can i use wd40 in my car igniton

[burbie]

ive just changed my car and the door locks were stiff, ive put wd40 in them and they are now fine, and easy to open.
when i put the key in the ignition im finding it hard to switch turn, it it ok to use the wd40 in there too.

[Toureman]

I have for years used WD 40 in my cars and motorbike ignition switches.

No problem at all !

[burbie]

meant to say im finding it hard to turn the key, is it ok to use the wd40 in the ignition too

[TWR]

As Toureman has said, regards the Ign No probs, if you put a slight smear of copper Grease on the TIP of your key then entre it into the Ign barrel then slip the key in>>out.

[burbie]

twr - ive never heard of copper grease, where would I buy it from, and is it better than wd40

[Hymie]

A locksmith would advise against using a liquid lubricant within a lock, which can attract crud and gum up the lock – graphite powered specifically designed for the purpose is what you should be using.

That said, like all the others, WD40 works fine for me.

If WD40 does not resolve the issue, I would suspect that the ignition key has become worn with use. If you have a spare key, try that. You might find a locksmith will cut a new key, taking into account the key wear, which might solve the issue.

[TWR]

I've never had problems with using Copper Grease, It can be bought from your local Auto Stores Burbie, Do not over do it, I also use it on the reverse of New Brake pads also the caliper Torx Bolts.

[burbie]

thanks everyone for your helpfull advice
im going to try my spare key tomorrow, and also give it a squirt of wd 40

[burbie]

i thought id use the wd40 because i already have it in, but i think i will see if I can buy the copper grease and try that first
thanks

[chas2008]

one of the issues with WD40 is it can be short term, it might lubricate it to start with but it can also wash out any grease thats there as its a very fine/light lubricant, from what i remember its graphite or silicone grease thats recomended for locks.

[MantaRay]

Grease is best used on areas that are either sealed or can be cleaned easily. The problem with grease is that it attracts dust and dirt and eventually blocks up the very part that it's trying to keep free. In locks, stick to very light lubricants that will not build up a residue. The good thing about WD40 is that the bulk of it evaporates in time, leaving just the lightest protective coat of thin lubricant. I've tried dry powder graphite lubricant in padlocks but eventually that clogs things.

[MantaRay]

Copper Slip/Copper Grease. One of the most useful bits of kit in the mechanics tool kit but it is often misused. It is intended to be an anti-seize compound [i.e. nuts, bolts, brake pad to caliper/piston, etc], if a "sticky" lubrication is needed then grease should be used. Grease has anti-wear properties, copper grease is probably abrasive.