If you’re stuck on the train and you can’t open your doors or windows, don’t try to use any improvised tools. You could be injured or you could cause damage to the car.
Instead, follow the instructions on the emergency door opening panel in the vestibule area and the instructions on the train crew’s radio.
Locked in the Cabin
Being locked in the cabin of a car can be one of the most frustrating things to happen, especially if you have kids or animals with you. There are a number of ways to open your car, but the easiest way is to call a locksmith or a service like Emergency Car Opening. They have special tools and can get you into your vehicle faster than you could on your own.
Another option is to use a rod such as a straightened wire clothes hanger. This method works best on newer vehicles that have power door locks with a lock button located on the armrest. The idea is to create an opening between the weather stripping and the car window, then slide the hanger into it. Rotate the hook to face the inside and fish around for the control arm, which isn’t always easy. Pull it up and the car door should open.
Frozen Car Door Locks
Frozen door locks can happen because of moisture entering the crevices or due to worn gaskets, broken weatherstripping, wet keys, and/or poorly fitted keyhole covers. The best way to prevent this type of issue is to regularly use a car lock de-icer, door freezer spray, or winter hinge lubricant.
Another simple but effective solution is to heat the lock with a commercially-available de-icing formula, a hair dryer, or a heat gun. Then, using a knife or similar tool, chip away at the ice around the lock cylinder opening.
If you don’t have any of the above available, simply blowing into the lock can be enough to thaw it. It may take a while, but the process should be safe for your hands. Do not pour hot water on the lock, as this can cause damage to modern electronics like sensors and lock cylinders, or create thermal shock that burns and damages your hand. Also, be careful not to pierce the metal lock rod with any objects as this can damage it.
Unlocking a Frozen Car Door
Winter weather brings its share of inconveniences – ice dams, slush and frozen car doors are just a few. But with a little bit of patience and a few hacks, getting into your vehicle shouldn’t be too difficult.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with a frozen door is to be patient and gentle. A more forceful approach could lead to the door snapping off, which would make the problem much worse.
Try to break up the ice around the lock cylinder using an ice scraper spatula or something else plastic that won’t scratch the rubber seal. Then, use de-icer products to help melt the ice and leave behind a lubricant that will prevent further moisture formation. You can also try household products like silicone sprays, rubbing alcohol, WD-40 and even hand sanitizer to help break the ice. However, these should be used sparingly to avoid damaging the rubber seal. Just like boiling water, applying too much heat in one spot can cause the ice to crack and break.
Unlocking a Frozen Car Window
A frozen car window can impede your vision and make driving dangerous. In addition, it may be a sign that the door lock cylinder has become frozen and requires defrosting. If you have isopropyl alcohol at home, you can use it to thaw the ice and unlock your car window. The same ethanol and isopropyl that kill germs also lower the freezing point of water, making it an effective de-icer.
You can also try pushing the window button, but don’t slam it down. The sudden slam can cause the window motor to break. Instead, push the button gently and try to get cracks in the ice.
Another option is to use a heating device. A heat gun or hair dryer can produce a gust of hot air that will melt the ice the same way warm water would. Just be sure to use an outdoor-safe extension cord and block the wind with your body. Otherwise, you could be burned.
