Drivers face winter's icy grip: Tips to tackle frozen locks
Night frosts can pose various challenges for drivers, ranging from the tedious task of scraping windows in the morning to difficulties in opening the car itself. Both locks and doors may stubbornly resist, and attempting to force them open is ill-advised.
For the first time this season, winter is asserting itself with its chilly weather conditions. Drivers now need to set aside additional time in the morning to prepare their vehicles for the road. The low temperatures and moisture can make simply entering the car a significant hurdle.
Frozen lock – what to do?
The initial problem is often unlocking the frozen locks. Although modern cars, alongside most older models, are fitted with remote controls, traditional locks are still used at times. When the key refuses to enter the lock, a chemical lock de-icer can offer an effective solution. Priced at just a few pounds and available at petrol stations, it's a handy tool. It's important to remember not to leave the de-icer in the car, as it will be of no use there – although obvious, many people overlook this.
Regular use of de-icer necessitates consistent lubrication of locks. Some de-icers include lubricating components, but the cheaper options might remove the existing lubricant, making the lock more difficult to operate and hastening rust formation.
Another technique for dealing with a frozen lock is the so-called hot key – a gadget with an electrically heated tip to melt ice inside the lock. Alternatively, you can warm the key with a lighter to gradually clear the ice. Such methods may require repetition, so it’s worthwhile investing in an anti-freeze agent for locks, available online or in automotive stores.
After managing to unlock the lock, you might find that the door seals are frozen, preventing the doors from opening. The immediate reaction is often to pull the doors forcefully, but this can tear the seals or even damage the handle. A better approach is to gently press on the doors, as if trying to push them inward; this might help break the ice. If this doesn't work, consider trying to enter the car through a different door.
Once inside the car, switch on the heating and direct the airflow towards the door seals. Ensuring the driver’s door can open before setting off is crucial, as it could pose difficulties for emergency services in the event of an accident.
Frozen doors – don’t use force
If none of the doors will open, spraying the seals with a window de-icer should help dissolve the ice. Alternatively, using a hairdryer can be effective, although its efficacy may be reduced on particularly frosty days.
Dousing the door with hot water is not advisable, as the sudden temperature change could damage the window, and water could infiltrate nooks and crannies, leading to further issues in freezing weather. Instead, gently pour warm (not boiling!) water over the seals and dry them thoroughly after opening.
To avoid battling frozen seals daily, you can protect them with a stick lubricant, available in automotive stores. While some suggest greasing the seals with butter or dairy fat, it's wiser to opt for specialist products designed to prevent drying and cracking of seals.
