Ultimate Guide to Fix and Prevent Frozen Doors and Locks in Winter

Winter is the season that can make life a little difficult for those who live in areas with extremely cold temperatures. One of the most common problems during winters is frozen doors. It can be really frustrating and time-consuming to deal with frozen doors and locks, especially when you are in a hurry.

So, What Causes Doors to Freeze in Winters?

Doors are more likely to freeze in winters because of the extreme temperature drop. Cold temperatures cause the water vapor in the air to freeze into solid ice crystals. When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture and condensation on the doors can freeze, causing the door to stick, making it difficult to open.

Another reason for frozen doors in winters is the ice formation in the door frame. When the door frame is not properly insulated, warm air from inside the house can escape, and the cold air from outside can enter. This temperature difference can cause the moisture in the air to freeze in the door frame, causing the door to stick.

Additionally, doors can also freeze due to snow or ice buildup around the frame. When there is heavy snowfall or freezing rain, the moisture can accumulate around the door frame and freeze, causing the door to stick.

Here are the ways to Prevent Your Car's Door & Locks from Freezing.

Cover your car: When snow is expected in the winter and precipitation is high, the easiest and most effective way to protect your car is to cover it. A car cover protects your car from rain, snow and ice that can occur when water freezes when the temperature drops.

Inspect car door seals: Inspect door seals to ensure they are not cracked or torn and in good condition. It's a good practice to check the seals on your car's doors and frames to prevent water from seeping in and freezing. High-quality car door seals will last a long time, and a rubber protectant spray or conditioner can help keep the rubber flexible and durable. You can also use a silicone grease spray that blocks moisture. Spray along the door and frame seals and spread evenly with a microfiber cloth.

Lubricating the Lock:  A lock lubricant is a substance that is applied to the lock to reduce friction and prevent moisture from getting inside. It is important to choose the right one. Look for a lubricant that is specifically designed for locks and can withstand low temperatures. Avoid using oil-based lubricants or WD-40, as they can attract dirt and dust, making the lock more susceptible to freezing. Infact look for graphite-based, Teflon, and greaseless lubricants. 

How To Open A Frozen Car Door?

1. Warm Up the Lock or Door: 

The first step to fixing a frozen lock or door is to warm it up. You can do this by using a hairdryer or heat gun to blow warm air onto the lock or door. Alternatively, you can use a hot water bottle or heat pack to warm up the area around the lock or door.

When using a hairdryer or heat gun, be sure to keep the tool at a safe distance from the lock or door to avoid causing damage. Similarly, if you're using a hot water bottle or heat pack, be careful not to overheat the area around the lock or door.

2. Use De-Icer Spray: 

If warming up the lock or door doesn't work, the next step is to use a de-icer spray. De-icer sprays are specifically designed to melt ice and frost and can be used on locks and doors.

To use a de-icer spray, simply spray it onto the lock or door, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wait a few minutes for the de-icer to work, and then try turning the key or opening the door again.

3. Try Graphite Powder

If de-icer spray doesn't work, you can try using graphite powder. Graphite powder is a dry lubricant that can help loosen up the lock mechanism and make it easier to turn the key.

To use graphite powder, simply insert the key into the lock and turn it back and forth a few times to distribute the powder. If the lock is still stuck, try adding more graphite powder and repeating the process.

If none of these steps work, it may be time to call a professional locksmith or door repair company. A professional can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix the door  or door.