How to Safely Open a Frozen Car Door

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - A massive winter storm is sweeping across the United States, impacting over 200 million people. With winter storms comes freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. During last year's historic snow fall in Acadiana, you probably at some point had to deal with your car doors being frozen shut if you don't park in a garage or carport.

Because we rarely deal with car doors being frozen shut, your first move was to probably yank the handle to break the ice free. Well, if you wind up having to deal with frozen shut car doors this weekend in Acadiana and Louisiana, don't just yank on the handle or you could wind up with bigger problems than an icy car door.

Here's why, and what you should do instead...

Why Frozen Car Doors Stick

Water can seep into the seams around your car door during rain, snow, or humid conditions. Once temperatures drop below freezing, that water turns to ice and seals the door to the frame.

When freezing winter weather hits, moisture around your car door can turn into solid ice and bond the door shut. Trying to jerk the handle can cause costly damage.

READ MORE: Are Exploding Trees in Freezing Temperatures Real?

What Not To Do When A Car Door Is Frozen

The folks over at yahoonews.com have some good advice when it comes what you shouldn't do if your vehicle's doors freeze shut.

Don’t Pull Hard On The Handle -  Cold makes plastic and metal more brittle, and yanking can break the handle or internal latch.

Don't Use Boiling Water -  Very hot water can cause glass to crack from rapid temperature change, and cold weather can make the water refreeze instantly.

Be Careful With Home Hacks - Vinegar, saltwater, cooking oil, or unapproved chemicals might melt ice but can rust metal, damage rubber seals, or leave sticky residue.

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Gently Break The Ice Seal

The basic rule of thumb is to push, not pull.

From Yahoonews.com -

"Instead of yanking, use steady body pressure around the edge of the door. Pressing inward near the handle and seal can help break the ice bond without stressing parts. A little push followed by a gentle pull often releases the door."

If pushing the door doesn't break the ice so you can open your car door, try a hairdryer, but make sure not to hold it on one spot for too long.

READ MORE: How Cold It Needs to Get Before Pipes Freeze in Louisiana

You can also try pouring warm water, not boiling water, over your door to melt the ice.

Read more over at carinterior.alibaba.com.