How to Winterize Your Car: Essential Tips for Cold Weather Prep
I think we can all agree—dealing with a winterized car at 7 AM isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But with the right tips and a little bit of prep, winter car maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle!
I’ve gathered my favorite cold-weather car hacks to ensure you’ll spend less time freezing and more time driving.
So let’s gear up and dive into some easy ways to prepare your car for winter!
Tools and Materials:
- Ziplock bags
- Clothespins or rubber bands
- Socks
- Hand sanitizer
- WD-40
- Blanket
- Shaving cream
- Cat litter
- Potato
- Duct tape
- Plastic card
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1. Stop Ice from Forming on Your Car’s Side Mirrors
Cover your side mirrors at night with gallon-size Ziplock bags.
If you do not have a Ziplock, you can use a plastic bags secured with a clothespin so that snow and ice won’t form. If you don’t have clothespins, use rubber bands.
2. Knee-High Socks for Windshield Wipers
Knee-high socks aren’t just for keeping your feet warm! Slip them over your windshield wipers before a storm to prevent them from freezing to the windshield.
3. Hand Sanitizer to De-Ice Locks
A few drops of hand sanitizer on your key can open a frozen door lock. The alcohol in hand sanitizer melts the ice, making it a handy deicer when you need it!
4. Prevent Snow Buildup with WD-40
Spray WD-40 on your car windows to create a protective layer that prevents snow buildup. It’s a fantastic barrier against the elements!
5. Use a Blanket to Cover Your Windshield
An oldie-but-goodie hack, using a blanket overnight prevents ice from forming on your windshield. Combine it with knee-high socks for ultimate winter readiness!
6. Wool Socks for Better Traction
Keep a pair of wool socks in your glove box for emergencies! If your car gets stuck, slip them over your shoes for extra grip in the snow.
7. Fog-Proof Your Windshield with Shaving Cream
Applying shaving cream to the inside of your windows prevents condensation. Just wipe it off, and you’ll have clear visibility all winter long!
8. Cat Litter in a Sock
Fill a sock with cat litter and place it near your windshield to absorb moisture.
It’s a great way to keep fog at bay while you drive.
9. De-Ice with a Potato
Rub half a potato on your windshield the night before freezing temps.
The sugar creates a barrier, so you can skip scraping in the morning!
10. Easy Ice Scraper
When in a pinch, a plastic card (like an old gift card) can serve as an ice scraper! Just make sure not to use a credit card, or you might damage it.
Get Your Garden Ready for Winter!
Ultimate Guide: How to Winterize Your Car Like a Pro
There you have it—some of the best tricks for how to winterize your car and beat the cold-weather blues. With just a few simple preparations, you’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly, prevent icy surprises, and stay safe on those chilly roads.
So go ahead, give them a try, and remember: a little winter car prep can make all the difference when the temperatures start to drop!
And if you have any of your own tips, feel free to share—I’d love to hear them!
Comments
Join the conversation
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I wouldn’t trust socks in snow and ice. Keep a pair of those slip on grippers in your car to put on your shoes frankly just keep them in the house. I live in Northern New England.
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I'm completely skeptical about the WD-40, shaving cream, or potato. They all seem like they'll put a smeary film all over your windows.
Lift your wipers, buy a scraper, get over the shoe grippers from an outdoors store.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What does shaving cream do to tinted windows? Does a damage the tint?
To de-ice I use the windshield washer fluid that is rated below 32 deg and just use it in my car sprayer.
What keeps the socks and blanket from freezing to the windshield?? That would just make more of a mess in my opinion.