It is still winter in Indiana; I am sure there will be more snow and ice to come. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get into your car the morning after a snowstorm, only to find the doors are frozen shut. It’s late. It’s dark. You trudge through the snow to your car after a ‘long’ work day only to discover the locks are all iced up. Don’t panic! Here are some handy tips that will surprise you and will get you through this winter season a little easier:
** Cooking Spray can be used to “Shut Out the Cold”!
Couldn’t open your door this morning because it was frozen shut? You can actually prevent this by using cooking spray. Spray “Pam” or your choice of cooking spray on the rubber seals around the car doors and rub it in using a paper towel or cloth. Doors tend to freeze when the snow melts into the seals during the day, and freezes overnight. By using the cooking spray, the oils prevent water from melting into the rubber in the first place.
** The “Perfect Solution” to windows covered by snow and ice.
Tired of scraping ice off of your windshield in the mornings before you head to work? …Well you can ice proof your windshield the night before. Fill a spray bottle with a vinegar solution — three parts vinegar to one part water and spray on your car windows at night. When you come out in the morning, your windows should be clear of any icy mess! How you ask? Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of H20, hence preventing any freezing. Forgot to spray the solution on the night before? Not to worry, just spray it on in the morning and watch as the ice melt off of your car windows!
** “Shaving cream” prevents fogged-up windows?
Fog-proof your windshield…with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers! *
** “Hand Sanitizer; for Cars”?? Frozen locks are no longer a problem!
Melting snow and icy rain; car door locks freeze. Who wants to be stranded out in the parking lot in 30 degree weather? Next time this happens, try using the hand sanitizer from your purse to put on your car key and the lock. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, the main ingredient in most commercial de-icers, which will melt the ice in the lock. (be sure that the hand sanitizer you use contains at least 60% alcohol concentrate, otherwise it will not work)
** Flat tire in the freezing cold? Nitrogen to the rescue!
Nitrogen helps to maintain tire pressure longer, helping you prevent filling a flat tire in the freezing cold. Bu the way, putting Nitrogen in your tires also increases fuel efficiency because properly inflated tires reduces rolling resistance, helping obtain up to 3% better mileage than a car with under-inflated tires.
Indiana’s winter season presents a number of challenges to both you and your car. Cold weather tests the limits of your car’s mechanical abilities. Treacherous driving conditions test your abilities as a driver. It pays to be prepared. I hope you found our “keep your cool in the winter” tips helpful! We would love to hear from you with your ideas and suggestions!
The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today.
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