Top Tips to Prevent Car Doors or Windows from Freezing

Do You Know How to Stop Your Car Door from Freezing?

November 19, 2024

You’re in a hurry and your car door is frozen. Why does this happen?

It’s probably because the rubber seal that runs along the edge of your car doors and windows – is dirty, torn, loose, cracked, or missing. Moisture seeps in and freezes your car’s doors and windows shut.

Here’s how you can help car doors or windows from freezing

De-icer

Use windshield de-icer along the seams of the car door or window to break up the ice. If you don’t have any de-icer, you can use two-thirds rubbing alcohol and one-third water to get the job done.

Or you can use a bucket of warm water or a hairdryer to help.

Cooking spray

Cooking spray or silicone lubricant will help keep moisture out, preventing water accumulation and freezing. Put it on with a cloth or paper towel.

Clean rubber seal

When it’s dirty, torn, loose, cracked, or missing, it allows moisture to seep in and freeze.

Clean the seal with warm, soapy water and then dry thoroughly with a towel because you don’t want the rubber sealing to freeze while you’re doing your cleaning.

A towel

Put a towel in your car’s door just above the window between the car door and frame. This will give you another point to pull from if your car door is frozen shut. It will also prevent you from damaging or snapping off your door handle.

Warm water

Pour a warm bucket of water over the areas around the doorframe. This should melt most of the ice almost immediately. Then push on the door with your body weight a few times to break apart any remaining ice.

Don’t use really hot or boiling water because it could shatter the window or damage the paint.

Here are 2 practical tips

Check the weather forecast often if you’re parking your car out in the open during the winter months.

If you can’t park your car indoors or outdoors with a shelter, invest in a car tarp or cover to minimize moisture accumulation around your door locks.