Tips on How To Open a Frozen Car Door
With winter fast approaching, one annoying problem comes for car owners: frozen car doors. These can easily ruin anybody’s day, especially if you’re in a hurry to go.
There are a handful of ways for you to unfreeze your car doors without inflicting any damage. Here are some things that you can do:
Try Pouring Lukewarm Water
Get some lukewarm water and gently pour it over the door to try and melt the ice. Do not use boiling water in this procedure as it can shatter your car window because of the significant temperature differences. Once you’re done, be sure to dry the door immediately after opening it to prevent it from freezing again.
Use a Chemical De-Icer
De-icers are products that use chemicals to melt the ice and snow away in a matter of minutes. They are often marketed as a tool to unfreeze your car windows; however, they can also be used on your car doors whenever they’re stuck. Just spray some of it on the handle and door seal, and wait for a few minutes before you try to open it.
These de-icer sprays are readily available in the market. However, if you don’t have access to them, you can instead try mixing two-thirds rubbing alcohol and one-third water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before spraying it on your door handle and watch the ice melt away.
Heat Your Car Keys
Sometimes, just heating your car key with a lighter can help with your frozen car door problem. If you do this method, be sure to heat just the metal part of your car key and not the plastic. Hold it over a gentle flame for a few seconds before inserting it in the keyhole.
Once it’s inside, do not force the door open. Leave the key in for a few seconds before slowly turning it in both directions. You may have to reheat the key multiple times before all of the ice melts away.
Use Another Door To Get In
You can try getting in using another door. Depending on how you parked your car and where the wind is coming from, one side of your vehicle may be frozen but the other isn’t. If you own a hatchback, you can also try getting in via the trunk if the other doors don’t work. Once you’re inside, start your engine to warm up the vehicle.
Knowing how to open a frozen car door can help you prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter. If you need an automotive locksmith service that you can trust, don’t hesitate to contact us at Oliphant Lock & Safe. Talk to one of our representatives to learn more.
