Question how to defrost a car lock, perhaps, every car owner has asked himself at least once in his life. There are seven popular methods that can quickly do this. For defrosting, use one of the following: an open flame source, a liquid key, alcohol-containing liquids, a container with warm water or sand, “anti-freeze” for glass, exhaust gases. By the way, the same means can be used to open frozen castle on garage doors.
Defrosting methods:
- 6. Use of heating elements or devices
However, to defrost a car door lock, you need not only means, but also technology. So, you can knock on the lock to try to knock off ice, heat the key, use a heat source or a means to defrost the locks. The choice of method for defrosting a lock in a car will depend on specific situation, as well as the availability of available means.
How to defrost a car door lock in cold weather
So, let's look at the listed and other methods of opening locks in more detail, providing comprehensive information.
Method one. Checking locks
The simplest thing a car owner can do when it turns out that the driver’s door does not open because the lock is frozen is to check the functionality of the locks on other doors. If you own an SUV or a hatchback or station wagon, then also check the lock on the trunk. With proper skill and average physical training The interior can be easily accessed through the trunk.
These are the steps you should take first. Next, if you managed to open at least one of the doors and you climbed into the driver’s seat, start the car and turn on the heater. The lock will gradually thaw under the influence of hot air. For the same purpose you can use a hair dryer, which is of little use for, but is just suitable for spot heating of surfaces.
Do not attempt to open a frozen door from the inside until the lock has thawed. Moreover, there is no need to do this using brute physical force. This can damage the lock mechanism, including its electronic part, as well as the rubber seals on the doors.
Method two. Key rotation
If you managed to insert the key all the way, but the lock does not turn, you can try the following steps simultaneously:
- turn the key in different sides(right left);
- tap the area of the door under which the lock mechanism is located.
However, you should not be too zealous, since the metal from which the key is made becomes brittle in the cold and can be broken.
If you feel that the amplitude of rotation increases with each movement, then you are doing everything correctly, and after a while the lock will open. The described operations can be performed not only on the driver's door, but also on other doors, including the trunk (in the case of a hatchback or station wagon).
Method three. Heat the key
This method is a continuation of the previous one. So, if the above actions did not lead you to the desired result, you can heat the key using an open flame source. To do this, use matches or a lighter. The time between heating and the moment when you insert the key into the keyhole should be minimal so that the metal from which the key is made does not cool down in the cold. If necessary, you can repeat the heating procedure and trying to turn the key several times. If on the next cycle the key begins to turn more, then you are on the right track.
However, do not overheat the key tip too much. Firstly, because of this, the metal can become covered with soot and become more fragile, and secondly, the plastic body of the key handle can be damaged, and what is even more dangerous, the electronics located in it.
There are several more life hacks in this aspect. Firstly, you can use other long metal objects instead of a key. For example, for these purposes women can use hairpins, and men - tie clip. However, remember that heat spreads evenly throughout the metal, so you risk burning your fingers during the heating process. Therefore, on the hand with which you hold metal object, it is better to wear a glove or use some kind of cloth.
Secondly, if you use a regular lighter, then over time its metal part will also heat up and it will be impossible to hold it. Therefore, in order to use the lighter on for a long time, you can use some kind of rubber band. This could be a hair tie, for wrapping money, or even a cut condom!
To protect the paint near the keyhole, use a piece of foil or cloth that should be placed around it.
Therefore, the optimal algorithm of actions for the third method will be as follows:
- Grasp the long metal object on one side with your gloved hand.
- Light the lighter and use a rubber band to secure the gas button so that it works in long-term mode.
- Insert a metal object into the lock cylinder while simultaneously heating the metal with a lighter.
The operation can last up to several minutes. The main thing is that the flame on the lighter does not go out. Don’t forget to follow safety rules to avoid damaging your car’s paintwork and getting burned.!
Method four. Using open fire
It’s worth mentioning right away that this method can only be used as a last resort as there is a real risk of damage paint coating doors, as well as getting burns.
To implement the method, set fire to any long object (a stick, rolled paper, etc.), after which, with its help, the fire is placed as close as possible to the frozen castle. Most effective option V in this case- use of a lighter with a directed fire (so-called continuous lighters or lighters with a turbocharged flame).
In this case, you need to act extremely carefully so as not to damage the paintwork of the car and not get your fingers burned.
A safer method to melt the ice from the keyhole is to present a smoldering cigarette.
Method five. Direct heating of the lock cylinder
There are several options here. First of all, there is a division into coolants and methods of their delivery. As for the former, it is used as heated substances water or hot sand (the most common options, although instead of sand you can use other bulk elements, for example, table or sea salt). Accordingly, the coolant must be preheated (in a kettle, in a frying pan or other similar surface), and then placed in a vessel so that the thermal energy is subsequently transferred to the frozen lock.
As for the coolant container, you can use various options - plastic bottle , inflatable ball,piece of cloth, dense plastic bag and so on. When choosing a particular media, take into account not only the fact that at high temperatures its strength decreases (this is especially true for products made from polyethylene film- bags, balls and bottles), but also the volume of coolant. The more it is, the greater the load the material experiences.
As practice shows, defrosting a car lock using such improvised means is a completely feasible practice. The main thing is to choose the optimal volume of coolant and follow safety rules. In particular, so as not to get burned yourself.
Method six. Using heating elements or appliances
Using a hair dryer to defrost a lock
First of all we're talking about O household or industrial hair dryer. However, there are a number of inconveniences and features. In particular, to connect this electrical device You need not only a single-phase 220 V network, but also an extension cord of sufficient length to connect the electrical appliance to it. It is also necessary to take care that too powerful hair dryer Do not treat the car's paintwork as it may be damaged. This is especially true for powerful construction hair dryers, therefore, their use remains in doubt or the personal choice of one or another car owner.
As for a household hair dryer, it can be used in a wider range, since it does not create such a high temperature and does not transmit such powerful thermal energy. However, it must also be used safely for paintwork. The main thing you must remember in this case is You can't get rid of ice very quickly. It is necessary to be patient and wait a while so that the ice comes off on its own under the influence of thermal air.
Method seven. Using a lock defrost
The most "civilized" effective method in case it is jammed due to frost door lock the car will be used special means- defrosters. Today there are a huge number of these compositions. However, their range differs in different regions of the country, since it depends on logistics and prices.
Lock defroster. Which product should I choose?
The best defrost for HI Gear locks, but there are also 9 more products that are worth paying attention to. The defrosting agent will help you quickly open the car door even at -35 degrees below zero.
You can read the exact algorithm for using a particular defroster in the instructions for the corresponding product. However, the use of most of them comes down to the fact that with the help of a “spout” or tube its composition is conveyed to internal mechanisms details of the castle, where it is chemical composition begins to directly defrost the formed ice.
Most defrosting products are based on an alcohol base, which, when interacting with any surface, including an icy surface, emits thermal energy, due to which defrosting is performed.
When the first cold weather sets in, try to always buy a similar product for yourself and carry it with you(in your pocket, bag, but not in the car!). It is best to buy aerosol defrosters as they are more effective.
Instead of factory means for defrosting the lock, you can use other improvised means. For example, medical alcohol (alcohol-containing liquids), antifreeze or antifreeze. However, you will need a syringe for this. Any of the listed liquids is taken into it, heated in the palm of the hand and poured into the lock cylinder.
Additional Methods
In addition to the main defrosting methods listed above, there are also additional methods How to defrost a car lock. In particular, a somewhat unusual method is to use a rubber hose to direct waste gases from a running car towards the frozen lock. In this case, it is desirable that the hose be of short length, since otherwise the temperature of the exhaust gases during their transportation will drop and the procedure will lose its meaning.
When using this method, follow safety regulations, as exhaust gases are dangerous to human health!
Well, the worst option, when the methods described above did not help, is to call a tow truck and transport the car to a warmer place. By the way, it is possible that the lock was not just frozen, but that it malfunctioned in the cold electronic part. In this case, simply warming up the lock will not work. The intervention of appropriate specialists will be necessary.
What to do is unacceptable
A popular story among car enthusiasts is that you can defrost a lock using a cocktail or other straw, and breathing through it into the keyhole will open the lock. This is actually a misconception. Firstly, the breathing temperature is not sufficient to melt heavy ice. Secondly, while warm air will be transported through the tube to the lock, its temperature will drop significantly and the operation will lose all meaning. Thirdly, along with heat, breathing transfers moisture, which subsequently condenses, forming even more ice.
If you have perfume or cologne with you, you should not use it. After all, their alcohol content is low, so their compositions for defrosting locks are useless.
It is strictly forbidden to pour boiling water on the doors, or indeed any area of the car body. This is fraught with damage to the paintwork (the appearance of cracks, swelling, changes color shade and other unpredictable troubles).
How to defrost doors
If you manage to defrost the lock, then it is not a fact that you will immediately be able to open the car door. The fact is that there is a high probability that ice has appeared on the rubber seals, which prevents the doors from opening. There are several methods to correct the situation.
The first thing to do is check all doors. You may be able to open one of the passenger doors or the trunk without any problems. You can easily climb over them to the driver's seat. Second - try the door a little stronger. However, you should not be extremely zealous, because with great effort you risk breaking the door handle or tearing the rubber seals. Third, instead of pulling the doors towards you, try push them in. With significant force, there is a possibility that the ice will break.
After this, it is recommended to knock on the door body along the line of the seal. The blows must be average size so that the transmitted force can destroy crystal lattice ice. However, you shouldn’t be too zealous so as not to leave dents on the body. The number of blows should be large, and their places of application should be located close to each other. After completing this procedure, try opening the doors again.
For hatchback or station wagon cars, there is another method for opening the driver's or passenger door. But provided that the trunk door is opened. For this you need close it sharply several times. At the same time, a overpressure, which acts on the door from the inside. And this force can destroy the ice on the seals.
After you have opened the doors, wipe the seals dry with a rag. And then be sure to treat the rubber door seals. It will not only protect the doors from freezing, but will also extend the life of the rubber bands and restore their former softness.
Prevention
There are several simple tips regarding prevention, which will allow you to avoid problems with opening a frozen lock. In particular, in the fall, buy the following products:
- lock defroster (described above);
- door antifreeze;
Many lock defrosters contain silicone and technical oils. Thanks to them, these products not only allow you to melt the ice in the internal locking mechanisms, but also ensure their better interaction. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically use lock defrosters for preventive purposes (in their normal operating condition). However, this only makes sense if the defrost contains silicone, Teflon and/or technical oils. You can read the composition of the product on its packaging or the accompanying instructions. As a last resort, ask the seller about it.
Especially recommended lubricate the lock cylinder for preventive purposes before washing in winter period . Or during significant frosts (including in situations where, according to the forecast, a significant cold snap is expected).
Rubber seals on the doors also need to be treated with silicone lubricant. It will not only prevent the doors from freezing to the car body, but will also extend their service life.
It is recommended to treat with silicone grease sealing rubber bands, dashboard, hinges and other plastic and rubber elements, including in the summer. This is done, firstly, to increase their service life, and secondly, to eliminate squeaks, if any.
By the way, instead of defrosters for the larvae, you can use brake fluid or motor oil (any kind, in this case the brand does not matter). And instead of silicone grease, rubber seals can be lubricated with glycerin or baby cream.
When visiting a car wash during the winter, after the operation is completed, ask the staff to using a compressor to blow out the door lock. And after that, treat its larva using the above devices (for this you can use the well-known WD-40).
conclusions
The first thing you should take care of before the onset of frost is that you have a lock defroster, door antifreeze, winter lubricant for door hinges, as well as automotive silicone grease. As for the first one (defrost), you need to carry it with you in your pocket or bag, since most of them are packaged in small packages.
Treat the lock cylinder and rubber seals with appropriate products in advance and regularly. After you have defrosted the lock and opened the door, do not forget to treat the keyhole, as well as the rubber seals, with the described means. This will save you from similar troubles in the future.
If you decide to use the means at hand and the methods described, do not forget to follow the safety rules. Both personal and related to the car, because the paintwork of a car is very easy to damage, but restoration is problematic.
Car lock defroster Everyone should have one during the cold season. And not in the salon, as is often the case, but with you in your pocket. If , then there is always the possibility of them freezing. With this tool you can open any frozen lock, even in severe frost. In 2017, however, just like several years ago, the range of key defrosters is huge.
The choice of a particular product depends on its composition, characteristics, ease of use and price. Let's present the TOP 10 the best means for defrosting locks, based on real reviews car owners, as well as laboratory tests.
| Name | vendor code | Price, rub | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hi Gear Lock De-Iser | HG6096, HG5638 | 120 | Aerosol based on isopropanol (alcohol base). Does not contain methanol. |
| "Velve" | 23841144551851E18, 2057 | 80 | Aerosol based on isopropanol and ethylene glycol. |
| HELP DE-ICER | 36050, 35200 | 100 | An aerosol containing Teflon. |
| Luxe 681 | LX681/01 | 80 | It has an alcohol base without any additional additives. |
| AVS AVK-124Crystal | A78240S | 100 | It contains silicone. |
| 5901060012208 | 100 | Has no additional additives. Sold in small 15 ml cans. | |
| A0037330, A0038065, A0002514 | 55 | There are three types of packaging - two aerosols with silicone and Teflon and a liquid defrost. | |
| "Eltrans" | EL-0603.04, EL-0603.03 | 80 | In addition to the alcohol base, it contains silicone. |
| Holts | 19874 | 110 | The base consists of three components - isopropanol, acetone and triethanolamine. |
| "Autoleader" | A17357 | 40 | The defrost is based on methanol. |
| Other common defrosters | |||
| Key fob lock defroster | |||
With them detailed description, performance characteristics, as well as prices and articles, you can find below.
Composition and principle of action
Most defrosters are based on alcohol (isopropanol, methanol, etc.). And this is not surprising, because it has a low freezing point and high penetrating ability. In addition, the alcohol base destroys the ice that has covered internal parts lock (releasing thermal energy during the reaction). Also, most defrosters contain silicone or Teflon, since these substances are water-repellent elements. In addition, silicone and Teflon lubricate parts that are exposed to moisture and contribute to their smooth interaction, that is, in this case,. And some liquids may additionally contain oil, which also helps to lubricate the internal parts of the locking mechanism.
From autumn to spring (depending on your region of residence), always carry a lock defroster with you. Moreover, it is desirable that it is not in the glove compartment of the car, but in a pocket, bag or other handy place, so that it can always be used if necessary.
It is worth remembering that it is better to use defrosters as preventive measures. Especially those containing silicone or Teflon! A small amount of lubricant must be applied to the well periodically. And definitely after washing in winter time!
remember, that aerosol products more effective than liquid. This is due to their greater penetrating ability. Also on sale are so-called “3 in 1” products, which include a defrost agent (alcohol), silicone (in some cases Teflon is used) and a means for displacing water. Exactly this The best decision provided that the price of such products does not differ much from similar simpler formulations.
DIY lock defroster
If for some reason you do not want or cannot buy a lock defroster, then you have the opportunity to make it yourself. To do this you will need:
- 300 ml of pure medical alcohol (the strength of which is 96%, you can buy it at the pharmacy).
- 150 ml "" for glasses.
- A sprayer with a long spout, with which you can apply the resulting solution into the keyhole.
- Silicone oil (optional).
In one container (you can directly use the one used with the sprayer) you should mix the indicated liquids. This is done in order to lower the freezing point of the composition, and also so that the alcohol can easily melt the ice inside the lock well. However, you need to open the doors quickly enough after using it, since the lack of silicone (if there is no silicone oil on hand) and water-displacing additives can lead to the fact that the water formed from melted ice will freeze again (this is especially true for severe frosts).
For improvement performance characteristics such a solution can be added to its composition a small amount of silicone oil (for example, PMS-100, you can buy it at any radio store). Thanks to it, the composition will not only remove ice, but will also help better work internal parts of the lock and will displace moisture.
You can use a similar composition (but without oil) on frozen car windows.
Which lock defroster is better?
There are currently dozens of various brands and means for defrosting car locks. However, not all of them are equally effective and meet the expectations placed on them. This is due to their composition, the presence of outright fakes in stores, as well as often random factors (the degree and form of icing, its duration, and so on).
As mentioned above, we present a rating of lock defrosters (TOP 10), compiled on the basis of real reviews from car owners, laboratory research results, as well as market prices. We hope that the information provided will help you make the right choice.
Hi-Gear lock defroster
Hi Gear Lock De-Iser HG5638 with silicone lubricant (manufactured in the United States of America) is one of the most popular products, sold in the form of an aerosol (the price of a 325 gram can is 300 rubles as of winter 2017/2018). Has high defrosting ability. The main active component of the defrost is isopropanol (alcohol base). It is distinguished by the absence of corrosion on the surface it treats (both steel and zinc alloy) after using the product.
Ideal for use in situations after freezing rain. The aerosol can also be used to remove ice from the car body or windows, as well as restore efficient work windshield wiper rubber. It copes with the average level of ice quickly enough, in particular within 10...20 seconds. The defroster is absolutely safe for the paintwork of the car.
Another popular similar remedy is Hi Gear Lock De-Iser HG6096. Protects the treated surface from corrosion. Sold in 75 ml cans. Product code - HG6096. The price for winter 2017/2018 is 120 rubles.
"Velve"
(production Russian Federation) also has excellent defrosting ability and is sold in the form of an aerosol. The base consists of two alcohols - isopropanol and ethylene glycol. It does not cause corrosion on the surface it protects, but on the contrary, prevents its occurrence. Thanks to its unique composition, the product not only defrosts locks in winter, but can also be used in summer as a lubricant for keyholes (as well as in winter). Before using the defroster, the temperature of the cylinder must not be lower than +15°C. The action time of the product is 1...2 minutes. As for the defrosting speed, it is quite high - about 30 seconds. Does not contain lubricating oils.
Sold in a 75 ml can art. 2057. The average price for the mentioned period is about 80 rubles. Product code - 23841144551851E18. The downside of this defroster is the not very pleasant smell.
HELP
Qualitative lock defroster HELP DE-ICER, released in the European Union. Sold as an aerosol in a 50 ml can. Distinctive feature its composition is the presence of Teflon in it. That is, the defroster not only removes ice, but also thoroughly lubricates the parts of the larva. It can also be used for other locks (such as garage padlocks). It has an average speed of getting rid of ice, but compensates for this by additional lubrication of the internal parts of the locking mechanism.
The price of a 50 ml can (article 36050) is about 100 rubles. There is also a similar 200 ml can, item number 35200.
Luxe
"Suite 681"a simple and reliable domestic de-icer for car door and trunk locks. The liquid has an alcohol base without any additional additives. A distinctive feature of the product is high speed defrosting. The aerosol can be used at temperatures down to -30°C. Quite quickly defrosts lock cylinders with average icing - in approximately 10...20 seconds, the more ice there is, the more time the product will require, in some cases you need to use the defroster again.
Product code - LX681/01. The price of a 50 ml can is 80 rubles.
Defroster "Crystal"
Sold in a 50 ml can, the price of which is approximately 100 rubles. Catalog number is A78240S.
SHELL Lock Spray
Shell Lock Spray effective de-icing agent door locks(production is located in the Netherlands and Great Britain). It is a combination of additives with ice-dissolving, lubricating and cleaning properties. The liquid cleans and lubricates the internal parts of the mechanism, preventing their subsequent freezing. The defroster composition is neutral to rubber, plastics, paint and chrome coatings.
The peculiarity is that the product is packaged in very small 15 ml cans. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that the small cylinder is convenient to carry in your pocket. The disadvantage is that the product runs out quickly, so in some cases it is necessary to buy several of these bottles, which causes inconvenience and overpayment. But the ice on the locks melts quickly, while protecting the surface of the internal parts.
The cost of such packaging is approximately 100 rubles. The catalog number of the product is 5901060012208. It differs high quality and excellent lubrication of internal parts of mechanisms.
"Agate"
Popular Russian car lock defroster. The basis of the liquid is isopropyl alcohol and glycol. There are three types of packaging for this product - aerosol with silicone, canister volume 90 ml (article - A0037330), aerosol with Teflon, canister volume 90 ml (article - A0038065), liquid defrost, canister volume 60 ml (article - A0002514). Naturally, it is better to use the first two options, since aerosol defrosters are more effective and convenient to use, and also lubricate the internal parts of the locks.
The price of liquid defrost Agat AG1301 in a 60 ml can is 55 rubles, and a 90 ml aerosol with Teflon is 150 rubles. All of the above means defrost locks quite well, in particular, in 2...3 minutes (depending on the amount of ice, it may take longer).
"Eltrans"
Lock defroster with Eltrans silicone is produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. It not only perfectly defrosts lock cylinders, but also lubricates their internal parts. The action is based on the release of heat when chemical reaction alcohol The main active ingredients are isopropanol and alkanediol. In addition to its main purpose, it can be effectively used for defrosting and lubricating door hinges and other similar mechanisms.
The defrost creates on the surface being treated protective film. However, the disadvantage is the fact that corrosion appears on the galvanized surface after its use.
Sold as an aerosol in 90 ml cans. Product code EL-0603.04. The price is approximately 80 rubles. There is also a similar composition available as a liquid in a 70 ml can. Its properties are completely similar to aerosol. Product code - EL-0603.03. The product copes well with medium-complexity of ice. The time spent on this is 1...2 minutes (in rare cases longer).
Holts
Defrost Holts Lock De-Icer (produced in Britain) has a more complex base. In particular, it consists of three main components - isopropanol, acetone and triethanolamine. Overall it has enough good properties to neutralize ice both in keyholes and on other frozen surfaces. A minor drawback is the fact that the defroster causes slight corrosion of galvanized surfaces with a value of 0.16 g/m² per day. As for the speed of defrosting, this product is one of the leaders, since it copes with ice very quickly - 1...2 minutes and you're done!
Sold as an aerosol in a 60 ml can. Its price is 110 rubles.
"Autoleader"
This lock defroster has earned its popularity due to its low price. This is due to the fact that the product is made on the basis of methanol. Therefore, perhaps its price is the only advantage of this defroster. Otherwise, you shouldn’t expect miracles from him. There are no additives or lubricating additives in it, so with the help of the product you can only get rid of ice. Therefore, in case of severe icing, you will need to use it additionally. The product does not cause corrosion on metal or galvanized surfaces. Gets rid of ice quickly enough - within 3...5 minutes.
The defroster is sold in the form of a liquid in a 70 ml can. Its price is only 40 rubles.
Remember that warm products perform their functions better in defrosting the ice that has formed in the lock.
Other popular means
However, in addition to the products listed above, you can also find a large number of other defrosters on the market or in a car dealership. Without describing their operational characteristics, we will only list them in order to provide maximum information. So:
Lock defroster "Lukoil"
- WD-40;
- "Lukoil. Means for defrosting door locks";
- "Astrokhim";
- "Just a minute";
- Spectrol Winter;
- "Sim-Sim";
- Expert;
- "Anti-Frost";
- Liqui Moly Winter Turschloss-Enteiser;
- Pingo 00287 7;
- Astrohim AS-102, AS-103, AS-106;
- Fenom FN1199.
On average, we can say that the effects of all the listed remedies are approximately the same. However, it is better to opt for defrosters with additions made of silicone or Teflon and in the form of aerosols. Also, before using the product read the instructions for use carefully(usually it is indicated directly on the body of the can or in additional documentation or packaging that comes with the purchase).
Note that recently special key fobs for door lock defrosters have appeared on the market. One of the most popular of these models is the DX-C111. What are its functions and why is it needed?
The keychain is a small device that easily fits in the palm of your hand. Inside it there is a heating element(electric spiral made of metal with high resistivity), which, under the influence of two AA batteries (“finger” or “little finger” batteries), heats the working probe inserted into the keyhole to a temperature of +150°C.
The case also has an LED flashlight, thanks to which the key fob can be used even in the dark. Minimum temperature The temperature at which the key fob can be used is -10°C.
The algorithm for using the device is as follows:
Keychain defroster DX-C111
- Insert the batteries into the designated slots and close the cover of their retainer.
- Pull the dipstick out of its seat.
- Turn on the device by moving the slide switch to the ON position.
- Wait about 2...3 seconds, during which the probe should warm up.
- Insert the heated probe into the keyhole and wait the same 2...3 seconds (in rare cases, a little longer).
- Remove the defroster probe and open the car lock.
The device can be used not only with car locks, but also with other household locks.
Instead of a conclusion
Finally, I would like to note that the choice of one product or another depends on the operational characteristics of the defroster, its price, as well as its availability in stores (after all, situations often occur when different defrosters are available for sale in different regions of the country). We also advise you to buy spray products, since they have better penetrating ability. Another tip - buy defrosters that contain Is there silicone or Teflon?. They not only remove ice from internal parts lock, but also lubricate them, ensuring reliable operation.
Do not forget to use defrosters not only directly when the lock is already frozen and it is impossible to open the car, but also for prevention. And it’s better to always carry the products with you (in your bag, pocket, fortunately the cans have small size), so that a situation does not arise when the lock is frozen and the defroster is located inside the car.
For those who don’t even know what a car key is, we explain: today, not all cars are opened by pressing a key fob button or using the “hands-free” method, when, sensing the owner, the car wags its tail and joyfully clicks all the locks. No, so far everything is more prosaic: almost all cars in the budget segment - Grants, Logans and others like them - are opened mechanically. And expensive cars almost always have a turnkey well - you never know what will happen to the electronics.
Now imagine that the damned castle is frozen. There can be many reasons - from a recent visit to a car wash, where your keyholes were not dried, to a banal winter rain turning into night frost. Tyr-pyr - no, it won’t… Quite a lot of ways to warm up a stubborn person are known, but now we are only interested in one of them: using specialized means auto chemical industry, which is supposed to resolve such situations according to the state. So let’s evaluate the abilities of such drugs.
There were ten drugs. We deliberately did not take any kind of glass defrosters: we were only interested in “lock specialists.” I was immediately pleased with the prices: this rarely happens these days - from 30 to 145 rubles. True, almost all the bottles are very tiny, but oh well.
How to check? With real locks, of course. I had to buy a dozen VAZ larvae with keys, build something like a stand and stuff the whole thing into the freezer for half a day. First, each larva was thoroughly bathed in water, and then, for the sake of order, sprinkled with rain from a household “sprinkler.”
Alas, the first pancake did not disappoint the world statistics: it turned out to be lumpy again. And all because the icy castles didn’t really care about all our auto chemicals. The curtain of each larva was frozen tightly, having lost all mobility, and therefore the key only allowed one to poke around from the outside, somehow breaking off pieces of ice. And the drugs irrigated the larva only from the outside, without being able to penetrate inside.
Well, let's repeat the experiment under more gentle conditions. We immerse the thawed larvae under water again, keep them there for about an hour, after which we tap each one on the table, mechanically making the task easier. We no longer use the spray bottle. Not fair? No, you just need to evaluate the limits of what is possible for the drugs - that’s all.
After 12 hours we repeat the spells. This already inspires optimism: in all larvae the curtain remained movable, allowing the key to fit inside by 5 - 7 mm. Now we call on the bottles for help, trying to get them to process the insides of our locks.
Indeed, all ten larvae eventually gave up. But while some struggled for up to three minutes, others gave up within the first 10 seconds. Moreover, aerosol preparations on average have more high efficiency compared to conventional defrosters!
The drugs are arranged in alphabetical order. It is curious that we did not find any significant difference in the behavior of drugs from different brands. The easier it is to give advice: if you are counting on the help of auto chemical products, take an aerosol. And by the way! - keep in mind that, in our opinion, such means are not suitable for long-term protection of locks from freezing. All of them evaporate literally before our eyes, which indicates an alcohol base. This is not their drawback; they were simply “sharpened” for something else.
| Volume 60 ml approximate price 35 rub. Of all the non-aerosol products, this one did the job faster than others - in about a minute or so. | Volume 60 ml approximate price 50 rub. I completed the task in about three minutes. | Lock defroster, Russia Volume 40 ml approximate price 30 rub. It took about two and a half minutes to defrost. |
Lock defroster with silicone grease, Russia Volume 90 ml approximate price 80 rub. Aerosol packaging performed better than “simple” drugs of the same name. In our case, the work took one and a half minutes. | Lock defroster with silicone, Russia Volume 50 ml approximate price 105 rub. The aerosol did the job in literally ten seconds. | Lock defroster with lubricant and PTFE, Russia Volume 80 ml approximate price 85 rub. After three minutes of torment, it already seemed to us that the remedy would not cope, but the key eventually turned the larva. Everything is fine. |
