This winter I had a few driver side door freeze-ups when rain was followed by a sudden freeze. In an effort to prevent this, I put duct tape against the window and the door. When I removed the tape, there was a white residue left on the door. What would be the best way to remove this?
---MIKE---
I would try using some wd-40. It works very well at removing glue left by stickers or tape. I would spray it on a cloth and rub it on the residue, let it sit for a while and then rub it off. It also works really good at getting off road tar, and will not damage yout paint. Scott
Goof Off also works well.
To reduce the likelihood of freeze-up next winter, spray silicone spray on the door gaskets and wipe with a paper towel.
WD40 removes adhesive. It ought not damage the paint, or the wax (but if there was much wax, the tape should have trouble sticking in the first place). I'd use WD40 on a small patch and see what happens.
---MIKE---
The freeze up was internal. I could open the door but then it wouldn't stay closed until the car warmed up. Sometimes IF it closed, I couldn't open it from the inside. I thought that maybe the rain leaked in between the door and the window. The duct tape didn't help and now I have the white residue from the tape stuck on the door. I tried WD40 but it didn't touch the residue.
---MIKE---
Try paint remover. Then, you won't have to worry about the paint any longer nor the residue .
I had this problem once but not on my car. I think I used rubbing alcohol to get it off. I don't think it will damage your car paint but try it on a small spot inside the door jam first to make sure.
The freeze up was internal. I could open the door but then it wouldn't stay closed until the car warmed up. Sometimes IF it closed, I couldn't open it from the inside. I thought that maybe the rain leaked in between the door and the window. The duct tape didn't help and now I have the white residue from the tape stuck on the door. I tried WD40 but it didn't touch the residue.
*** Try Goof-Off, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, or brake cleaner to remove the residue. It is normal for some moisture to get inside the door so make sure that the drain holes at the bottom of the door are free from mud and debris by poking a stiff wire through the holes. Spray some lithium grease on the door moving part of the door latch so that the latch does not freeze up. If you really want to go all out, get some Lock-Ease in an aerosol can and use the snorkel that comes with the can to lube the lock cylinders and then pull the exterior door handle and use the snorkel to spry the moving parts of the door handle.
I'd be very careful about brake cleaner. I heard years ago that will take paint off a car. Regardless, try whatever in the door jamb first just in case it does take the paint off or mar the paint finish.
If you use brake cleaner, spray it on and wipe it right off or spray it on a rag and wipe. It will remove wax but it won't take the paint off if you wipe it right off.
Also, bug and tar remover works well.
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