What to Do When the Car Door is Frozen and Won't Open?
3 Answers
The solutions for a frozen car door that won't open are: 1. Pour some water at around 60 degrees Celsius along the edges of the car door; 2. Use a hairdryer set to warm air to blow at the frozen area. Solutions for other frozen parts of the car are: 1. Frozen tires: Use an iron shovel to remove the ice roots, then shift into first gear or reverse, lightly press the accelerator or use idle speed to try moving the car back and forth; 2. Frozen car lock: Use a hairdryer to melt the ice on the lock; 3. Frozen windows or windshield: After warming up the car, clear the snow from the body and glass, then turn on the heater and set it to blow air towards the front windshield.
I remember when driving in extremely cold areas, the car doors often got frozen and couldn't be opened, which was really frustrating. It was mainly due to ice blocking the door gaps and keyholes, so the right approach was needed to deal with it. First, don't force the door open to avoid damaging the seals. Use a hairdryer to blow warm air at the door gaps for a few minutes, or pour some lukewarm water on the ice to melt it—just make sure the water isn't too hot, or the windows might crack. I've also tried using de-icing spray, which is available at supermarkets and works really well. For prevention, it's best to park in a sheltered spot or under a carport, and apply some antifreeze lubricant to the door hinges before autumn and winter. In such weather, patience is key—wait for the ice to melt before trying again, safety first.
As someone who commutes by car regularly, I find frozen car doors a major headache, especially during rushed mornings. Emergency solutions include: first, buying a bottle of alcohol spray or saline solution from a convenience store and spraying it on the door lock and gaps to quickly melt the ice. If you don't have tools, carefully pry the edges open with an old bank card, being careful not to damage the paint. If the key won't go in, don't force it—warm the key on a heater for a while and try again. Additionally, keeping a hairdryer or hand warmer in the car can provide temporary heating. Afterward, remember to check the wipers and door seals to prevent future freezing. If you're in a hurry, calling a friend or taking a taxi for help is also an option.
