What is the best way to unfreeze a vehicle?

Question

My friends car is frozen solid. She can't get in to it, and it won't get warmer here for quite a few days. If anyone knows how to do this it would be greatly appreciated. She thinks hot water is the answer but someone said it may cause her windows to crack.

Answer 1

Dig it out and use lock de-icer on the locks if they are frozen. If you don't have lock de-icer, then heating the key with a lighter sometimes works. Get in and start it (make sure the exaust is clear!). If it won't start, get a boost. Scrape it off while the heater is running. Hot water is a bad idea. If the door just won't open then windshield washer fluid would be much better.

Answer 2

Wow, that's an interesting question. Most of those folks up North are experiencing blizzard conditions right now. I saw the report that said Binghamton, NY was receiving up to 2" of snow, per hour, for the last 26 hours. I can imagine the bad situation the cars have to be in up there.

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot you can do to de-ice your car. Most methods of removing ice involve heat or chemicals, and both are not conducive to car paint and windshields.

You can scrape alot of the ice from your car, but you definitely do not want to use hot water. A chemical de-icer would be ok for your windshield, but not for your cars exterior surface.

The best thing I can suggest is to apply a commericial de-icer for your windshield, attempt to remove the ice from your car door area by scraping as best you can so that you can at least get your door open, and allow the sunshine to melt the rest. Anything more than that, and you're risking your cars exterior.

Answer 3

Keep The Hot Water VERY Far Away From The Car !

Answer 4

run a large dropcord out to car,plug in electric space heater facing door,turn on low,fan forced air if possible,wait 30 minutes,open door