Overlooked ingredient can defrost frozen car locks instantly for drivers in snow

16 January 2024 , 20:00

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There is a simple way to defrost your car locks easily with one simple product (Image: Getty Images)

As the Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for extreme conditions until Thursday - covering large areas of the north as well as Wales, drivers could face more hassle trying to get around.

Once issue all drivers will be all too familiar with is trying to open their car doors as the car locks freeze overnight and as Brits face more weather chaos, it doesn't seem as if this issue will go away any time soon. However there is one overlooked ingredient that could do the trick in defrosting the locks easily. The simple hack will save so much time in the morning when trying to get into your car.

It's not ideal for drivers who need to open their car door lock manually with a key, and it can be even worse when the lock has frozen over. Chipping away at the icy lock can start anyone's morning off the wrong way - but a simple trick will de-ice the lock in seconds thanks to crafty TikTokers revealing the hack.

The simple item is something many people will have in their bag thanks to the pandemic - and it's a bottle of hand sanitiser. Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said Tuesday could see a "persistent band of snow" over three to six hours and black ice is expected on roads and temperatures are predicted to drop to -15C, there is no doubt cars will freeze overnight.

Thanks to winter weather expert, the TikToker who goes by the name @homewithchristina shared the hack online. For alternatives to hand sanitiser, she suggested: "Alcohol or vinegar will work too if you don't have hand sanitiser." Another tip the expert has is to spray WD-40 on the seal of car doors to stop them from freezing and sticking shut.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Fans flocked to the comments to share their praise for her winter weather hacks, as one TikToker commented: "This is very informative for people who are new car owners and living aline who live in the areas where it snows heavily. Thank you very much," while another added: "Just used the sanitiser one for frozen locks. Thank you."

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Niamh Kirk