Winter mornings and frozen cars go hand-in-hand, but deicing doesn’t have to be a struggle. These creative hacks to winterize your car make it easier to keep your car frost-free and ready to roll in chilly weather.
1. Cover Side Mirrors with Ziplock Bags
Using gallon-size Ziplock bags to cover your side mirrors can prevent ice from forming. Just slip a bag over each mirror and secure it with clothespins or rubber bands. This quick step at night saves you from scraping mirrors in the morning, keeping your visibility clear and your commute smoother.
2. Protect Windshield Wipers with Knee-High Socks: Winterize Your Car
Slip knee-high socks over your windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass overnight. This hack is simple and keeps your wipers functioning optimally, so you’re ready to drive off without battling stuck wipers or scraping ice.
3. De-Ice Locks with Hand Sanitizer
When door locks freeze, a small amount of hand sanitizer can be a lifesaver. Apply it to your key, then insert it into the lock. The alcohol in the sanitizer helps melt ice in the mechanism, making it easier to unlock frozen doors quickly without needing a separate deicing tool.
4. Prevent Snow Build-Up on Windows with WD-40: Winterize Your Car
Spraying WD-40 on car windows creates a thin protective layer that prevents ice and snow from sticking. Just be cautious not to spray too close to rubber or paint. This method can significantly reduce the time spent scraping your windows on snowy mornings.
5. Place a Blanket on the Windshield Overnight
Covering your windshield with a blanket overnight keeps frost from forming on the glass. Simply remove the blanket in the morning, and you’ll have a clear, frost-free windshield. For extra winter preparation, combine this tip with other tricks like covering wipers or mirrors.
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6. Keep a Pair of Wool Socks for Better Traction: Winterize Your Car
Store wool socks in your glove box to help with icy surfaces. Slip the socks over your shoes for extra grip when walking on ice or when you’re stuck and need to push your car. Wool socks offer warmth and the grip needed to safely navigate slippery situations.
7. Shaving Cream to Fog-Proof Windows
Apply shaving cream to the inside of your windows, then wipe it off to create a fog-proof barrier. This tip keeps visibility clear by preventing condensation buildup on cold mornings, reducing fog, and improving safety.
8. Absorb Moisture with a Sock Filled with Cat Litter: Winterize Your Car
Place a sock filled with cat litter on your dashboard or under your seats. Cat litter absorbs moisture, which helps prevent fog from forming on windows and stops ice from building up inside the car.
9. Rub a Potato on the Windshield
Cut a potato in half and rub it on the windshield. The potato’s natural sugars leave a barrier that can prevent frost from sticking to the glass. This trick works best when done the night before, keeping your windshield clear without scraping.
10. Use a Plastic Card as a Makeshift Ice Scraper: Winterize Your Car
When you’re in a pinch without an ice scraper, use a plastic card (like an old gift card) to scrape frost off your windows. Avoid using a credit card, as the ice can damage it. A plastic card is thin and strong enough to clear frost in an emergency.
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