1. Open locks
Often, if the frost hit unexpectedly or the temperature dropped on days when the car was not used, the problems begin even when approaching the car.
On frosty days, batteries in alarm key fobs and car keys run out faster. Therefore, it is better to carry the keys in the inner pockets, and even better – to have a second key with you.
Opening the door “manually” is also sometimes difficult. The lock cylinder can freeze, so that even the key does not fit. The advice is simple: carry a bottle of defroster or a lighter with you to light the sting of the key.
A good way is to blow into the castle through a cocktail straw. But afterwards spray some liquid lubricant (such as WD-40) into the lock, otherwise the moist air will grab the larva!
2. On the way in
The next problem with access to the cabin can be a door seal that has frozen along the contour.
Pull all the doors – maybe a few less froze.
You should not exert too much force. Otherwise, you will break the handles, as they are not designed for serious efforts. In addition, they are (almost always) made of plastic, which becomes brittle in the cold.
Therefore, try to press on the door, as if pushing it into the opening. Start with the glass frame – it freezes most often.
If all else fails, use a glass defroster – the product must be passed through a tube into the slot of the doorway. You can use antifreeze fluid that has just been brought from the house or purchased at a store. It is important that it is warm.
On hatchbacks and station wagons, you can try to get into the cabin through the tailgate. You can then start the engine and warm up the interior. Or try pushing the door open from the inside.
It is better to apply silicone grease to all seals at the beginning of winter – before the first frost. And in any case, refresh this coating every now and then.
3. Start the engine safely
First, make sure the wiper switch is in the off position. Otherwise, the windshield wiper drive may suffer if they are frozen to the glass.
There’s no point in turning on the headlights – you’re still not warming up the battery, but you’re consuming precious energy.
If the engine does not start after half a revolution, do not immediately release the ignition key. The starter can rotate the crankshaft for at least 10 seconds without consequences.
It is allowed to make three attempts at intervals of at least 30 seconds. If the engine does not start, do not waste the battery, look for a malfunction.
Immediately after starting, check whether the oil pressure emergency indicator goes out. If not, the engine must be stopped immediately to prevent damage.
An indicator of the emergency oil pressure that has not gone out after starting the engine is an alarm signal. If you ignore it, the engine will not last long.
4. Defrost glass
The windshield may be covered with ice on the outside and frost on the inside. Therefore, immediately after starting the engine, it is necessary to direct the air flow from the heater to the glass and set the fan to low speed.
Do not forget to switch on the heated mirrors and windows (if equipped) immediately after starting the engine. Remove ice from the windshield wipers.
If you are in a hurry, you can scrape off the outside glass with a plastic scraper. Frost inside can be removed with a plastic card.
Not all frost has yet been removed from the glass, but the entire instrument panel has already fallen asleep.