the key jamming in the lock, especially the ignition lock is a bummer, worse on some vehicles than others

I have read of various ways to maintain the life of said units and wonder what others do ?

a) nothing

b) spray occasionally with electronic safe cleaning spray, then lube key with WD40 or similar (this is what I do, as advised by pro locksmith)

c) graphite powder

d) lithium spray

e) other

 

When it comes to my door and hatch locks I use this.

https://www.acehardware.com/departme...bricants/10716

Squirt some inside the lock and work the key in there.
It does get a little messy for a bit.
Some drips down inside the door panel. Some will be on the key when you pull it out so watch out for staining clothing and whatnot.
I have been using that stuff for over 40 years.
Here is the thing.
I used to ski a lot when I was younger. Frozen door locks was always a thing.
In all that time I never had that problem.
Cause of the Lock-Ease?
Who knows for sure. LOL.

 

Whatever I happen to have around at the time when I think about it. I usually forget unless a lock draws my attention.

Grew up using graphite in locks, preferred back then because it was dry
I like the smell of WD40 but not everybody does and I wouldn't use it on the cylinder lock.

Lot of options
Don't think one method is superior over the other, besides personal pref.

 

A HUGE preventative maintenance thing on the ignition switch is NOT having a heavy keychain.

 

My five rules of galactic importance for lock sustainability....


Graphite in the lock. oil is a no no cause it will cause dirt to collect.

Light key chain! I got a dozen cars, each has its own key chain, my house keys on a separate chain.

If you engage in salt water sports, and get the key wet with salt water, rinse the key in fresh water before using the key, salt does a number on locks.

Use the finger grips on the ignition lock to turn the switch rather than use the key itself to turn the switch

keep your best key as a spare, that is the one you can make a copy from. worn out keys dont make good copy patterns.

 

I do this too. The keys I get with any vehicle I purchase I use to make copies.
The "originals" get thrown in the "junk drawer". LOL.
Cause I too think when you make a copy from a copy from a copy (you get the idea) eventually you get a key that will not work.