PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do you unfreeze your car door?
I live in New York State and feel like I fight with my frozen car door at least once a week during winter. What’s the best way to unfreeze a car door?
R.E. Fulton · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
As a fellow New York state resident, I completely understand the struggle. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to help unfreeze your car door and keep it from happening again.
Here are some ways to win the battle against your frozen door:
- Push on the door as hard as you can without denting it to break the ice around the door’s seal.
- Chip away at the ice using an ice scraper, spatula, or credit card to break the seal around the door.
- Pour lukewarm—NOT hot—water over the rubber seal to melt the ice and open the door. It may take a few rounds, but never use hot or boiling water—you could risk shattering your windows!
- Use a hairdryer to melt the ice.
- Start the car remotely if possible and allow the car to warm up, melting the ice.
- Apply hand sanitizer to a frozen-over car door lock and wiggle your key in and out to dislodge the ice.
- Use a commercial de-icer as directed. Just don’t forget it in your car before going inside!
To prevent having to fight your car door again:
- Cover your car with a vehicle cover or tarp.
- Close a plastic trash bag in the door so the door and frame don’t freeze together.
- Use a rubber conditioner, silicone spray, or even cooking spray to protect the rubber seals.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
