The car doors can freeze when water enters between the seal and the pillar or in the lock, preventing you from opening them; to get into the car you have to melt the ice with heat or with a solvent, such as alcohol.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Thaw the Seals or Handles
Step 1. Push
Apply pressure by leaning towards the frozen door trying to exert as much force as possible. This way you should be able to break the ice crystals that have formed on the gasket and, as a result, open the door.
This section considers the case in which you managed to open the lock but not the door; if the lock is also frozen, skip to this part of the article
Step 2. Remove the ice
If it has formed a thick layer, break it to detach it from the seal along the entire perimeter of the door and, if necessary, also from the handle. If you don't have a scraper, you can use any hard plastic object, such as a putty knife or credit card. do not use metal tools, which can scratch the glass or paint.
Step 3. Pour lukewarm water over the rubber seals
Fill a glass, bucket or other container with slightly warm water and pour it over the sides of the door to melt the ice; if the encrustation is thick, it may be necessary to repeat the operation several times. When you manage to open the door, wipe the inside dry to prevent the seal from freezing again.
- Never use very hot water, otherwise the change in temperature could shatter the window. You can also use cold water from the garden hose, as it is warmer than ice anyway.
- Typically, this phenomenon is more common when the rubber seal is worn or damaged, thereby allowing the water to seep and freeze. If you notice any signs of deterioration, focus on that area when you pour the water.
Step 4. Spray commercial antifreeze
You can buy this product in hardware stores and auto parts stores; it has the double function of melting the ice and lubricating the seal to prevent further moisture from accumulating in the future. At the most, you can replace the antifreeze with a homemade mixture.
- Denatured alcohol is able to melt ice, but frequent applications can worsen the wear of the rubber.
- Some types of wiper fluids contain a high percentage of alcohol and perform the same function.
- Diluted white vinegar is a last resort, as it leaves the classic pungent smell and, according to some drivers, even some traces on the window.
Step 5. Start the car remotely
If your car is equipped with a remote ignition device, you can use it to allow the heat from the engine to thaw the doors from the inside; this method can take up to 10 minutes.
Step 6. Heat the iced topping with a hair dryer
If you have a battery-powered model or an extension cable that allows you to reach the car, this method is a homemade alternative for melting ice, although it is dangerous. Constantly move the hair dryer along the seal; If you apply too much heat in one place, however, you can cause the glass to break, especially if it is already cracked or chipped.
Method 2 of 3: Defrost the Lock
Step 1. Spray some lubricant on the key or lock
This method is most effective if you apply the product using a straw that allows you to reach the internal mechanisms. You can use these lubricants:
- Commercial antifreeze;
- Denatured alcohol;
- Teflon-based powder lubricant (better as a prevention);
- Warning: avoid WD40, grease and silicone-based products, as they can cover the mechanisms with gummy residues. Graphite is safe in small quantities.
- Do not mix different lubricants with each other.
Step 2. Blow hot air into the lock
Put the cardboard tube of a roll of toilet paper or other similar cylindrical object on the lock to direct the flow of air and heat it by breathing yourself or with a hair dryer; this solution takes some time.
Step 3. Heat the key
Try this remedy only if the key is 100% metal and does not contain any electronic chips; hold it with tongs or with your hands protected by thick gloves and heat it over a lighter or match. Insert it into the lock and wait for the heat to melt the ice.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Goal Keeper Freezing
Step 1. Cover the car
After parking it outdoors, protect it with a tarp to prevent ice from coming into contact with the doors, locks and windshield. When the weather conditions are extreme, it also repairs the hood to avoid serious malfunctions.
Step 2. Close a plastic bag in the door
When temperatures are below freezing, before closing the machine put a garbage bag between the upright and the door, to prevent them from freezing and "sticking" together.
Step 3. Apply a protective product to the rubber seals
It is best to use a specific emollient that you find in auto parts stores. Silicone sprays are generally fine, but they could damage silicone seals, so consider checking the manufacturer's instructions. Petrolatum and cooking oil are widely used home remedies, but over time they can damage the gum.
Step 4. Replace worn gaskets
If you notice any tears, change them immediately, otherwise the water can seep and freeze blocking the door.
Step 5. Inspect the lock rods
If you can remove the inner door panel, check the locking mechanism; if it appears frozen or corroded, apply antifreeze. If you prefer, you can hire a mechanic for this job.
Advice
- Gently test the lock; if you turn the key hard, you could break it.
- Check all the doors of the vehicle including the trunk lid, if it allows you to access the passenger compartment; frozen doors should thaw while driving.
