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What To Do If You Park Outside In Winter

6 minute read

What To Do If You Park Outside In Winter

Parking outside in winter can be tough on your car—and your patience. From dealing with frozen windshields and icy door locks to managing slushy interiors, winter weather creates plenty of challenges for daily drivers. Luckily, with the right preventative measures and tools, you can protect your vehicle and make those frosty mornings a little more manageable. Whether you’re battling full-on snowstorms or consistent low temps, the tips in this post will help you keep your daily driver winter-ready.

Invest in Quality Wipers—and Maintain Them!

Your windshield wipers are a first line of defense against winter’s worst, ensuring clear visibility during seasonal conditions like snow and sleet. Standard wipers often struggle in freezing conditions, so upgrading to winter-specific wipers can make a big difference. These are designed with more flexible and durable materials, like silicone, along with reinforced frames to better handle heavy snow and ice.

However, it’s important to remember that maintenance is just as important as the upgrade. To keep your wipers in top shape, pull them away from the windshield when parked to prevent them from freezing to the glass—and always defrost the windshield before turning them on. Forcing wipers to scrape over ice can damage the blades.

On especially icy days, consider covering your wipers to protect them from the elements. Even a pair of old tube socks slid over the wipers can be a big help!

Purchase a Quality Snow Brush and Ice Scraper

Clearing snow off your car doesn’t have to be a workout—especially when it comes to the roof. For heavy snowfalls, a literal push broom (yes, the kind used for sweeping large floors) can make quick work of this task. With a few easy swipes, you can clear off the entire roof far faster and with less stretching than using a traditional snow brush, even one with an extender.

That said, you’ll still want to keep a quality snow brush on hand, preferably one with an ice scraper on one end. This tool is essential for clearing windows, windshields, and your cabin air intake vent. If it’s clogged with snow, your car won’t be able to pull in dry outside air, leaving your windows fogged up longer.

Pro tip: Store a backup snow brush inside your house. On especially cold mornings, car doors can freeze shut, and having an extra ice scraper handy can save you time and a headache.

Keep Deicer Spray in the House or Garage

Frozen doors, locks, and handles are just part of life in cold climates—but they don’t have to ruin your morning. A good deicer spray can quickly loosen stubborn seals without damaging your car’s surface, making it a winter must-have. Keep a bottle in your house or garage so you’re never stuck fumbling in the cold.

If you’re caught without deicer, a few other tricks can help. Hand sanitizer, with its alcohol content, can sometimes work in a pinch. Lukewarm water might also do the job, but be cautious—if temperatures are extremely low, the water could re-freeze and make the problem worse.

If you’re stuck in a parking lot or on the street with no tools on hand, try leaning against the door and applying gentle pressure. This can help crack the ice around the seals and get you back inside. Once you’ve handled the issue, consider picking up a bottle of silicone lubricant. Spraying it along your door seals can help prevent freezing altogether, saving you the hassle next time.

Replace Factory Floor Mats with Heavy-Duty Options

It might not seem like wet shoes can cause much damage, but the water, mud, and snow they track in have to go somewhere—and after seeping through your vehicle’s flimsy OEM carpet that “somewhere” is usually the vehicle’s metal floor pans. Over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion, especially in regions with harsh winters or regular snowfall.

Upgrading to heavy-duty floor mats made from rubber or thermoplastics is a game-changer. These mats are designed to contain water, mud, and snow, preventing seepage and protecting your vehicle’s interior. They’re also great for capturing spills, dirt, and debris that could otherwise make a mess. Cleaning them is simple: pull them out, hose them down, and you’re good to go.

If a full upgrade isn’t in the budget right now, consider replacing your mats gradually. Start with the first row, which sees the most wear and tear, and then expand to the second row or cargo area when it makes sense. Brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners offer flexible options, allowing you to purchase mats by row or as a complete set.

Protect Your Windshield from UV Rays and Temperature Fluctuations

Winter may not seem like the season for sun damage, but UV rays don’t take a holiday—and neither do the risks of cracks caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. Whether caused by the natural elements or the common mistake of pouring hot water on an icy windshield, sudden temperature changes can stress the glass and cause it to crack or even shatter.

A windshield cover is a smart investment to protect both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Interior sun screens shield your dashboard and upholstery from harmful UV rays, while also absorbing some of that heat to prevent frost buildup. Exterior covers take things a step further, preventing precipitation from sticking and freezing to the windshield—saving you the hassle of tedious scraping on icy mornings.

Regularly Check Tire Pressure

Winter temperatures can be tough on your tires, as tire pressure naturally fluctuates with the weather. Colder temperatures can cause the air inside your tires to contract, lowering the pressure and affecting your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. If you park outside, your tires are especially prone to these shifts.

Keep an eye on any Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts your vehicle sends, and always keep a reliable tire pressure gauge in the glove box. Regular checks, even if your car is parked in a garage, can help ensure you avoid tire issues in the colder months and keep your ride smooth and safe.

Keep a Back-Up Jump Starter On Stand-By

Winter is prime time for dead batteries, especially on those frigid mornings when your car’s battery decides it’s had enough. To save yourself the hassle of waiting for a boost, keep a portable jump starter on hand. These pocket-sized devices deliver enough power to get your car started in no time—and they’re especially useful in winter when battery performance tends to drop.

Beyond jump-starting your car, many portable options have extra functions, like integrated flashlights or the ability to charge phones and other electronic devices, which can come in handy during power outages or emergencies.

Additional Winter Parking Considerations

Parking outside in winter requires a proactive mindset in keeping your vehicle safe and running smoothly. That means making sure you’re prepared with the proper tools and preventative measures for the season, like picking up quality snow brushes, deicer sprays, and durable floor mats. It also means considering your parking spot—always aim for a flat, even surface, and avoid areas under trees or overhangs that could plop ice or snow onto your vehicle.

Beyond these basic tips, here are a few other things to keep in mind for your vehicle’s protection this winter:

  • If you drive a truck: A tonneau cover is a great investment to keep your cargo dry and protected from snow, ice, and moisture.
  • If you regularly drive busy routes: Consider adding a dash cam for added protection and peace of mind in case of an accident.
  • If you live in a rural area: Keep traction aids, like snow chains or traction boards, on hand for particularly snowy starts. Even a bag of kitty litter can be a lifesaver—helping you get moving if you’re stuck and providing extra ballast while driving.
  • If you drive a diesel: Consider using a block heater or anti-gel additive to prevent fuel from gelling in cold temperatures and leaving you with a vehicle that won’t start when you need it most.

Get Ready for Winter with Parts Via!

Don’t wait until winter is at its worst—ensure your car is prepared for the cold season now. Shop Parts Via’s wide selection of winter car care essentials, from snow brushes and deicer sprays to windshield covers, floor mats, and more. These items are designed to help keep your vehicle running smoothly and protected all winter long.

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