OVERLAND, Mo. – A local man could use some sunshine right about now.
That's because his car is stuck in at least six inches of ice due to a water main break near a fire hydrant up the street.
Joe Rohlman said it's been stuck for almost a week now and the water near the fire hydrant keeps flowing.
"For some reason, it decided to pool around my car," he said.
So, what can you do if your car is covered or stuck in ice? 5 On Your Side went to the experts at St. Louis Auto and Truck Repair to find out.
Co-owner Pat Hamill said to put a tarp over the vehicle and use a torpedo heater to warm up the vehicle.
He said you can also use an air compressor.
"You can air up the tires, five to 10 pounds, and that will bust the ice loose," Hamill said.
But if you can't access those machines?
"Put a bunch of salt around the tires and just let the salt do its work on the ice," Hamill said.
Back in Overland, Rohlman is using an industrial heat gun that's 800 degrees. After using the gun, he uses a post hole digger to chip away at the ice.
But how do you prevent this from happening in the first place? One 5 On Your Side viewer said to put WD-40 on the locks and vinegar on the windows.
"WD-40 does help," Hamill said. "Do it before and the moisture can't get in there and freeze. I don't know about vinegar. I've heard isopropyl alcohol. Two thirds to one third water mix."
Another viewer suggested putting socks over your windshield wipers. Hamill said to use trash bags instead. But the best advice, he said, is to park in the garage if you can.
