Car doors will freeze if water gets in between the rubber and the car frame or gets into the locking system. To get into the car, you must melt the ice with heat or a certain liquid, such as alcohol.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Defrosting a Frozen Door or Door Handle
Step 1. Press your car door
Apply pressure by leaning against the frozen door. Press the door as hard as you can. The pressure can break the ice around the door seal so you can open it.
This section is written with the assumption that you can unlock the car, but cannot open the door. If the car lock section freezes, continue to the next section
Step 2. Scrape the ice that appears
If ice forms a thin film on the sealing area of the car door, crush it from all sides, including the handle if necessary. If you don't have an ice scraper, use a hard object, such as a spatula or credit card. Metal objects can scratch glass or paint.
Step 3. Pour warm water over the door sealing rubber
Fill a cup, bucket, or other container with warm water. Pour water around the door seal to melt the ice. You may need to repeat this process a few times if the ice is thick enough. Once the door is open, dry the inside of the seal with a towel to prevent it from freezing again.
- Never use hot water as the temperature difference can break the window panes. Tap water can be used during this process as it is warmer than ice.
- Car doors often freeze when the sealing rubber is damaged or worn, allowing water to enter and freeze. If you see any damage, focus on that area while splashing water.
Step 4. Spray a commercial defrost product
You can find defrosting products at an auto or hardware store. This product is capable of defrosting and providing a lubricant that helps prevent fluid build-up. If pressed, you can use the following mixture of household ingredients:
- Rubbing alcohol can melt ice, but using it too often can damage the rubber gaskets of your car.
- Some types of car window wipes are made from alcohol so they can be used for this purpose.
- Using diluted white vinegar is a last resort as it has a pungent odor and – according to some – can stain car windows.
Step 5. Start your car remotely
If you can start the car remotely, do so and let the heat of the vehicle melt the ice from the inside. This can take up to 10 minutes.
Step 6. Heat the frozen door seal with a hairdryer
If you have a battery-powered hairdryer or have a power cord long enough to get to your car, use this method to defrost – although it can be dangerous. Move the tool back and forth constantly around the door seal. One spot that's too hot can crack a window, especially if there's been a previous crack or scratch.
Method 2 of 3: Defrosting a Frozen Car Lock
Step 1. Spray the lubricating fluid on the car key or keyhole
This method works most effectively if you spray the key or put a straw in the keyhole and spray grease into it. You can use the following materials:
- Commercial defrosting products
- Rubbing alcohol
- PTFE powder lubricant (best used as a preventative)
- Warning: avoid using WD40, grease lubricants, and silicone lubricants as they can clog the keyhole. Graphite is safe to use in small amounts.
- Do not mix lubricants.
Step 2. Blow some warm air into the keyhole
Place a cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll or other cylindrical object in the keyhole to allow air to circulate. Heat the keyhole by blowing it directly or using a hairdryer. This process may take some time.
Step 3. Heat the lock
You should only do this if the car keys are 100% metal and don't have an electronic chip. Hold the key with thick gloves or tongs, then heat it with a lighter. Put the key back in the hole and wait for the ice to melt.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Doors from Freezing
Step 1. Cover your car
After parking outdoors, cover the car with a tarp to prevent ice from sticking to the doors and windshield. Also cover the hood in extreme weather conditions to prevent serious malfunctions.
Step 2. Clamp the trash bag between the doors
Before closing the door in cold weather, place a trash bag between the door and the car frame to prevent it from sticking and freezing.
Step 3. Apply a special product to protect the rubber seal
We recommend using a special rubber conditioner sold in automotive stores. Silicone spray is usually safe to use, but can damage silicone-based rubber. So, consider contacting your car manufacturer first. Petroleum products and cooking spray are common alternatives, but they can damage rubber in the long run.
Step 4. Replace the damaged gasket
Replace the rubber seal on the torn car door. The gap allows water to seep in and freeze so the door can't be opened.
Step 5. Check the door lock rod
If possible, move the door panel and check the stem that holds the car door lock. If the object appears frozen or corroded, spray the defrost product. if you want, you can ask a repair shop for help to do it.
Tips
- Gently test the keyhole. The lock may break if you turn it by force.
- Check all doors in the vehicle, including the trunk, to see if you can reach the driver's seat by crawling through it. The frozen door will melt as you drive.
