The Surprising Reason To Spray WD-40 on Car Doors

A Slick Solution

The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “water displacement,” which hints at its effectiveness against snow and ice. You can use it to unstick doors, handles, or even windshield wipers that have been frozen in place. To try this yourself, you’ll need two things: a can of WD-40 quick-drying silicone spray and a microfiber cloth you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

For car doors: Spray some WD-40 onto a microfiber cloth, open the door, and wipe down the weatherstripping. You don’t need to oversaturate the rubber — a little lubrication goes a long way. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the door from sticking shut. It’s best to do this as a preventative measure before the snow starts to fall or the temperature drops below freezing.

For door handles and keyholes: Rub the WD-40-treated cloth over frozen handles and keyholes to break the bond between the ice and the car’s surface. If you spray it on these components before freezing weather hits, it also acts as a preventative measure.

For windshield wipers: It’s best to rub down your wipers before a freeze to help prevent them from sticking to the windshield. But if they’re already frozen, a bit of WD-40 — either on a rag or sprayed directly from the can — will do the trick. The wipers should come unstuck within a couple of minutes, allowing you to proceed safely down the road.

All of these tricks go a long way toward ensuring you reach your destination safely and are never left stranded in the cold. Keep a can of WD-40 in your house and a spare in your car; that way, you’re always prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.