Winter can be tough on car owners, especially when freezing temperatures lock you out of your own vehicle. Whether it’s frozen doors, charging ports, or icy windows, a simple bread bag can save the day.
A Common Winter Problem
Many car owners know the frustration of trying to open a frozen door on a frosty morning.
Standard winter preparations like antifreeze windshield washer fluid, winter tires, and even blankets or shovels in the trunk are helpful — but what do you do when you can't even get inside the car?
Tried-and-Tested Methods
There are countless tips for dealing with frozen car doors:
De-icing sprays or antifreeze: Effective but require planning ahead.
Tapping along the door edges: May help loosen ice but requires patience.
Using heat: Warm up the key or use a hairdryer, but pouring hot water can risk damaging seals or creating more ice if not dried properly.
The Bread Bag Trick
The simplest and most effective solution? A bread bag filled with warm water. A journalist from Din Side, who himself had to deal with this problem, recommends this method.
Prepare the Bag: Fill a bread bag with warm—not boiling—water. The water should feel warm enough to be uncomfortable for your fingers but not so hot that it risks damaging the car’s paint or seals.
Apply Gently: Run the warm bag along the frozen door seals, lock, or charging port. The warmth will quickly melt the ice, allowing you to open the door without forcing it.
Icy Windows: Use the same bag to gently warm icy windows, but avoid extremely hot water to prevent glass damage.
This method combines gentle heat and targeted application, making it effective without the risks associated with pouring hot water or using brute force. Plus, it’s a tool you can quickly prepare with items you already have at home.
