How to Open Frozen Car Doors

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: October 17, 2024 Approved

Car doors freeze shut when water seeps between the seal and the car frame, or into the lock itself. To get inside your car, you'll need to dissolve the ice with heat, or with a solvent such as alcohol.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Unfreezing Door Seals or Handles

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1
Push on your car door. Apply pressure by leaning on your frozen door. Push as hard as you can against the door. The pressure could break the ice around the door's seal, enabling you to open the door.
- This section assumes you can unlock your car, but not open it. If the lock itself is frozen, skip to the section below.
If the ice has formed a thick crust, break it off the seal of the door on all sides, and off the handle if necessary. If you don't have an ice scraper, use any stiff plastic object, such as a spatula or credit card. Metal objects may scratch the glass or paint.

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3
Pour lukewarm water over the rubber seals. Fill a cup, bucket or another container with lukewarm water. Pour the water around the seal of the door to thaw the ice. You may need to repeat this several times if the ice is thick. Once the door is open, dry off the inside of the seal with a towel to prevent re-freezing.
- Never use hot water, or the temperature difference could shatter your window glass. Even cold water from the hose can do the trick, since it is warmer than the ice.^{[1]
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- Car doors most often freeze where the rubber seal is worn or damaged, allowing water to seep in and freeze. If you notice any damage, focus on that area while pouring.
4
Spray on commercial de-icer. You can find de-icer products at auto shops and hardware stores. These both dissolve the ice, and leave lubricant behind to help prevent further moisture from collecting.^{[2]
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Research source} In a pinch, you can substitute a homemade mixture:
- Rubbing alcohol can dissolve ice, but repeated use may damage your rubber gasket.
- Some varieties of windshield wiper fluid are mostly alcohol, and can serve the same purpose.
- Diluted white vinegar is a last resort, as it leaves a lingering smell and — according to some — may leave pock marks on the window glass.^{[3]
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If you have a remote car starter, use it and let the heat thaw the car door from the inside. This could take up to 10 minutes.
If you have a battery-operated model or an extension cord long enough to reach your car, this is another DIY way to melt the ice — but potentially a hazardous one. Move the blow dryer constantly back and forth across the door seal. Too much heat in one spot could break the glass, especially if there are existing cracks or chips.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Unfreezing Car Locks

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1
Spray lubricant on the key or lock. This works best if you spray the key, or place a straw against the lock and spray through the straw. You may use any of the following:^{[5]
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- Commercial deicer
- Rubbing alcohol
- PTFE powder lubricant (best for prevention)
- Warning: avoid WD40, grease lubricant, and silicone lubricant, which can gum up the lock. Graphite is safe in small quantities.
- Do not combine multiple lubricants.^{[6]
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Place a cardboard toilet paper roll or another cylindrical object over the lock to direct the air. Heat the lock by blowing into the roll with your breath or a blow dryer.^{[7]
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Research source} This may take some time.
Only try this if the key is 100% metal and does not contain an electronic chip. Hold the key with thick gloves or tongs, and heat it above a match or lighter. Insert the key into the lock and wait for the ice to thaw.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Frozen Doors

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After parking outside, cover the car with a tarp to keep ice off the doors, locks, and windshield.^{[8]
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Research source} Cover the hood as well in extreme weather conditions to prevent more serious malfunction.
Before closing your door in icy weather, place a trash bag between the door and the frame so they cannot freeze together.
It's best to use a special rubber conditioner from an auto shop.^{[9]
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Research source} Silicone spray is usually fine, but may damage silicone rubber, so consider checking with the car manufacturer first. Petroleum products and cooking spray are common DIY options, but they can wear down the rubber over time.
Have your rubber door seals replaced if you see any tears. These let water seep in and freeze your door shut.
If you are able to remove your door panel, do so and investigate the rod that operates the lock. If it looks icy or corroded, spray it with de-icer.^{[10]
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Research source} An auto shop can do this for you if you prefer.

Community Q&A

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Question

If I use warm water, is there any danger of it refreezing from long-term subzero temperatures?

Community Answer

Yes. Dry the door frame and rubber with an old towel after you get the door open.

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Question

Is a 'Preston Window De-Icing Spray' okay for thawing rubber door seals/car locks?

Terrence MacArthur

Community Answer

Check the labe to see if it's safe to use with rubber. Since windshields have rubber seals, it probably is.

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Question

Can I use Vaseline on rubber?

Community Answer

You can't use Vaseline on the shaft, but you can use it on the rubber.

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Tips

Check all doors in the vehicle, plus the trunk if you can reach the driver's seat by crawling through it. The frozen doors should thaw as you drive.

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Test the lock gently. The key may break if you try to turn it by force.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Keep in mind that if you pour water on your door and it doesn't open, the water on the door will freeze more. If it's extremely cold outside, like under 25 degrees, it might be too risky to use warm water for this reason.
I've had success with WD-40 on frozen locks. Just spray a little inside the frozen lock and work the key in gently.
Here's a tip from an Alaskan: Dip the door key in hand sanitizer!
I used rubbing alcohol on frozen locks and it worked.

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