Rather, try wrapping your lock in a thick towel or even a couple of socks. The fabric will create a barrier of insulation between the lock and the otherwise freezing-cold air. If it's mildly cold outside, a thick towel or a couple of socks may offer just enough protection to keep your lock from freezing.
Stop locks freezing with some WD-40
To begin with tilt your padlock where you have clear view of the lock mechanism, comfortably grip your WD-40 Multi-Use and Spray a small amount. This will coat the metal components to deter moisture from gathering or pooling, allow a few seconds for the solution to set in.
If your door lock continues to freeze, you'll likely need to clean your lock, as there is too much dirt within the mechanism that's retaining moisture. Using a damp cotton swab, insert it into the keyhole and gently wipe around to clean and attract some of the built-up dirt and grime.
Apply some WD-40
WD-40 is very effective at keeping your car door lock lubricated and frost-free. Simply spray a little into the lock and it should prevent ice and frost buildup for several days. While you're at it, you may want to spray a little into the lock of your trunk as well.
All you need to do is pour the sanitizer into your lock and wiggle your key in and out to loosen the ice, and you should be able to unlock your door in no time. If you don't have hand sanitizer… handy, a small amount of rubbing alcohol will work similarly. You can also buy deicing fluid at most auto shops.
3M Silicone Lubricant eliminates rubber squeaks, prevents sticking and seals out moisture. This lubricant contains no petroleum oils to stain fabrics. Formulated for extreme conditions, it will not freeze at -28°F nor degrade at 350°F.
The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.
A: Although WD-40 is magic stuff, it is not the best choice to lubricate automotive door locks and linkages. Although it does a good job of cleaning and temporary lubricating, it goes away, so it makes a good first step. Graphite has long been a popular lube choice, but we like to use bike chain lube.
Because silicone oil is super slippery and minimally-reactive, it can lubricate most anything. It works especially well on porous items, such as plastic parts, but is a good lubricant on locks, hinges, and guns.
Graphite lubricant is the choice for locks because it doesn't attract dust and dirt, which can damage the locking mechanism.
Spray WD-40 in padlocks and on exposed hinges to protect them from rust, corrosion and help lubricate them through the cold weather. That way you won't have any seized locks and hinges come the spring thaw. Whatever the weather, don't resign your WD-40 to the garage or shed this winter.
Silicone will keep ice from bonding the rubber to the metal doors. That'll make doors open smoother and may even prevent tears in the weather stripping. Coat all the weather stripping with dry Teflon spray.
Petroleum jelly doesn't freeze.
WD-40 helps you remove mold, rust, and rancid odors from your refrigerator.
What is considered cold? Most base oils and greases are able to withstand moderate temperature dips to 0 degrees C and many to minus 10 degrees C without much decrease in performance. However, at minus 20 degrees C and beyond, some lubricants become unsuitable and begin to reach their pour point.
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials. Do not store above 120°F or in direct sunlight.
Locks can stiffen up over time as dirt and grime work their way in. If you are finding it harder and harder to turn the key in your lock – and your children are complaining that they can't do it at all – it may be time to replace the whole mechanism. However, it is always worth trying to lubricate the lock first.
WD-40 Specialist silicone lubricant helps keep rubber components safe. The lubricant can withstand temperature from -35°C to +200°C. The lubricant protects rubber parts from attracting dust and prevents moisture. Give the rubber seals at least an hour to settle properly and then apply the lubricant.
Because lithium grease is petroleum based, it's not recommended for use around plastics and rubber where it'll cause these to prematurely fail. These applications are better served by silicone grease.
White lithium grease is good for metal-to- metal joints like hinge and latch mechanisms, which need a clinging grease to repel water and hold up under harsh conditions. WD-40 is for light-duty lubrication and freeing up sticking or partially rusted hinges and a car door latch.