“At the same time, the key is difficult to insert into the lock, or it is inserted, but does not turn. Another common reason why a car door won’t open is that the rubber seals are frozen to the body,” explained an expert from the online hypermarket “VseInstrumenty.ru.”
To open a car, you can use special auto chemicals that displace moisture, for example a defrosting spray, RT’s interlocutor recommended.
“If you don’t have special chemicals at hand, you can try improvised means and techniques. For example, heat the key with a lighter or blow through the lock with a hairdryer. You can also spill hot water on the lock. But after this it is necessary to dry the larva. We do not recommend using force to open a frozen lock. This way you can easily damage the lock mechanism or key,” the specialist warned.
Also, avoid using pliers or other tools, he added.
“There is a risk of breaking the key and damaging the cylinder. In addition, it is better not to use kerosene-based liquids. To prevent your car lock from freezing, use special alcohol-based lock sprays as a preventative measure. We also recommend treating rubber door seals with lubricant before cold weather. If locks freeze regularly, most likely moisture still accumulates somewhere,” Sokolov said.
He advised drying the lock inside - for this you can use a hairdryer or put the car in a warm box for a while.
“If this doesn’t help, you should contact a specialist. He will disassemble the lock or, if necessary, the door itself and lubricate the mechanisms inside,” the specialist concluded.
Previously, doctor Denis Banny told in a conversation with RT what the dangers of using a counterfeit anti-freeze product could be.