Winter driving woes: Navigating frozen locks and doors
Night frost can cause trouble for drivers, from morning window scraping to issues with opening the car. Locks and doors can be difficult to manage, and forcing them is not advisable.
This winter is making its presence known for the first time this season, weather-wise. Drivers now need to allocate more time for morning vehicle preparation. Low temperatures and moisture can make simply getting into the car quite challenging.
Frozen lock – what to do?
The first problem often involves opening the locks. Although modern cars, as well as most older models, are equipped with remote unlocking via key fobs, traditional locks are still sometimes used. When the key refuses to slide into the lock, a chemical lock de-icer can be an effective solution. It costs just a few dollars at the gas station. It's important to remember not to leave the de-icer in the car, because then it won’t serve its function. This may seem obvious, yet many people forget.
Frequent use of the de-icer means regular lubrication of the locks is necessary. Some de-icers contain lubricating ingredients, but the cheaper ones might wash out existing lubricant, hindering the lock's operation and speeding up rusting.
Another method for a frozen lock is to use a so-called heated key, a gadget with an electrically heated tip that melts the ice inside the lock. Alternatively, you can heat the key with a lighter, gradually getting rid of the ice. These procedures may need to be repeated, so it’s worth having an anti-freezing agent for locks, which is available online or at automotive stores.
Once you manage to unlock it, you might find the door seals are frozen, preventing them from opening. The most obvious reaction is to pull the door, but this can tear the seals or even damage the handle. It's better to gently push on them, as if trying to push the door inward. This might crack the ice. If that doesn't help, try entering the car through another door.
Once inside the car, you need to turn on the heating and direct the airflow onto the door seals. Without ensuring the driver’s door can open, you should not drive; in case of an accident, assistance from the outside may be hindered.
Frozen doors – do not use force
If no door will open, you can spray the seals with a windshield de-icer, which should help remove the ice. You might also try using a hairdryer, although its effectiveness might be limited in freezing conditions.
Pouring hot water on the door is not a good idea – the temperature difference might damage the glass, and the water could seep into crevices, causing further problems in sub-zero temperatures. It's better to carefully pour warm (not boiling) water on the seals and dry them thoroughly after opening.
To avoid daily battles with frozen seals, they can be properly protected with stick lubricants. These products are available in automotive stores. Although some people recommend greasing the seals with butter or dairy fats, it is better to opt for specialized products that prevent seals from drying and cracking.
