Finally winter! However, the freezing cold presents drivers with a number of challenges.
Snow and crisp cold cause problems throughout Germany. Motorists also feel the inconveniences of the freezing temperatures. When the thermometer shows temperatures below 10 degrees and below, cars and their owners quickly get into trouble.
Car door does not open
Open the car using the remote control or the central locking, pull the door handle briefly and get in: this routine activity is not worth mentioning in everyday life. But when it's freezing cold, the door can often no longer be opened. What now? First of all, it is important to find out the cause, advises the ADAC. Are the rubber seals on the car door frozen together or is the locking mechanism iced up? Can you hear the unlocking of the central locking or can the key be turned in the lock and the door still remains closed? Then the door seals are frozen in place. Important: Never try to force the door open. Tearing the door seals becomes expensive. First you can try to get into the vehicle through another door and carefully push open the driver's door from inside. If you cannot get inside the vehicle, the car club recommends pushing against the car door. This allows the ice to loosen from the gaps between the seals, and light knocking on the door panel can also help.
If these mechanical measures do not help, you can rely on the support of warm water. Water heated to approx. 50 degrees - boiling water damages the paint! - is carefully poured around the door frame. After the door can be opened, it is important to dry the inside of the door and the door seals. This avoids re-freezing. Also recommended: You should rub the seals with a special care product. A film of lubricant between the seal and the door frame makes it difficult to freeze.
Icy castle
If the door lock is frozen, a de-icer spray can help. It is best to have it close at hand in your jacket or handbag. Commercially available alcohol-based disinfectants are also suitable. If you use a classic key to open the lock, you can carefully heat it with a lighter. You put the warm key slowly into the lock and try to turn it carefully.
Iced windows
If the panes are covered with a layer of ice, only patience, strength and de-icer spray will help. Under no circumstances should you pour hot water over the panes. The sudden increase in temperature could cause the panes to burst.
By the way: Before you start, all panes must be cleared of ice, otherwise you risk a fine. Lantern parkers who do not own a parking heater, protect the windows best with frost protection film.
Check antifreeze
In the frosty temperatures, drivers should check the antifreeze protection of their washer fluid and increase it if necessary. Protection down to minus 25 degrees is recommended. Anyone who is unsure whether the frost protection for the radiator is still sufficient can have this checked in the workshop.