The safety of our home is ensured primarily by the presence of a strong and reliable front door. The opinion that steel door eternal - very wrong. Some of its components - the door lock and hinges - do not have such strong performance characteristics.

However, no matter how expensive, high-quality and successfully preventing burglary the front door lock is, it can easily fail if you do not provide it with minimal care. If you suddenly feel that the key is stuck in the keyhole and does not turn properly, it means that you are not paying enough attention to caring for the front door.

After all The best way avoiding repairs and large expenses is timely prevention. Any mechanism wears out over time, and only you can prolong the life of your door lock by regularly servicing it.

What is the maintenance of the door mechanism? The answer is tritely simple and known to many since childhood - lubrication of the mechanism. This “old-fashioned” method is still relevant today, as it does not require special skills, effort or expense.

Only today the lubricant has been slightly modified. It can be silicone, calcium (solidol), lithium, hydrocarbon, oil and others. Each of them has a unique composition and valuable properties.

If you regularly lubricate the lock, you will hardly know how it jams, and if you lubricate the hinges, you will not hear the doors creaking.

If we're talking about proper care After it, it would be useful to mention basic recommendations, the observance of which will increase the service life of the lock.

After all, if the mechanism itself is damaged, then lubricant is unlikely to correct the situation, and purchasing a new lock will be difficult to avoid.

1. Do not apply force to the cylinder of the product: when installing it, when inserting and turning the key.
2. Do not try to insert two keys on both sides of the door at the same time.
3. Do not insert damaged or foreign keys or objects into the cylinder.
4. Do not turn the inserted key until it reaches the stop.
5. In addition to regular lubrication, if the mechanism jams, it needs to be cleaned from dust and dirt.

Reasons for lubrication

It is not difficult to come to the conclusion that your lock needs lubrication. The reasons for this are simple and obvious:

The parts are subject to friction with each other and gradually wear down, which leads to wear of the mechanism, as a result the lock sticks and jams, and it becomes more difficult to open the door each time.

As a result incorrect installation parts or misalignment of the installation location, the bolt in the mechanism begins to rub against the protruding parts, the lock sinks and this leads to a more difficult opening of the lock.

What to use as a lubricant?

The type of lock lubricant used depends on the type of mechanism. Most popular the folk way long-used machine oil is considered to be used for lubrication.

But there is also an opinion that the easiest and cheapest solution is lubricant sunflower oil. This is strictly prohibited!

Although this method will make opening the door easier for a while, and it will seem that the problem has been solved, on the contrary, the situation will only worsen. The fact is that oil very easily absorbs dirt, metal dust and shavings inside the mechanism during operation of parts and mutual friction will turn into the cause of jamming and possibly breakage of the lock.

Let's say that lever door locks are lubricated mainly with graphite lubricant in powder form. Cylinder locks, due to their manufacture from bronze, require the least amount of lubrication. But, Chinese production began to fill all markets, and now such door mechanisms need special modification, since they are made of cheap metal.

Today, the most popular lubricant in use is silicone lubricant. The effect of such a lubricant is used in a very wide range, including lubricants door locks and loops. Most often, silicone lubricant is presented in the form of a spray bottle, as this makes it easier to use the product for direct purposes.

Silicone lubricant allows for easy movement of moving parts on long time. It prevents rusting of door components. Silicone protection displaces moisture from the mechanism and imparts anti-corrosion properties.

Also quite common and effective is a silicone fluid for lubricating parts called WD40.

How to properly lubricate a lock?

The required frequency of lubrication depends on the intensity of use, for example, the locks of apartment entrance doors require maintenance at least once a year, and street doors from a house or entrance - at least three times a month.

The lubrication process is not particularly difficult. First, you need to pour just enough cleaning agent into the well so that it is enough to flow out. Wipe the lock cylinder with a dry cloth, insert the key and turn it several times. This procedure is carried out in order to disperse dust in the cylinder. After thoroughly cleaning the mechanism, you can pour a few drops of lubricant into the well and turn the key again several times.

Lubricants in the form of spray bottles are very convenient to use thanks to a thin tube through which the product enters the mechanism. Silicone lubricant also comes in spray form and can be applied without fear of spilling or splashing.

If a car owner treats his car as a friend, and does not consider it just a means of transportation, then care and maintenance are regular. Particular care is taken, which includes mandatory lubrication of the mechanisms on each door and trunk. It is the problem of choosing a means for lubricating locks and hinges that our further conversation will be devoted to.

Door hinges must be lubricated regularly to prevent squeaking.

Why do you need to lubricate car doors?

Car doors are used several times a day, the frequency of opening and closing starts from four times and can reach several dozen times. The door mechanism consists of rubbing parts that are subject to rapid wear. What if we add here the ingress of dust, water and dirt, which only aggravate this difficult situation? Problems are indicated by creaking hinges and a sticking lock. If you don’t take care of your car, then all these troubles will manifest themselves. But is it worth bringing it to this state if you can regularly lubricate the hinges and not worry about their condition in the future.

Types of lubricants and their characteristics

The modern driver does not need to use improvised means for processing and turn to professional workshops for this. The automotive chemicals market can offer a suitable product that will be suitable in cost and meet the user’s requirements. You need to understand automotive lubricants to make the right choice.

The lubricant contains additives, thickeners, oils and additional components that can expand the range of qualities and characteristics of the original substance. Lubricant for automobile hinges is divided into subtypes as follows:

1. By composition (liquid, which is called oil, semi-solid with a plastic structure, solid).
2. By method of use (universal or general purpose, motor, transmission).
3. According to the nature of the raw materials used and the substance that forms the basis (mineral, vegetable, synthetic and semi-synthetic).

Litol lubricant is a general purpose product

Regardless of which lubricant you choose, it must have a certain set of characteristics:

• viscous structure;
• strength;
• resistance to high and low temperatures;
• good lubricity;
• stability of preservation of physical and chemical properties;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• water-repellent properties;
• protection against wear and corrosion.

Choosing a lubricant

If we lived in an ideal world, then all lubricants for car doors, hinges and locks would have all the advantages and characteristics described. In reality, those who allow themselves to produce a low quality product. We have selected from all existing options the most successful brands of lubricants for cars. Remember that each lubricant must be applied to well-cleaned surfaces. Even if the hinges and locks in the car are covered with a layer of old grease, but there are traces of dust on it, they still need to be cleaned and re-lubricated.

You will need to apply a lubricating grease to the cleaned hinges of the door mechanism. A good alternative are car care products such as Litol and Solidol. Decent answer Russian manufacturers foreign companies that offer more expensive products. Grease is applied only to those door elements that frequently experience friction. On this preparatory work can be considered completed and proceed to the next stages of car door processing.

Making the right choice for lock processing

The Molikot Multigliss lubricant is worthy of attention. This tool can be used for all cars without a single exception. All the features we looked at are present in this product. The manufacturer considered it necessary to add resistance to weather changes, which are considered normal in Russia.

To treat hinges, it is convenient to use Liqui Moly spray, which is easy to apply, penetrates deeply and lubricates all hidden surfaces. The lubricant is available in the form of a spray, which creates additional convenience for the car user. Many drivers remain faithful to the old WD-40, which can provide decent care for your car's hinges and locks.

You can safely choose white lithium-based grease SP5545 Step up. Locks with this treatment will work well even with intensive use. If you do not want to frequently carry out the lubrication procedure, but want to drive a car with properly functioning doors, then it is recommended to use the HG5501 substance with heat-resistant characteristics and the addition of silicone. This product can be applied to plastic, metal and rubber. Such a universal invention.

Those car owners who choose Molykote G 4500 Luquid Grease are right. For door and trunk locks the best remedy No.

Making the right choice for processing loops

The hinges in the machine need to be lubricated several times a quarter; if the operation is not particularly intensive, the frequency of this procedure can be reduced. But is it worth it to start the state of the doors and wait until they cry out to you by creaking and jamming when the car is opened.

To avoid regretting your choice, buy Wurth 2000 synthetic adhesive lubricant. It is also suitable for locks, cables, rollers and gears. Good penetration into all gaps and crevices, formation of a stable and reliable film, protection from all those factors that negatively affect car parts - all this allows us to call this product the best in its segment. A similar product that can also be used on door locks, not just hinges, is Molykote Multigliss.

Since you are treating doors, you should at the same time acquire a Movil spray can, which is very effective at treating the bottom edge. Hinges can also be treated with this product, but only if there is no special lubricant at hand. The thick brown liquid, when properly applied to well-cleaned surfaces, can retain its protective and lubricating functions for about a year. And this at a low cost. The only small drawback is the application process of this product, which requires a brush.

You need to love, protect and take care of your car, then it will respond to you with gratitude and will not let you down along the way. Every element of the machine requires your attention, door hinges and locks can be a nuisance if they are not maintained and the lubrication process is ignored.

To extend the service life of doors, it is necessary to maintain the good condition of the fittings, first of all - regularly. In this case, you need to adhere simple rules, otherwise the lock will soon fail and will have to be replaced.

Why lubricate the lock?

• To improve the rotation of the mechanism and make it easier to use;
• To prevent wear, grinding of parts against each other, accumulation of dust particles;
• To prevent the formation of rust, which leads to destruction important elements, their jamming and blocking.

How often should locks be lubricated?

It is enough to lubricate the lock inside the building once a year. And if it comes to the front door, which is located on the street, then it needs more regular maintenance. Important note: Sometimes lubrication can make lock problems worse. Metal dust along with lubricant will stick to the working parts of the mechanism and this can result in disastrous results.

Precautionary measures

The mechanisms of many modern locks rarely require lubrication. And if the door lock still needs maintenance, only special compounds are used for this, since incorrectly selected products can damage the mechanism over time. In any case, everything that is needed to care for the lock should be indicated in the instructions for it.

The lock does not always need lubrication. For example, if the lock operates softly when open door, but as soon as you slam it, the key becomes difficult to turn, then the problem may not be in the lock, but in the door. Most likely, it sagged or bent. Incorrect operation of the lock is often not due to lack of lubrication! Sometimes the wear of the mechanism simply reaches a critical point. Lubrication of friction surfaces gives positive results only where it is needed.

Where to lubricate

• Lock posts without lubrication wear out from constant contact with the chrome-plated surface of the ends of the deadbolt frame;
• The pushing pin, without lubrication, gnaws out a groove on the sliding surface of the rod;
• Lubrication increases the service life of vertical drives (pistons);
• The oblique latch control lock assembly is constantly subject to friction when the latch operates;
• It is recommended to coat the bolt rods with lubricant, as they are subject to friction;
• Lubricating the rack (comb) of the cylinder lock has a very beneficial effect on its operation.

How to lubricate a door lock

The cleaning and lubrication procedure is quite simple: first of all, a cleaning agent is generously introduced into the lock cylinder, the key is inserted into the lock and immediately removed. It must be wiped and the procedure repeated again. This must be done until the surface of the key is clean. After this, the same algorithm is used to lubricate the mechanism. It is necessary to open and close the lock several times so that the composition has the opportunity to spread and distribute evenly.

How to lubricate a lever lock

For this type of mechanism, it is not recommended to use ordinary lubricants, because the lock may jam when the material dries. Best in in this case Graphite dust is suitable as a lubricant. This material can be obtained by grinding the rod a simple pencil, but is it worth the effort when good graphite lubricant is sold in aerosol form in every specialty store. It reduces surface friction, protects it from dust and prevents corrosion. Silicone spray is also very effective for lubricating these locks: it provides smooth gliding and protection against corrosion due to its ability to retain moisture (preferably sprayed with a straw).

How to lubricate a cylinder lock

IN cylinder locks Only the bolt needs to be lubricated; WD40 is usually used for this, although it evaporates quickly and therefore requires periodic updating. This composition has high water-repellent properties and reliably protects against corrosion. Silicone spray is also suitable for lubricating cylinder lock cylinders.

How to lubricate a combination lock

Locks with a code mechanism have holes for introducing lubricant. Typically, lubricants act very deep inside the mechanism, while at the same time protecting it from contamination and corrosion. Penetrating aerosols WD-40, UPS-1 and the like are recommended as lubricants.

What else is used to lubricate a door lock?

The best way to avoid costly repairs to the lock, or even the entire door structure, is timely preventive maintenance. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to extend its service.

How to lubricate door locks? This question plagues many car enthusiasts with the arrival of frost. The package of measures also includes lubrication of door locks, trunk, hood, as well as lubrication of seals. For this purpose, special means are used, the purpose of which is to ensure reliable operation of locks even in severe frost conditions. In this material we will review the most popular lubricants among car enthusiasts, and also give useful tips on this occasion.

Properties of lubricants

First of all, let's figure out what requirements the means for lubricating door locks must meet. These include:

• maintaining its performance properties at low temperatures;
• counteraction to corrosion processes;
• low friction coefficient;
• resistance to washing off not only with water, but also various compositions based on salts and alkalis;
• long period of validity.

The product must be hydrophobic, that is, one that is not soluble in water. Otherwise, it will be easily washed out of the cavity. It should also prevent moisture from entering the volume where it is placed.

Lubricants are designed to perform preventive actions. However, if the lock on your car is already frozen, then there is.

Lubricants for car door locks

Now let's look at the most popular means for processing locks, their cylinders and mechanisms. On the Internet you can find many conflicting reviews about this or that product. We tried to be objective and collected information for you about lubricants that really effective even in severe frost conditions. It is also worth mentioning that most of the tools listed below can be successfully used to treat not only locks and their cylinders, but also.

Also, when treating the lock, pour the products listed below not only into the cylinder, but also treat the mechanisms directly with them. This can be done with or without removing the lock. It all depends on the design of the particular car. For example, it is better to remove the locks of domestic VAZs completely and lubricate the rubbing parts. And in foreign cars, where dismantling is complicated by the design, you can lubricate only the accessible parts of the lock.

This is one of the most popular means for lubricating car door lock cylinders. Its operating temperature range is -40°С…+150°С. The lubricant is absolutely harmless to humans and does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. In addition, it is compatible with metals, plastics, rubber and various chemical compounds found in the machine body. The manufacturer claims a 3-month warranty for use even in difficult operating conditions. The most popular packaging volume is 400 ml (although there are packages of 5 kg or more). The approximate cost of such a tube in Moscow in the fall of 2017 is 1300...1400 rubles.

Lubricant characteristics:

• base oil - polyalphaolefin;
• thickener - a thickener based on an aluminum complex;
• operating temperature range - -40°С…+150°С;
• starting moment at a temperature of -40°C - 0.9 Nm.

This tube will last you for several seasons depending on the intensity of use.

Step Up SP5545

The temperature range of this lubricant is even wider - -50°C…+220°C. Sold in aerosol cans weighing 312 g. The product is suitable not only for lubricating car door locks, but also for its other parts. After all, since the lubricant is based on lithium, it can be used to treat plastic and rubber surfaces to protect them from moisture and destruction.

The lubricant contains the original WetOut composition, which creates a water-repellent film on the treated surface. It will help extend the life of not only the iron parts of the lock, but also the rubber seals and plastic trim parts. The price of a tube weighing 312 grams is 160...180 rubles in Moscow as of autumn 2017.

HI-GEAR HG5501

The lubricant is also silicone-based. When applied to work surface creates a thin but durable polymer material, reliably protecting it from moisture. In fact, the lubricant is universal, so in addition to cars, it can be used in other equipment - household door locks, rubber and plastic surfaces, drive cables and much more. It is also possible to use the product in everyday life with products made from the listed materials.

The container capacity is 283 ml. The kit includes a plastic tube that can be connected to the sprayer and apply lubricant to hard-to-reach places. The price of a cylinder is about 400...450 rubles as of autumn 2017.

Wurth HHS-2000 grease

Wurth HHS-2000 lubricant is extremely popular among car enthusiasts in our country. According to the instructions, it is intended for lubricating parts under high pressure and loads. Like the previous product for lubricating car door locks, it is universal. Its features include:

• High penetrating ability and short thickening time. It can be used to lubricate car door locks. Using a tube, it is placed inside the lock, where it almost immediately becomes thick, forming a protective film on the surface of the parts and simultaneously displacing moisture. The composition of the product provides a high lubricating effect.
• High adhesion. That is, the ability to adhere to the surface being treated. During processing, the liquid fraction evaporates, leaving only direct lubricants in the work.
• Resistant to high blood pressure. Wurth HHS-2000 grease has a long service life even under conditions of high loads and pressures.
• The product prevents sticking metal surfaces, and also reduces screwing resistance.

Wurth HHS-2000 lubricant is sold in small cylinders of 150 and 500 ml. Since the product is universal, we recommend that you buy it for use not only in the car, but also at home. The price of a 150 ml cylinder is approximately 250...300 rubles as of autumn 2017.

LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line Haftschmier Spray lubricant is universal. It can also be used to lubricate car door locks. It is an adhesive spray lubricant, packaged in 400 ml cylinders. The product can be used to treat hinges, levers, joints, bolts, door hinges, preservation and operation. Features of the lubricant include:

• wide temperature range of use;
• excellent adhesive properties;
• providing anti-corrosion protection;
• resistance to both cold and hot water(it practically does not wash off);
• resistance to high pressure;
• long service life;
• Possibility of spraying in any position of the cylinder.

The only drawback of this product is its high cost - 600...700 rubles for a 400 ml cylinder. However, if you have the opportunity, we recommend that you buy this product, since it can be used in various parts of the car, as well as at home.

Despite the entire track record of products suitable specifically for lubricating car door locks, car owners are often in no hurry to overpay. As a rule, they are looking for something to lubricate door locks from freezing or from difficult opening that are directly at hand, so we will provide a list folk remedies used for lubrication.

Additional means to lubricate the lock

The lubricants described above refer to modern developments and performance results chemical industry. However, before their appearance, drivers for decades used various improvised means to lubricate locks and door hinges. For example, kerosene acetic acid and even iodine. Let’s present for you a couple more, so to speak, “folk” remedies that you can use to lubricate car door locks for the winter. After all, it is in cold season locks create additional difficulties in order to get inside or close the door. And the question of which lubricant is better to lubricate becomes more relevant.

WD-40

Processing of VAZ 2108-2109 locks

Yes, the good old WD-40 lubricant can also be used to inject into the lock cylinder, but in no case on all its rubbing mechanisms. The fact is that the main component of this product is white spirit (50% of the volume), whose freezing point is -60°C. Therefore, it washes away any remaining lubricant. The liquid is sold as an aerosol in a can with a tube, with which you can easily spray the product into hard-to-reach places.

WD-40 lubricant can be used to dehydrate the surface it is applied to, remove corrosion from it and prevent it. reappearance, formation protective film on her. In general, the product is used very widely. And not only for processing car parts, but also in everyday life.

A significant disadvantage of treating locks with WD-40 is its short duration of action. In severe frosts, the larva must be treated with this product approximately every two days.

When treating a door lock (both automobile and household) with a “wedeshka,” it is advisable to apply it to the same surfaces. You can use one of the lubricants listed above, or use any other.

Various defrosters

In this case we are talking about special means, on the packaging of which it is written “Lock defroster” or something similar. They usually contain oil or white spirit, less often silicone. Such products are inexpensive and work well, at least in relatively mild frosts. The disadvantage of these products is their short duration of action, since their composition is similar to WD-40.

When purchasing such lubricants, carefully read the instructions. Often manufacturers attribute to their products truly miraculous properties. However, you need to understand that if the product is inexpensive (and most often it is), then you shouldn’t expect any miracles from it. Just regularly treat the lock cylinder and mechanism with “Lock Defrosters” winter time and there will be no difficulties in opening it. But only in spring period, after using it, it is recommended to treat the lock mechanism with a different composition. In particular, one that could protect against corrosion and friction.

Engine oil

If for some reason you don’t have any lubricant on hand (one of the above or others), then you can use regular motor oil to lubricate the car door lock both from freezing and for stable operation. Its viscosity, brand and consistency are not important in this case.(well, unless it should be frankly black with soot and debris). Using a syringe or other similar devices, you should pour a few drops of oil into the cylinder and/or treat the lock mechanism. This will create a water-repellent film on the surface of its internal parts and prevent freezing.

However, the oil has the disadvantage mentioned above - its effect is short-lived and will also attract dust. Therefore, it can only be used if you do not have more professional means at your disposal. And at the first opportunity, buy any of the lubricants listed above.

Instead of a conclusion

Finally, let us remind you that you need to treat the hinges and locks of your car’s doors not only in advance (before the onset of cold weather), but also regularly. This will ensure their reliable operation even in the most difficult conditions. Today you can buy for reasonable money professional products for processing long-lasting locks. The main thing is to buy lubricants in trusted stores so as not to run into fakes.