One of the most frustrating scenes on a winter morning: you unlock your car with the key fob, pull the door handle, but the door is stuck fast. If you pull too hard, you’re greeted by a sickening sound-either the plastic handle snaps off in your hand, or a chunk of your expensive door seal is ripped right off the frame.
You can prevent this entire ordeal in just 10 minutes by treating your door seals with a silicone-based product this autumn.
Why Do Doors Freeze Shut?
During the day, a warm cabin combined with rain creates condensation in the door frames. At night, as the temperature drops below freezing, this thin layer of water between the rubber seal and the painted metal body turns into solid ice. The porous structure of the rubber effectively "bonds" to the metal.
How to Apply Silicone Correctly:
- Clean and dry thoroughly: Never apply silicone to dirty or damp rubber. First, wipe away grit and road grime with a damp cloth, then let the seals dry completely.
- Choose a silicone stick (or sponge) over an aerosol: Aerosols spray a fine mist all over your interior-it settles on fabric seats and windows, creating greasy stains that are notoriously difficult to clean. A silicone stick or sponge applicator allows for precise, targeted application.
- Don't forget the trunk lid and sunroof: The trunk seal usually bears the brunt of the water runoff from the roof and rear window.
- Lubricate latch mechanisms and hinges: Apply a small amount of PTFE (Teflon) or white lithium grease directly into the latch mechanisms on the edges of the doors.
Take care of your car before the cold bites. And if you run into trouble with locks, batteries, or other roadside issues, remember that our professional towing and roadside assistance is available 24/7, every day of the year.