Cold Tips

[TurboT]

So my new to me, used Dodge Caravan isn't liking the cold much. I went to run to the store the other night and could only get one door open, the rest were all frozen shut.

I got it warm, and eventually got the doors open and dried the door rubbers off. This morning, (it's colder yet) my wife went to take the kids to school and couldn't get into the darn thing.

Anyone have any tips on how to keep this from happening? I've had cars do this before but usually only the first freeze. I had thought perhaps some vaseline on the door rubbers but not sure if that's the right move.

Thanks guys..

[FastDoc]

Silicone spray is safe for the weatherstripping. I'd not recommend petroleum products on the rubber as it may degrade it. Dielectric grease is best but messy, it's mostly silicone. I'd also spray graphite in the locks.

As far as the motor goes how about a block heater?

[waynev]

Yep good ol petroleum jelly on all seals will help them stay unstuck in the cold, it has worked for me for years.

[TurboT]

Silicone spray is safe for the weatherstripping. I'd not recommend petroleum products on the rubber as it may degrade it. Dielectric grease is best but messy, it's mostly silicone. I'd also spray graphite in the locks.

As far as the motor goes how about a block heater?

It's cold but it's not stupidly cold, which is why it's a bit annoying it's doing that. My truck isn't having the same issue.

A block heater is a bit overkill in these parts, as next week it'll be +10 and we won't see freezing temps for 2 months or something.

[Jim]

Next weeks forecast could very well change... My only suggestion is to park indoors if possible ;)

[Weldangrind]

X2 on the silicone spray. Jig-a-Loo is a decent product that sprays on clear. I've found best results by saturating a cloth with it and rubbing it into the door seal. As a bonus, it gets rid of the annoying minivan sliding door squeaks.

You can find Jig-a-Loo at Rona, Crappy Tire, etc.

[TurboT]

X2 on the silicone spray. Jig-a-Loo is a decent product that sprays on clear. I've found best results by saturating a cloth with it and rubbing it into the door seal. As a bonus, it gets rid of the annoying minivan sliding door squeaks.

You can find Jig-a-Loo at Rona, Crappy Tire, etc.

I'll have to pick some up or my wife will think she'll just have to drive the truck, and I can't have that. 8)

Jim, parking indoors not an option, since I'm currently sitting in what was once our garage. Which is now a photography studio / man cave home theater room. :)

[Jim]

Ahh gotcha. :)

[TurboT]

Ahh gotcha. :)

One of these days when I get a better video camera I'll take some action shots of my set up here.. I've yet to meet anyone who's jaw didn't drop some when the 7.1 kicks in and the 16 ft screen comes in at full effect. 8)

I tried to video tape myself rockin out guitar hero a couple months ago but it looked like crap and wasn't up to par.

[Weldangrind]

The bass in TurboT's theatre room pounded me in the back. I would never go back to a conventional theatre if I had that setup.

[Weldangrind]

Back to the sliding door; when I said that Jig-a-Loo gets rid of minivan sliding door squeaks, what I meant was the sound that you hear as you drive down the road. I find that if the door seals get too dry, they rub against the door as you travel over road imperfections, and silicone spray deals with that. I hate squeaks.

[Cal25]

Back to the sliding door; when I said that Jig-a-Loo gets rid of minivan sliding door squeaks, what I meant was the sound that you hear as you drive down the road. I find that if the door seals get too dry, they rub against the door as you travel over road imperfections, and silicone spray deals with that. I hate squeaks.


Thats a great tip. I never thought of squeaks coming from the weather stripping. Makes alot of sence.

[2LZ]

I found out one night in a sub-zero evening in Tahoe.....don't use fake (store brand) WD-40 in your door locks tumblers. You're not getting in without a blow dryer to go get the pizza. :x

[TurboT]

The bass in TurboT's theatre room pounded me in the back. I would never go back to a conventional theatre if I had that setup.

I don't think the sub is turned up beyond 1/4 turn either. :) It's just a good room for sound I think.

[TurboT]

Back to the sliding door; when I said that Jig-a-Loo gets rid of minivan sliding door squeaks, what I meant was the sound that you hear as you drive down the road. I find that if the door seals get too dry, they rub against the door as you travel over road imperfections, and silicone spray deals with that. I hate squeaks.

For some reason something jogged my memory and I believe I have some "GUNK" brand silicone spray in my shed, from the former engine shop. We used it to water proof the curtain on the head surfacing machine which would throw coolant everywhere... it should probably do the trick!

[Weldangrind]

It will, if the spray can will still work after being frozen. Beware, because the Gunk silicone might not be clear, but white. Also, Jig-a-Loo doesn't smell too bad.

[TurboT]

It will, if the spray can will still work after being frozen. Beware, because the Gunk silicone might not be clear, but white. Also, Jig-a-Loo doesn't smell too bad.

Possibly not working. It's a bit old. I don't recall the color. Just trying to save myself 5 bucks. :)