Winter weather is officially here which means colder temperatures and the likelihood for snow, sleet and freezing rain. This time of year, it’s especially important to ensure your vehicle is prepared to get you around safely. Most everyone that has lived in a cold climate is familiar with the usual tips for winterizing your car or truck, from checking wiper blades and using an anti-freezing agent for your windshield to installing winter tires and having a safety kit on hand. But there are a few tricks that you may not be aware of that could prevent headaches or get you out of a jam. Below, we’ve rounded up a few DIY vehicle solutions for overcoming winter weather.

1.     Prevent ice build-up with vinegar

Raise your hand if you like scraping your car each morning before work in freezing temperatures. We didn’t think so! Avoid frost and ice from forming by spraying down your windows and windshield with a vinegar-water mixture. Combine three parts vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and the night before, spray your windows and remove any excess. Vinegar has a lower freezing temperature than water and will help prevent ice. It’s important to note that this is not effective if ice has already formed and probably won’t work as well in extreme conditions, but it’s worth trying and saving yourself a few grueling minutes in the morning.

2.     De-ice with pickle juice

In addition to scraping your car, you’ve likely spent a good amount of time de-icing your driveway and sidewalks with salt. Some states, like New Jersey, are experimenting with a salt alternative – pickle brine. Similar to rock salt, brine can melt ice at temperatures as low as -6°F, according to National Geographic. Pickle juice is also a more environmentally friendly way to de-ice and prewetting pavements can prevent snow and ice build-up. Before you throw out your pickle jar, save the brine for the next snowfall.

3.     Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream

Winter temperatures are notorious for creating foggy windshields, but what if you could stop it before it happens? Spray shaving cream on the inside of your windshield and then wipe it off with a towel. Why does this work? Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial foggers and creates a protective coating on the glass.

4.     Keep headlights clear with car wax

This tip works for any time of year, but especially when you’re trying to keep your headlights clear of snow, slush and road salt. Waxing the lenses will prevent them from fogging up and will repel water. As a bonus, waxing should also restore dull yellowed headlights and protect them from future yellowing. 

5.     Use hand sanitizer to unfreeze a lock

Can’t get your key in the lock in freezing temperatures? Put some hand sanitizer on the key and lock, insert the key and wiggle around to disperse the gel. Hand sanitizers contain alcohol which makes the ice melt. Be sure yours has at least 60% alcohol for it to work. Rubbing alcohol works well too, but hand sanitizer is certainly more convenient to carry around.  

6.     Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray or WD-40

Water can sneak into the rubber lining of your door jams, particularly if they are dirty or cracked. Try spraying WD-40 or cooking spray on the rubber seals and wipe down with a rag. The lubricant prevents water from melting into the rubber due to the oils in each. Keep in mind both should be used only in a pinch. It’s best to use a silicone spray or rubber conditioner that's intended for car parts as WD-40 can cause the seals to harden over time and wear out.

7.     Get unstuck with a rubber floor mat

Sand, kitty litter or of course, snow tires, will get you unstuck from snow and ice. But if you don’t have any on hand or haven’t taken the time to install proper tires, your floor mat can be of service, too. Grab one of your mats and put the rubber side under the tire. Once you start your car back up and give it a little gas, you should have the grip you need to get moving.  

Questions about auto insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Sources:

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/hacks-make-winter-easier

https://www.iaofohio.com/7-unusual-tips-to-winterize-your-car-or-truck/