I've had my coupe for 11 years now - so you would think that I would know all of the little tricks.

Got up today - was running late - typical - went outside and the car was like an ice cube. Completely encased in half an inch of frost and ice.

For the first time ever, I couldn't get the door open. Now don't get me wrong, i've had my share of frozen doors, frozen handbrake cables and often suffered the mysterious instant condensation that can form on the windscreen when really damp or cold outside.

However, even after pouring some water over the driver doors (which normally works) and all along the door seal it had no effect - the door was still frozen solid and no chance of getting in the passenger side - as it was parked snug against the garden wall.

I ended up having to get a cab to work, as i was so late there was no way i would make it on the bus. I came home tonight and it opened fine - so i've cleaned the door and dried the whole area and put some washing up liquid along the edge. I was thinking - has anyone used the back to black silicon spray for this? Normally i just wash the car and wax it and it's fine - but this was done two weeks ago and the door still froze solid.

Any ideas?

In Canada (which gets pretty cold) we used to smear Vaseline over the door seals, which appeared pretty effective. Mind you, you have to be careful not to rub against it!

That was 23 years ago, technology has probably come up with something far more effective and used on the shuttle!

Silicone lubricant spray works well.

Iremember once when I was sure the door lock was frozen solid. I'd turned the key (my remote is sh*te!) and it was stuck solid. We'd had a sharp hoare frost, the windscreen was almost hairy with ice crystals.
I applied *plenty* of deicer, and then resorted to lukewarm water poured around the door seal. To no avail.

Then realised I'd forgotten to lock the car the night before, so had locked the door then attempted to pull it open!

How stoopid did I then feel?

Just glad that no neighbours were present with the usual helpful advise and suggestions.......