How to Open a Frozen Car Doors

Car owners without a garage are usually faced with the problem of a frozen car door as cars are parked outside in the snow. Many car owners have employed salt to open a frozen car door; however, using salt may block the keyway, requiring an auto locksmith to install a new lock.

If your car door is frozen, and you need help figuring out what to do. The article suggests a few DIY tips to help you open your frozen car door.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a readily accessible chemical that provides de-icing qualities comparable to salt because it has a lower freezing point than water. Even if you've never heard of the name, you probably have some isopropyl alcohol lying around the house. These chemicals are found in hand sanitizers as well as rubbing alcohol. However, some formulations do not contain isopropyl alcohol.

Using Isopropyl alcohol is the easiest and cheapest way for you to unlock your frozen car door. Applying isopropyl alcohol to a frozen vehicle door will help you unlock it again, and the evaporation of the alcohol will also reduce the remaining moisture.

Use a De-icer

Most de-icers are made from calcium chloride because it reduces the freezing point of water, absorbs water molecules, and prevents water from refreezing. None of the other procedures for thawing frozen car doors include soaking up the resultant water, and chemical de-icers are the only ones to do this.

However, de-icing chemicals are only sometimes within reach, and you must stock up before the need arises. It is also important to know what kinds of surfaces and materials your de-icer is suitable for before using it. As a trade-off for faster melting or better frost avoidance, the harsher chemicals used in certain de-icers may cause damage to your car metal.

Employ Vinegar

It is possible to lower the melting point of water using a vinegar solution just as you can with salt or isopropyl alcohol. Vinegar can be used to unlock a frozen vehicle door, but there are a few risks to consider before doing so.

One potential problem is the glass of the window fading over time. When vinegar comes in contact with a frozen vehicle door, it can cause the glass to turn yellow. Overuse could ruin your paintwork. Furthermore, getting rid of vinegar's odor is hard, if not impossible.

Diluting vinegar with water may mitigate its harsh effects, so you can explore this option before applying vinegar to your frozen car door. One of the most widely acclaimed solutions is to mix three parts vinegar with one part water.

Use an Ice Scraper

One of the most tedious ways to unlock a frozen car door is to use an ice scraper. However, chipping at ice may not be successful if it has formed inside cracks or in the lock cylinder.

If visible, the ice can be broken apart, which could solve the freezing problem. Even if you scrape the ice, the scraper will likely bounce off the door, and this additional difficulty slows labor and increases the risk of damage. An ice scraper may be used to fix a frozen car door, but it can damage your paint or dent your car's metal.

Conclusion

Many solutions exist for opening a frozen car door. However, the tips above can be employed personally to open your frozen door. If you are not have tried the above tips to no avail, then contact a reputable locksmith. Columbus Locksmith Pro can assist with all car lock issues; besides helping you unlock your frozen door lock, we also provide lock installation, repair, and maintenance services.