Whether you are in a hurry or just want a nice drive, the last thing you need is a frozen car lock. Maybe you washed your car before the weather turned freezing, or it could be that the car just sat in the cold for too long. No matter the reason, you need to know how to open your frozen car door. This way, you can start the heater quickly.
Preventive Winter Car Care
The best way to avoid frozen car locks is to keep your vehicle in a heated garage. Doing this will help with other problems. For example, you might try to use your windshield washers.
You might discover that the washer fluid in your car’s lines has frozen. A heated garage is also wonderful if you drive electric cars in cold weather. Extremely low temps reduce battery range, and cause said batteries to deplete faster.
Of course, if you don’t own a garage, you’re not alone. Even if you can’t keep your car warm overnight, there are winter car tips to help. Here are some ways to prevent yourself from getting frozen out:
Magnets
Sticking a magnet over the car door lock will prevent moisture from seeping in and freezing it solid. Just make sure to use a magnet that completely covers the lock.
De-Icer
You can buy products made to stop ice from building up. You can also use common sprays like WD-40, Vaseline, and diluted vinegar. Spray the locks every day.
How to Unfreeze Car Door Locks
If your car locks are frozen and you need to open the doors, try these methods:
Heat Your Key
Using a lighter, matches, or any other heat source, heat your key and start working it into the lock. Every time the ice cools it down, just get it hot again until you can finally get through and unlock the door.
Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer both work as well. For rubbing alcohol, mix in a solution of one part water and two parts alcohol, then spray it onto the lock. To use sanitizer, first apply it in gel form to your key. Then, gently work it into the door lock while wiggling the key.
More De-Icer
De-icers will also work on a lock that’s already frozen solid, though they will take time to thaw the ice.
Remote Start
If your car has a remote start feature (and you have the time), simply start the car and let it warm up. While this won’t be as quick as other methods, you don’t need any extra tools.
Hairdryer
Hold a hairdryer six inches from the lock. Move it slowly over the area for a few minutes. Check the lock now and then to see if the ice has melted enough.
What Not to Do
Avoid using boiling water. Super hot water can break windows and damage electronics. It can also refreeze quickly. This might happen even faster than if you used cold water.
Also, never try to force the key to turn if the lock is resisting. You’ll break off the key long before the ice gives way.
Winter Car Emergency Kit
To avoid getting stuck in the cold, create a kit with the essential door lock thawing gear. For instance, you can always carry a travel-size hand sanitizer and a lighter/matches in your pockets. Keep some de-icer in the trunk and spray it on the locks every time you exit the car. Purchase an ice scraper and keep it handy for when you have to chip away layers of ice that have formed on the car’s door and door frame.
When in Doubt, Call Van Wyk Auto
When your car is giving you trouble, trust the experts at Van Wyk Auto! Our ASE-certified techs identify problems quickly and solve them just as fast. Don’t get stuck in the cold — contact Van Wyk Auto today!