Colorado winters freeze car doors and locks. A few habits save a lot of frustration.
Frozen door seal
Push firmly on the door first to crack the ice, then pull. Don't yank the handle, which can snap. A little silicone spray on the rubber seals in fall helps prevent it.
Frozen key cylinder
Warm the key in your hand and work it gently. Lock de-icer helps. Never pour hot water on the lock; it refreezes worse and can crack glass.
If the key snaps
Cold keys are brittle. If one breaks, stop and keep both halves. Broken key extraction gets the piece out, and a new key can be made through car key replacement or key cutting.
Locked out in the cold?
A car lockout service or emergency lockout call beats waiting in a parking lot. If the ignition is stiff in the cold and stays that way, it may need ignition repair.
Automotive locksmith help from Choice City Locksmith in Fort Collins, Wellington and Berthoud.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.