In the cold months, the car's doors can freeze, and this usually occurs at the wrong time. You may end up with a door that cannot be opened, a fully locked lock, or both at the same time. However, this is not a problem without a solution; with a little preparation, some knowledge and a little ingenuity, you can get into the cockpit in no time.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Avoid Ice Blocking the Doors
Step 1. Prevent the effects of the weather
Mainly, the car doors and locks get stuck due to ice. When the weather forecast announces a freeze - that is, snow or rain and fog with temperatures close to freezing - put the car under cover. In general, freezing weather can cause locks and doors to freeze even without a lot of humidity. Of course, not everyone has a carport, a heated garage or something similar.
- Do not lock the locks. If possible, leave them open so that the mechanism does not freeze in the closed position. However, this remedy exposes the car to the risk of theft; if you plan to follow this tip, do not leave any valuables in the cabin.
- Put some duct tape on the lock to prevent it from freezing.
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If the car is parked outdoors, using a cover or tarp can minimize the amount of moisture - from snow or rain - that seeps into the cracks and can freeze; this remedy is especially useful during an ice storm or other similar event.
Keep Car Doors from Freezing Shut Step 4
Step 2. Replace worn or missing gaskets
In reality, the element that freezes is this rubber strip that runs along the edge of the door and not the metal frame. Inspect the seals on all doors and those applied around the windows. If you notice any tears or crevices that water can get into, go to an auto parts store to purchase new ones.
Step 3. Scrub the door jamb
Clean it of road debris and debris that accumulate over time; water can stagnate around the dirt and freeze when temperatures drop below freezing.
Step 4. Smear a protective liquid on the seals
Rub some oil or lubricant using a paper towel. this thin water repellent layer reduces the amount of water that can seep through the rubber and freeze. There are conflicting views on the best oil to use, but here are some suggestions:
- A rubber softener or rubber care product is probably the best solution for good long-term maintenance;
- A silicone spray lubricant lasts for several weeks after each application, but can damage the foam and should not come into contact with the paint;
- WD40, another light lube, or even non-stick cooking spray are readily available, but repeated use can dry out or crumble the gum.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing and Managing Freeze Locks
Step 1. Rub the key and lock with denatured alcohol
Choose one with a minimum concentration of 60%; in this way, the alcohol will adhere to the internal mechanisms preventing the humidity from turning into ice. Apply it with a sheet of absorbent paper once a week to prevent ice formation; this method also allows you to blend the existing one, but it is a slower remedy than those described below.
Petroleum jelly is another effective option, but it can leave an oily residue on the car and key
Step 2. Spray an unlocking lubricant in severe cases
If alcohol isn't enough for good results, switch to a lubricant. Even experts have conflicting opinions as to which one to use, but some products are more recommended than others. Uses one only of the remedies described here for each lock, as lubricant mixtures can leave gummy residues:
- A graphite lubricant is typically sold in a spray bottle that can be pointed directly into the lock; some people find that it absorbs moisture over time and leaves dirt on the key.
- A Teflon-based product is often recommended, but some find silicone-containing lubricants to be ineffective and foul internal mechanisms.
- Oil-free lubricants should attract less dust and residue.
Step 3. Spray antifreeze liquid into frozen locks
Keep such a product in the garage or in the pocket of your winter jacket in case you get locked out of the car due to freezing weather. Generally, just spray it directly into the lock: it is the most effective solution when the climatic conditions are really extreme. Choose the lock with the least icing, treat it with antifreeze and insert the key.
Step 4. Heat the key
Grab it with kitchen tongs or an oven mitt and put the tip on the flame of a lighter or match, then insert it into the lock. If the key is all metal, has no plastic parts or a computerized remote control, you can safely heat it up and use it to unlock the car.
- This is not a very common remedy in regions with a cold climate and there are also safer alternatives, both for you and for the car; you should only use it if there are no other options available.
- Do not heat a key equipped with a computerized chip; you could damage electronic components and their replacement could cost hundreds of dollars.
Step 5. Heat the lock with a hair dryer or with your own breath
This method is less effective, but it's worth a try if nothing else is better. A cardboard tube (like that of a spent toilet paper roll) placed over the frozen lock allows you to concentrate the hot air on the area to be treated. Keep trying for several minutes, especially if you don't have a tube or it's a windy day.
If the car is parked outside, get a cordless hair dryer or get an extension cord that can also be used outdoors
Advice
- Inspect the trunk lid and all other doors; once you get inside and start the engine, the other doors will heat up and the ice will melt.
- If the car has an opening mechanism that does not require the use of the key, it does not matter if the locks freeze.
- Although it cannot prevent the doors from freezing, a remote starter with remote control allows you to heat the passenger compartment and melt the ice that has formed.
- Use only lubricants that are safe for rubber seals and paint.
