Hello guys!
Above I’ve attached an article giving tips on how to properly maintain your vehicle(s) — like unique tips.
Would you mind to share some of your own tip-ideas with me?
Many thanks
Clueless33.
If your car has the simple key and tumbler locks, rub the key’s working surfaces with the point of a pencil every once in a while. The pencil has graphite which lubes the key and the lock’s innards. Those short pencils they have at libraries and golf courses seem to work the best for me.
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And they’re free! C’mon George - can’t you buy graphite? I do.
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Winston Churchill was asked why he takes a bath rather than shower?
Churchill: Why stand when you can sit?
That “article” has NOTHING to do with keeping your car mechanically reliable
I’d rather have a mechanically reliable car with some scratches . . . versus a great-looking car that constantly leaves me stranded
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It’s healthier.
BTW, I suspect the softer pencil provides the better lubrication.
I hear that some people have their cars carried around on flatbed trailers. That’ll keep them in tip-top condition. Also a completely-dark oxygen-free storage chamber.
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Very true, and the softer graphite sticks better to the key’s surface. Plus a short pencil is easier to store.
A squeeze bottle of graphite powder is easy to store too and works for all kinds of lock mechanisms. Your pencil is a one trick pony.
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??? Don’t understand. A pencil has many uses.
A pencil has few uses as a lubricant applicator.
Additionally, depending on the number/type of a pencil, it might contain as little as 41% graphite. And, I doubt that the clay and wax–which are the other two ingredients in a pencil–are good for the internals of a lock mechanism.
A squeeze bottle of 100% graphite is preferable, IMO, but my favorite lock lube is this product:
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I think this particular discussion shows that some people are primarily interested in driving a vehicle that looks pristine . . . even if it means neglecting maintenance and being stranded on the roadside
And while they’re standing by the roadside, looking good, I’ll drive right on by in my ugly looking and reliable car
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When I was a kid, one of the town’s car washes had a sign with the following message:
A Clean Car Runs Better
Or, to put it as @db4690 did, appearance is more important than actual maintenance, in the minds of many people. If it looks good, those folks will ignore problems… until those problems make their vehicle undriveable.
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I wonder if there are any downsides to forcing an electrically conductive material powder into a lock mechanism that is used as an electrical switch? As long as the powder works and causes no harm, a powder purposely designed to lube auto ignition locks seems like a reasonable choice.
Coincidentally, just today I stopped at a locksmith shop because my key had just begun intermittently failing to turn in the ignition switch; it just wouldn’t turn. After a few tries, and pulling the key out then re-inserting, the car has started.
The kind locksmith told me that the three potential causes I imagined were all indeed possible causes of the issue. He thought my key was in very good condition, which is what I presumed was the most likely problem.
Lubing was the first and most obvious treatment option. Since I have liquid Tri-flow, I asked if there’s any problem with applying that to the key…specifically would the lube travel from the mechanical lock mechanism into the electronic switch and cause problems? I said I just didn’t know if there’s a barrier between the lock and the switch.
He said that’s not a problem, then offered to spray his Tri-flow into the key slot.
So far, so good.
So George, I think my locksmith answered your question.
No dispute, for advice on how to lube an automobile lock, asking a locksmith is almost certainly the best method. Likewise, for advice on how to keep your vehicle in top condition, ask the dealership repair shop staff. But then one has to wonder, what’s the purpose of the Car Talk website?