As the winter season is approaching, we have to start thinking about things freezing. Not just our bones, but also our sidewalks, windshields and even our car door locks. If you get to your car and find that your locks are frozen, first try another door. Even though one lock may have frozen, it doesn’t mean they all have. Perhaps a different door can be opened. If so, use that door to gain access and start your car. Turn on the heat and leave it on until it has warmed up the car and defrosted the locks.

If all entry locks are frozen, try heating your key with a match or lighter. You will want to wear gloves to make sure your finger don’t burn while the key heats hot enough to melt the moisture inside the lock. Lock de-icer is available to purchase at most auto supply stores and can also help, but generally doesn’t work as well as heated key. If you have access to electricity, you can also use a hairdryer to thaw the lock.

One thing to keep in mind when washing your car in the winter season is to cover the locks with tape to keep out water that can later freeze and jam up your door.

If your car doors handle freezes, moving it a couple times will generally help to release the frozen moisture.