Tips for Dealing With Winter Ice Storms

Keeping your car clear of ice is important for safe winter driving.  Here are some tips for preventing and removal of ice build-up on your car this winter.

If you know an ice storm is impending, try putting some garbage bags or cardboard over your windshield, (try tucking it in under the windshield wipers) and then after the storm has passed, gently pull the wipers free of the ice and when you remove the cardboard (or garbage bags) your windshield will be free of ice and you will avoid the unpleasant job of scraping ice.  If you use garbage bags, be sure to tape them together and then tuck the ends into the car doors.  If you find yourself unprepared when a storm hits, you can try using your floor mats instead of the car mats.

Try keeping a container of fine grain salt (like popcorn salt) in your car so that If a thick frozen sheet of ice does end up on your windshield, you can easily remove the ice by pouring the salt over your windshield, giving it a few minutes to start melting the ice, and then scrape away the remaining melting ice.

In an emergency situation when you run out of windshield washer fluid, try using a quart of rubbing alcohol, one half cup of water, and one half teaspoon of liquid dish washing detergent.  This mixture will work to keep your windshield clear until you can purchase more commercial cleaner, the alcohol will prevent the fluid from freezing up thirty degrees below zero.

To prevent frozen locks, be sure to avoid washing your car if the temperature is going to be below zero.  In the event that your locks do get frozen, there is a commercial lock deicer you can purchase, or try warming the key with a lighter and then insert the key in the frozen lock as far as it will go and burn a piece of paper near the frozen lock and key to thaw it.

If you are in the market for a used vehicle this winter, be sure to check out St. Louis Auto Stop in Hazelwood, they have a guaranteed financing program that will make buying a new car easy.