Essential Solutions For Unfreezing Car Door Locks
Posted on: 15 July 2020
Car owners face a number of challenges when winter strikes. Besides dealing with vehicle damage caused by corrosion after driving on salty-snowy roads, you also have to unfreeze door locks. Frozen locks can be a pain, particularly when you need to get somewhere urgently. Usually, it becomes impossible to turn the car keys once the locks get frozen. Things get out of hand when the entire keyway gets frozen; then, you won't be able to insert the key.
An automobile locksmith can surely help you handle this issue, but it doesn't hurt to know various ways on how to unfreeze frozen door locks. Here are some solutions you can consider instead of using hot water, pry bars, or screwdrivers.
WD-40 or hand sanitizer
One of the best ways to unfreeze a frozen lock in winter is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Simply apply a slight quantity of the sanitizer on the key stem then try to insert it in the lock gently. The solution will melt the ice in the locks in a few minutes so you can drive off to your destination. Spraying WD-40 on the car locks each night will ensure that ice doesn't form on the lock. The solution will keep the internal parts of the locks unfrozen throughout the night.
Vaseline
If you don't have a hand sanitizer, you can improvise with Vaseline. Dip your car key into the container, and then try inserting the key in the keyhole, and start wiggling. Remember that you might need to repeat this procedure several times until the lock gets unfrozen. The general rule of thumb is to ensure the jelly is evenly distributed on the key before insertion. Do this every other week throughout winter, and you won't face frozen lock issues.
Warm breath
Another reliable option you can consider, particularly if your car's lock is frozen slightly, is your breath. Make a paper tube or get a straw then blow your breath directly on the lock. Since your breath is warm, the ice will start melting. Exercise some patience while doing this — don't just blow a few breaths and give up.
Locksmith
If you try all these techniques, but you do not succeed, you should consider calling an auto locksmith. These professionals are trained to unfreeze locks and will use updated techniques that are more efficient and safer. Just make sure you assign the work to an experienced locksmith to get quality services at an affordable rate.
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