When snow and cold hit areas that don’t get it often, lockouts spike. The problem usually isn’t that the lock “broke overnight” — it’s that cold + moisture + grit + swollen doors change how everything fits.
This guide is a plain-English checklist for homeowners, renters, and drivers: what you can safely try, what to avoid, and when it’s time to call a pro.
Home Locks: The Common Cold-Weather Problems1) Key won’t turn (or barely turns)
This is usually caused by moisture + cold (and sometimes the wrong lubricant).
Do this:
Gently wiggle the key while applying light turning pressure (don’t force it).
Warm your hands and the key (gloves off for a moment helps you feel resistance).
If you have a lock-specific dry lubricant (we recommend Houdini), use it sparingly (avoid flooding the cylinder).
Do NOT do this:
Don’t force the key. This is how keys snap.
Don’t pour water into the lock (it can refreeze).
Don’t spray heavy oil into the keyway — it can trap grit and make things worse over time.
DO NOT USE GRAPHITE
2) Deadbolt won’t extend unless you push/pull the door
This is door alignment, not “a bad lock.” In cold weather, doors and frames can shift slightly.
Do this:
Try closing the door more firmly and locking again.
Check if the door is rubbing the frame at the top or latch side.
If the bolt works with the door open but binds when closed, you’ve confirmed alignment.
Do NOT do this:
Don’t slam the door repeatedly (it can damage the latch/strike and make alignment worse).
3) Door won’t latch smoothly
Cold, humidity, and swelling can turn “almost fine” into “won’t latch.”
Quick check:
Close the door normally (no extra push). If it doesn’t latch, it needs attention.
Look at the strike plate area for scrape marks (a clue the latch is hitting).
Car Lockouts & Lost Keys: Winter Edition1) Your fob won’t unlock the car
Cold weather can weaken batteries, and snow/ice can interfere with buttons or door seals.
Do this:
Try the fob right against the door handle area.
Try the spare fob/key if you have one.
If you have a push-to-start, remember many vehicles still let you start even with a weak fob battery (varies by model).
Do NOT do this:
Don’t pry door frames or use coat hangers — you can damage weather seals, paint, airbags, and electronics.
2) You lost your keys during a storm
If your keys are missing and travel is unsafe, the smartest move is to get ready so service is fast once conditions improve.
Have this info ready:
Year / make / model
Location of the vehicle
Whether you have any spare key/fob
VIN (if accessible) and a photo of any remaining key (if applicable)
This helps a locksmith determine the best route: duplicate, replacement, or “all keys lost” solution.
The “Do Not Do This” List (Worth Repeating)
Don’t force stiff keys (break risk).
Don’t use random lubricants that gum up cylinders.
DO NOT USE GRAPHITE.
Don’t pour water into locks.
Don’t pry car doors open or wedge them aggressively.
When to call a pro
Call for service when:
A key is bending, slipping, or feels like it will snap
The deadbolt binds only when the door is closed
Commercial doors don’t close/latch reliably
A car lockout or lost-key situation needs proper tools/programming
A quick prevention checklist (save this)
Home
Test your deadbolt weekly (smooth throw with the door closed).
Tighten loose door hardware screws.
Address doors that need a shove to lock (alignment issues compound).
Car
If you only have one key/fob, get a spare before it becomes “all keys lost.”
Replace weak fob batteries before winter trips.
Closing note (weather-aware)
If conditions are unsafe for travel, it’s always better to wait than risk an accident. Once roads improve, services can resume safely and efficiently.
Book/Info: https://www.prolockplus.com
Phone: 910-939-2760
Sunbit (pay-over-time option): https://apply.sunbit.com/ProfessionalLocksmithPlus