In the winter we all find problems with our cars. It gets cold and locks freeze over or cars get stuck in the snow. So we wanted to share some tips about how to get out of these situations. Nobody wants to be stuck in the snow or late for work because their car is frozen over. Here are some ways to fix winter problems with your car.
Preparing Your Car For Winter
You need to make sure that your car is actually roadworthy for the winter. If it is due an MOT, get it done and then sort out the repairs that it needs. Your car needs to be ready for any weather that we might get. After all, this is 2022 and anything can happen! Check out these ideas to help you if you do encounter some problems with the bad weather.
Frozen Locks
Heat The Key Up – If you can’t get your key into a frozen lock, then hold the key in your hand and your lighter in the other hand. Then as it warms up, try and put it in the key, it should thaw the ice out. If you do not have a lighter, and you have a hairdryer that reaches you can use that too.
Thaw With A Straw – Place a straw over the door lock. Then blow into the door lock, the warm air from your breathe will defrost the ice. This will take a little bit longer than the heated key, but it will do the job.
Protecting Windscreens
Windows always get frosted over in the winter and pouring hot water over it, is going to remove it, but it is also likely to shatter your windows. You can pour cold water over them, but it can be a slow process. So as prevention is always better than cure, here are some ideas to help you to prevent them frosting over.
Raw Onions – If you take a raw onion and slice it in half. Then you need to take the flat cut side and rub it all over your windscreen the night before a frost. It will keep your windows frost-free and saves you a job in the morning.
Rubber Bath Mat – Placing rubber bath mats over the windscreen at night will help to keep the frost away from the windows. Because they stick with suckers on the bottom, they are less likely to blow away. Also, cover them with windscreen wipers to keep them in place. In the morning, just lift the bath mat.
Keep The Ice Away From The Wipers – Wipe the wipers with full strength surgical spirit and a cloth. This will stop the ice from forming on the wipers and stop them from working.
Yoghurt Pots As Scrapers – Yoghurt pots have a ridge on them, so you can easily use that to scrape ice away. Then the yoghurt pot can be the pot for collecting the ice as you scrape it.
Steamed Up Windows – Driving with streamed up windows is dangerous so you need to keep clearing them. This can be done by using an old fashioned blackboard wiper or a damp cloth with some shampoo squirted on there. Lastly, by opening the window to bring outside air into the car.
Getting Stuck In The Snow And Ice
Use Bleach To Clear Ice – If you are parked in your driveway or on the road and ice has formed around your tires, or under them. You can pour a small amount of bleach on the tires or the ice. Then as you try to drive, the bleach reacts with the ice and melts it. You will soon be on your way.
Hub Cap Shovels – We don’t usually carry a shovel in the car, do we. So if we get stranded somewhere in the snow, you should remove your hub caps and use them as a shovel, removing the snow that is keeping you stuck. You really need to think outside the box.
Mirrors
Cover Mirrors – with plastic bags and tie them with a hairband to keep them secure. This will stop them from icing and frosting over.
Getting Stranded
In the winter you can easily be stranded in your car. So keep an emergency box in your boot. You can buy a box with a lid in Poundland and inside it you need to put a blanket, bottle of water, torch, portable phone charger. Some snacks, high energy foods, warm clothes and a lighter. You can add more than you think you might need, that will suit your family.
Can you think of any more things to help to fix winter problems with your car?
