Control cables on bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters are subject to wicking rain water if the machines are left outside in the weather or operated in the rain. This can promote rusting of the cable and the outer spiral-wound housing. If the temperatures drop below freezing, this can also cause ice formation in the sleeve and will make the cable stick, a potentially hazardous situation if discovered while riding. If one is unable to keep the machine out of the rain, the next best thing is to periodically disassemble the cable for maintenance, if possible. If you have access to an air compressor, blow out the housing with a rubber-tipped blow gun. Wipe off any moisture from the cable, lubricate it with a light coating of approved grease and re-thread the cable into the housing. It may also be helpful to inject a generous amount of light penetrating oil, such as WD-40, to displace moisture from the housing.