Not sure where i heard about the water content. Seems like it was related to why WD wasn't a good choice to 'undercoat'.

Anyway, good info.

 

Yeah,I too thought there may be some water in WD-40 or at least liquid that freeze.
Roland posting the WD may stand for Water Displacement makes sense.

Any thoughts on that liquid graphite additive?
I always used dry.

 

Ya, there are sprays out there. Just go to Autozone or something. I used to have a 94 Geo Tracker. In Idaho the door looks would freeze up over night. I would try and get in and go to work only to find them froze shut. Not a big fan. Had to get that spray stuff to free it up. Can't remember what it was could but worked great.

 

FYI - For anyone reading this and using any of this stuff, its a good idea to have a rag ready to catch any of the extra ozzing out of the lock opening.