Source | Popular Mechanics
As the cold weather sweeps in, you'll notice that freezing temperatures, snow, and ice bring more frustration than they're worth, especially when it comes to your vehicle. Luckily, we have a few automotive tricks to help you survive Old Man Winter and save some sanity.
Frozen locks and handles
If you've ever gone out to your car in winter only to realize you can't get into it, you need this trick. Most people reach for the ice scraper and start chipping away, but the quicker alternative is to use hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer contains rubbing alcohol, which doesn't freeze until it is well under minus one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Spraying or rubbing a bit of sanitizer on those frozen locks and handle will give you access to your vehicle in a matter of seconds.
Frozen wipers
Source |Bill Hertha | Flikr
Having chunks of ice form on your windshield wipers not only makes them basically useless, but it can also wear down your wipers, causing you to have to replace them sooner. When you know it's going to be a cold one, or snow and ice are on their way, simply lift your wipers off of your windshield and cover them with socks. This will prevent the wiper from freezing to your windshield but also keep ice off the blade.
Quick-thinking ice scraper
Source |Thirteen of Clubs | Flikr
If you're a little late to this season's ice scraper party, that's OK. When you need to scrape the ice off your windshield, a credit card can be an alternative. Be sure to grip the card firmly, in order not to break it, and use quick, small motions to chip away at the ice.
Kitty litter saves the day
Other than helping your beloved four-legged friend, kitty litter can be a wonderful winter accessory. If you drive a two-wheel drive car, keeping a bag or two in your trunk will help give your car extra weight. Those icy roads can make fishtailing a common occurrence, so the weight does wonders.
Another use for kitty litter is when you're stuck in ice or snow. If you're literally spinning your wheels trying to get out, take the litter and pour it generously around your back tires to help create traction. It's safer for the environment than some road salts, and a 16-plus-pound bag won't set you back too much.
These are just a few winter tricks you can use in a bind, but nothing beats real-deal products, like de-icer, ice scrapers, and more, all available at your local Advance Auto Parts. And remember to ask the store associate about free battery testing to make sure your battery can handle those low temperature starts.
Do you have any winter hacks you use? Tell us in the comments.
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About the Author(s)
Leighann is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a MA from the University of Oklahoma. She is obsessed with writing in all forms and enjoys writing short stories to keep the creativity flowing.
