Tips on thawing frozen car doors and locks
As the winter storm approaches, it is important that you stay home and off the roads. If you do have to get out and drive, many will face the first challenge of getting your frozen car door opened. AAA has provided some valuable information on how to do that safely and efficiently so you do not damage your car.
There are two areas to consider when facing the challenge of getting into a vehicle to warm it up when the door will not open.
Car doors and car locks both freeze in these temperatures. According to AAA, the best way to get your car door open in freezing temperatures is to prepare it so that it does not freeze in the first place.
To prepare your car locks, AAA recommends using magnets, compressed air, lubricants, and jellies.
Magnets
Magnets can work wonders to prevent moisture from getting into your lock and freezing it. By placing a magnet over the keyhole on your lock, you can prevent moisture from getting inside and freezing. Just make sure that still-falling freezing rain, sleet, or snow doesn’t cover the magnet and freeze the magnet itself, too.
Compressed air
If you have a keyboard duster or other compressed air, blow it into the door locks with the provided nozzle to force out moisture and keep the locks dry.
Lubricants
Lubricant sprays such as WD-40 work to keep parts moving and reduce friction, but they also help force out moisture and keep it out. Spraying your locks semi-regularly with a bit of automotive lubricant spray can prevent a frozen car door lock.
Jellies
Glycerin or Vaseline swiped over a door lock and then pushed inside a few times will coat the lock with a moisture-repelling lubricant that can prevent freezing.
It is also important to take preventative measures to keep your car doors from freezing. AAA recommends coating rubber seals or using a car cover to protect doors from moisture that will cause the freezing.
Coat rubber seals
The rubber seals around your doors can sometimes trap moisture that freezes, sticking the door shut. By applying a thin layer of glycerin-based moisturizer, you can prevent this seal from sticking to the vehicle frame and freezing shut.
Car cover
A relatively cheap but effective solution, car covers can protect your doors and locks from freezing moisture. They will also keep your windshield and mirrors ice-free as well as preserve the clear coat and overall look of your car in the process.
Inevitably, however, there will be individuals faced with frozen doors and locks in the next several days. It is important to utilize safe and effective techniques to get those doors open without causing additional damage to your vehicle. The use of the wrong technique can lead to costly repairs. Do NOT use excessive force by pulling or yanking on door handles to try and get the door open. This type of force can cause damage to your door handle, seals, and other vehicle parts that will require repairs.
AAA recommends attempting to get your frozen door open by pushing and then pulling on the car door, using deicer, warm water (not hot), and heating your car key.
Press and then pull on the car door
If you are able to unlock the car but the doors are still frozen shut, try pushing with firm but gentle force on the door, and then pull. Do this a few times, being careful not to break your door handle. Sometimes this firm but gentle action can break the ice sealing the car door shut.
Keep a deicer handy
There are many deicing products available at auto parts stores that are designed to help you get into a frozen car. Of course, they only work if they’re not trapped inside your car! Be sure to keep a deicer handy in your house where it will stay warm and be ready when you need it. You can also make your own deicer and keep it in a spray bottle. To make your own deicer, mix three parts vinegar to one part water. Apply your choice of deicer to the frozen car door locks or doors to thaw them.
Use warm water
Heat some water, and then pour it over the car doors and locks to try to melt the ice. This method quickly thaws doors and locks under certain freezing conditions. Be careful not to use boiling hot water, however, as the temperature shock on a cold surface like windows can cause irreversible damage.
Heat your key
Using a match or a lighter, heat the end of your key, and then try to thaw the frozen car door lock. A word of caution: If you have keys with electronic components or chips in them, do not heat your key; the heat from an open flame could damage the circuitry or electronic components.
The best way to prevent the additional hassle and stress of facing frozen vehicle doors is to prevent them from freezing. If you are unable to prevent the freezing, using safe techniques can prevent the additional expense of car repairs after the weather.
For more winter weather coverage and tips, click here.
