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Freeze, You’re Locked Out

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Freeze, You’re Locked Out

It’s 7 AM and your alarm clock sounds telling you it’s time to get up. By 7:30 you are brewing your morning cup of coffee and headed out to start your car and defrost your windows. To your dismay, the locks are frozen shut with a layer of ice from last night’s snowstorm.

Unfreeze Your Locks

Your first instinct might be to rush for the hair dryer. You’ll also need an extension cord. This will certainly work, but we have a few other ideas for you too. Even better, you may already have many of these items handy and at your convenience.
Do you have a lighter handy? Use a flame from a lighter or a match to heat up the key. Insert the key to melt the ice and repeat several times if needed. Make sure not to do this on a plastic capped key in case you melt the plastic.
You can also use a drinking straw to point and blow air directly on the frozen lock. The heat coming through the straw will melt the ice.

Prevent Frozen Locks

Something as simple as a magnet can keep your locks from freezing. Place a magnet on the outside of the lock. You can do this if you will be parked for a long period of time or habitually place it each night if you park outdoors.
Apply WD-40 or Vaseline on your key and turn it inside the lock one time a week during winter months. This will keep your locks lubricated and help melt ice and snow.
It’s not worth jamming your key in the lock and breaking it off. It won’t hurt to keep a few cans of de-icer in your garage for winter emergencies. Fortunately, de-icer is fairly inexpensive and can be found at your local auto store.

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239 Google Reviews

I got my windshield replaced recently and it took less than an hour. Then as I was driving home the rear view mirror fell off. It kept doing it so I rode back and they replaced it. No haggling or anything. With this kind of service I will keep coming back. I am a repeat customer as they do not dissapoint!

Jataun R. - Google Reviews

Decent prices on the parts you need. Honest and informative workers. Reasonable and efficient service. They’re also pretty well stocked and will likely have the part you need for just about any replacement or repair. If not, they’ll order it for you and usually have it in a day or so. Overall, no real complaints on my end. I’d recommend this place.

Davonte W. - Google Reviews

I got my windshield replaced recently and it took less than an hour. Then as I was driving home the rear view mirror fell off. It kept doing it so I rode back and they replaced it. No haggling or anything. With this kind of service I will keep coming back. I am a repeat customer as they do not dissapoint!

Jataun R. - Google Reviews

Over 50 years of service to the Chicago Area