Winter can throw a lot of curve balls your way, especially when it comes to frozen precipitation. You may even find that your car’s doors end up frozen. Kevin’s Auto Repair Service wants to help you to solve this problem both quickly and safely.
Don’t Throw Hot Water at the Car
Lots of people mistakenly believe that hot water is a great answer to a frozen door, but it isn’t. Hot water can cause big problems and hot water freezes faster than cold water does, believe it or not. If you go this route, you’re more likely to make the problem bigger.
Try to Prepare in Advance
The best way to deal with a frozen car door is to have prepared in advance. If you can cover the car, either with just a car cover or with blankets and then a car cover, that can sometimes protect the car before the freeze hits and keep it from freezing up. Also, spraying lubricating spray into the door locks and around the edges of the door can help if you do it in advance of freezing weather.
Don’t Force Anything
Time for another don’t. Don’t try to force anything if your doors do freeze up. This is a delicate operation, and if you try to force the key into the lock or try to force the handle up, that’s all a problem waiting to happen. You may find yourself dealing with things that are now broken, not just frozen.
De-icing Spray or Spray Lubricants May Help
Using de-icing spray or spray lubricants in advance helps a lot, but they can also happen if freezing does occur. Spray them carefully into the lock or around whatever is frozen, like the door handle. Be careful not to spray too much at once and make sure you don’t get too much on the paint.
Careful Application of Heat Can Sometimes Help
You may find that using heat, very carefully, can help a lot, too. You’re going to need to do it properly, though. Make sure you use a properly grounded outdoor extension cord and use a hair dryer. Don’t use the hottest setting, because that can cause damage and can even melt your paint if you hold the hair dryer in one spot too long. Use medium heat and move the hair dryer around a bit.
Still frozen? Call for help. Kevin’s Auto Repair Service in Swoyersville, PA is always happy to help with whatever your car needs.