‘Winter storm hack’: Man shares simple trick to keep car doors from freezing shut, but locksmiths are sounding the alarm

A viral video showing a quick fix for frozen car doors has been getting millions of views before major winter storms hit. But professional locksmiths and mechanics are warning that this popular trick could actually damage your car in the long run.

According to Motor1.com, content creator Ceith Griffith recently posted a video on Facebook telling people to spray WD-40 directly onto their car door latches and keyholes to prevent freezing. His video, titled “Winter storm hack!,” currently got more than 9 million views as drivers looked for ways to deal with frozen car doors.

Griffith said the spray would keep doors from sticking and stop keyholes from icing over during winter storms. The advice quickly spread as people prepared for freezing weather across the US. The idea makes sense at first. WD-40 stands for “water displacement,” which means it pushes water away and creates a thin protective layer. Experts say it can help unstick frozen door handles or windshield wipers that are already frozen.

WD-40 might solve one problem but create a bigger one

Much like how Brazil’s notorious Catwoman went to extreme lengths for her schemes, some people will go to great measures to avoid dealing with winter car problems properly. But spraying it directly on your car’s paint or locks is not a good idea. If you use WD-40, spray a small amount on a cloth first, then wipe down the rubber weatherstripping around your doors. Do this before the temperature drops below freezing.

People commenting on Griffith’s video largely agreed with the warnings and shared their own experiences and safer alternatives. A locksmith with more than 30 years of experience gave the strongest warning. They said, “Never use WD-40. It will dry like a caramelized solid after a while.” 

This sticky buildup can damage the small parts inside your lock, leading to expensive repairs or getting locked out of your car. Because just like survival tips for harsh conditions require proper preparation, dealing with winter weather needs the right approach.

One viewer said, “Graphite grease works better in the store locks.” Another joked about the dangers of misusing WD-40, adding, “Best thing to do is spray that on your house inside door knobs. So you can’t get out of the house. Stay home!!” 

Others emphasized the importance of using the right product for the job. “Silicone is water repellent!!! WD-40 absorbs water and ice!” one commenter wrote, while another shared a personal warning after trying the hack themselves: “WD-40 in locks is a bad idea, I have done this and the locks were never the same. I had to replace them.”