FORT COLLINS, Colo. - ColoradoDesk -- As overnight temperatures fall across Northern Colorado, Choice City Locksmith, a mobile locksmith that has served Fort Collins since 1999, is sharing simple advice for two of the most common cold-weather problems: frozen locks and car key fobs that stop working.

Frozen locks

Moisture that gets into a lock cylinder can freeze overnight and stop a key from turning. The company recommends:

• Never force a key that will not turn. A bent or snapped key turns a small problem into a bigger one.
• Warm the key, not the lock, and insert it gently several times. Avoid pouring hot water on a lock, because the water refreezes deeper inside.
• Use a de-icer made for locks, then follow up later with a dry graphite or PTFE lubricant once the lock has thawed. Oil-based sprays can attract dirt and gum up the pins.
• Check outdoor gates, sheds and garage side doors before a cold snap, not during one.

Key fobs and car keys

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Cold weather shortens battery life, and a fob that was already weak often fails on the first cold morning. The company suggests:

• Replace a key fob battery as soon as the range starts to drop.
• Know where the hidden mechanical key in the fob is, and which door has the keyhole.
• Keep a spare key somewhere other than the vehicle.

If a lock or key does fail, Choice City Locksmith provides home, car and business lockout service, car key replacement (https://www.choicecitylocksmith.com/), lock repair and lock changes at the customer's location across Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor and nearby towns.

About Choice City Locksmith

Choice City Locksmith is a mobile locksmith based at 112 N Grant Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. The company handles lockouts, rekeying, lock changes, lock repair and car key replacement, and is open 5 AM to 9 PM every day. Phone: (970) 803-1100. Website: https://www.choicecitylocksmith.com/