By the time winter rolls around, we can quickly forget how difficult and tedious a simple trip to the grocery store can be. Wiper blades get stuck, mirrors are fogged, and your windshield may need clearing every time you get in the car. Some of these issues can be dangerous, others are just bothersome, but all can easily be fixed with these simple winter car tricks.
1. Have a Chalkboard Eraser on Hand
When the windows of your car begin to fog, rather than wiping it away with your hand, reach for your chalkboard eraser. It will easily clean off the fog without leaving fingerprints all over your car windows. The soft fibers of the chalkboard eraser will be gentle on the glass and quickly remove all moisture with a few clean swipes.
2. Wrap Those Mirrors
A frosted mirror can make any driving conditions dangerous. Prevent obstructions from your mirror by wrapping each one with a plastic bag and rubber bands the night before. This will prevent any sort of frost from forming while your car waits in the cold. Just remember to remove the bags before you drive away.
3. Heat up Your Lock
No, you are not using the wrong key. The lock just is frozen. One quick way to melt away that ice is to apply some heat to the area. This can be done by using a lighter to heat your key and then placing it in the lock. The key will quickly melt away any frost allowing you to open your car door easily.
4. Rubbing Alcohol on Wiper Blades
Have you ever been driving and attempted to use your wiper blades, only to realize they are frozen in your car? Prevent this by thoroughly applying rubbing alcohol to your blades. This will prevent your blades from sticking to your car windows. Reapply as necessary.
5. Rubber Bath Mats
The last thing any of us want to do in the morning is scrape ice off our car windows. This chilly task is tedious first thing in the morning but can easily be prevented. Whenever you leave your car overnight or there is a cold front coming in, just place some rubber bath mats over the windows. Before you know it, every car windshield on your block will be covered with bath mats.
These tricks are designed to be simple, allowing anyone to save money and spend less time outside in the cold. All you need when driving around Calgary is a few simple items to make your journeys significantly easier.