Tips To Keep Your Car Winter Ready

Article by Lauren Harris

Read Lauren’s article, “Tips To Keep Your Car Winter Ready” in Parade Magazine here and be sure to check out other great articles written by Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, featured in Parade Magazine!

When the weather outside is frightful, be prepared for winter car woes with these tips from Lauren Fix, nation­al automotive correspondent for Newsmax TV and auto expert for The Weather Channel and Inside Edition.

Frozen Door Keyhole
Heat your metal key with a lighter for a few seconds, then push through the ice. Don’t use de-icer, as it can damage your car’s paint.

Frosted Interior Windows
Turn your car heater and defrost on high, then use a credit card to scrape away frost. Have napkins or paper towels on hand to wipe away the scraped ice.

Frozen Windshield and Wipers
If you anticipate chilly weather, split the seams on a trash bag and stretch it across your windshield, tucking each end into the car door to block your windshield and wipers from snow and ice.

KEEP ON HAND

Stash a duffel bag behind the front seat (in the trunk means you’ll have to get out of the car on a busy or icy road, which can be dangerous) stocked with the following essentials:

• Blanket (one for each person)
• Snow brush with ice scraper
• Hand and foot warmers (four for each person)
• Tire inflation product (like Fix-A-Flat)
• De-icer and paper towels