With the arrival of winter, your car or truck doors are bound to freeze up solid at least once. Before you break that window, read the following from our in-house expert on frozen doors...
Most of us have dealt frozen vehicle doors on a cold winter morning. If you haven't, then you're either smart enough to use the garage, or you live in an area that stays above 60 all year.
Trying to get the door open can be a real pain. Short of smashing the windows, you might want to try the following methods:
-Carefully scrape the ice off of the edges of the door. Get in the cracks and slowly move all along the outline of the door. Be careful you don't scrape too hard. You don't want to damage the paint.
-Use some extra windshield washer fluid and pour it on the frozen areas. The washer fluid contains a small amount of alcohol, which may help melt the ice.
-Buy some de-icer spray from your local hardware store, Target or Walmart. Spray a good amount of de-icer in the places where the door is sticking. Try and get in the jambs and all around the edges.
Note: De-icer can be hazardous if not used properly. Read all directions and warnings carefully before using.
-Carefully try prying the door open with something that will fit in the jamb. Don't use too much force because you may damage the door.
Some people may tell you to pour hot water all over the door. I advise against this, because you may end up cracking the window or worse.
If all else fails, you'll just have to pray for a warm day. The ice will melt and you'll be able to get the door open.
No matter how you achieve it, once you get the door open, wipe away all the excess water and spray the jamb with some WD-40. This should prevent water from collecting inside and therefore stop the door from freezing shut.
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