How to Prevent Frozen Locks in Your Vehicles This Winter

Are you dealing with frozen locks on your car or truck? The blizzards and sub zero temperatures are upon us again. Not everyone can afford to park his or her car in a nice garage. We for example have a two-stall garage, but half of it is full of tools and other equipment. We also have a teenage son who has a vehicle. So someone one has to park outside the garage.

My husband has priority. He has to get up at 4:00 in the morning to go to work. My son goes to school before I leave and he and I park outside the garage. Lately with the sub zero temperatures we have experienced froze locks. Short of using a torch, which is of course not good for the exterior of your car, what can you do?

This is a tip that I learned from a friend. If you take a garbage bag, or a piece of pliable plastic, and place it between the door frame above the window and above the door locks, and shut it in the door it will prevent the moisture from dripping down in the door locks and freezing. It is a simple trick and really works. Spraying a little bit of W-D 40 seems to help prevent the moisture from freezing in your locks too If you try a combination of the two, it should do the trick. It is less expensive than buying a cover for your car and is actually easier than having to dress your car for bed before you go in for the night.

Now if you can remember to do it, which seems to be the hardest thing for us, hopefully it will work for you. It has saved us time and irritation before leaving for school and work in the morning.

Right now the winds are blowing, the schools are closed, and I hope not to have to leave the house. But when I have to go out I want to make sure that I can get in my car. The next step, is how to make sure your car will start when there are sub-zero temperatures outside? Don't forget to take the plastic with you if you are going to be at work or school for a long period of time. It may look stupid, but if you have to park in a parking lot for many hours, you may find yourself unable to get in your car again. Be wise, and safe, and hope for a very early spring.