Alfa GT in the cold...

murphyebass

Thinking back to this time last year when it got very cold I had a pretty annoying problem with my Alfa GT.

Basically when it got very cold the door would sometimes open but not shut then as if the lock had iced up inside.

I tried oiling the locks and it helped somewhat but wasnt perfect either.

This lead to the problem of the door having to be left open until the lock had thawed enough to release the door.

I also tried a cloth with warm water, again helped but was no means a solution.

Is this a common problem on GT's or other cars maybe?

Windows as well are meant to go down as you open the door and that was hard work too getting them thawed enough to go down.

Any help appreciated.

Eoin

This happened on my 5 series on one of the coldest days last Christmas. The rear door just wouldn't stay closed and it was the next morning before it thawed out properly - I was able to tie it closed in the meantime. Maybe a few minutes with a hair-dryer might help?

murphyebass

eoin wrote: »

This happened on my 5 series on one of the coldest days last Christmas. The rear door just wouldn't stay closed and it was the next morning before it thawed out properly - I was able to tie it closed in the meantime. Maybe a few minutes with a hair-dryer might help?

Madness though isnt it. I really hope it doesnt start happening again this Winter.

Although the signs are great are they. -1.5 degrees out by me this morning. Bitter.

Door opened and closed though first time after pouring some slightly luke warm water over the handle as it was frozen.

Eoin

I was a bit surprised alright - it might have been cold for us, but hardly as cold as other European countries get on a regular basis. The guy in the garage said they had the same problem with other cars as well.

murphyebass

eoin wrote: »

I was a bit surprised alright - it might have been cold for us, but hardly as cold as other European countries get on a regular basis. The guy in the garage said they had the same problem with other cars as well.

Good point I wonder what they do in colder countries to prevent or solve the problem as if its happening us it must be happening them.

I even thought about changing the lock but its a '04 not as if its 20 years old so didnt bother but that probably wouldnt have solved it anyway.

Seriously annoying problem imo.

Interceptor

Would you consider a small vinyl cover for overnight? You can buy decent quality ones with elastic straps which won't mark the car. Failing that you'll have to bring the car inside...



'cptr

mjquinno

Ya had the same problem with mine this morning, was grand after a few minutes though.

does to cover offer protection though? would it not just hold more water?

murphyebass

Interceptor wrote: »

Would you consider a small vinyl cover for overnight? You can buy decent quality ones with elastic straps which won't mark the car. Failing that you'll have to bring the car inside...



'cptr

Yeah I actually am considering covering it. Only thing is I'm afraid it might attract unwanted attention to the car. Kids, thieves etc.. oh whats under there sort of thing. :rolleyes:

Unfortunately no room inside unless I drive it into the dining room, sure it doesnt get used anyway!

Interceptor

murphyebass wrote: »

Yeah I actually am considering covering it. Only thing is I'm afraid it might attract unwanted attention to the car. Kids, thieves etc.. oh whats under there sort of thing. :rolleyes:

These aren't as popular here as they are abroad - you see them all over Europe for everything from winter to summer protection. As for holding water, generally icy/frosty weather is preceded by cold and dry weather and I'd say you'd have to be in Siberia for the cover to freeze onto the car.

I used one on my motorbike and never had any hassle in frost. I used have to wrap the engine of my old Honda Civic with a blanket if I wanted it to start in cold weather (long boring story about faulty carburettor omitted).

'c