If you design something that looks cool, but functions poorly as a result of making it look cool, I consider that design a failure. I know that plenty of people disagree; just look at how many folks are willing to suffer with uncomfortable clothing or footwear in the name of fashion. And for years now, Tesla owners have been dealing with flush door handles that freeze shut. Here’s a recent example:
When this happens, it’s not Tesla’s problem, it’s yours. The company has provided an absurdly long section in the Model 3 Owner’s Manual called “Cold Weather Best Practices.” In short, they know that the handle can freeze shut, and they expect you to deal with it. Here are their suggestions:
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Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:
1. If your vehicle is equipped with black door handles, press the frontmost part of the door handle to initially try release light or moderate ice buildup.
2. Forcefully press the rear-most part of the door handle to try to open the door handle.
3. Working in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully bump the door handle to break and release the ice buildup.
4. Aiming for the rearmost end of the wide part of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully bump the door handle. Increase the intensity of the bumps as necessary, repeating steps 1 through 3 until the ice is removed and the door handle can be opened.
CAUTION
Never bump the vehicle so hard as to cause a dent; the force used should be similar to knocking on your neighbor’s front door.
5. Once the door handle is able to move, open and close it a few more times to release any remaining ice buildup. Make sure the door handle is fully pressed in (retracted) prior to entering the vehicle, and check that the door is fully closed before driving away.
They also recommend checking the weather well in advance and doing some prep work:
Consider applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins if you are expecting freezing rain, heavy snow, or icy conditions. Reapply as needed.
To apply WD-40 to the door handle pivot pin:
1.Open the door handle and prop it open using a folded towel or other soft material.
2.Attach the provided straw to the nozzle of the WD-40 bottle.
3. Put on eye protection.
4. Place the end of the straw next to the pivot pin and spray it for approximately one second, taking care not to accidentally spray other components.
Note
Rest the end of the straw on the top of the spring around the pivot pin to better aim the spray.
Warning
Make sure eye protection is worn when performing this step.
5. Remove the towel or other soft material used to prop the door handle open.
6. Pivot the door handle in and out approximately ten times.
7. For a second time, place the end of the straw next to the pivot pin and spray it for approximately one second, taking care not to accidentally spray other components.
Note
Rest the end of the straw on the top of the spring around the pivot pin to better aim the spray.
8. Remove the towel or other soft material used to prop the door handle open.
9. Pivot the door handle in and out approximately ten times.
10. Perform this procedure on the other three door handles.
I’ve never owned a Tesla, but for the brand to retain an enthusiastic customer base willing to put up with this, I figure the rest of the car’s got to be freaking amazing.
Source: core77