sub-zero temperatures and snow are a nuisance for any motorist. How to best prepare yourself and your car against ice and snow in the morning. Our tips and tricks.
Every year the same game: no snow yet. When you get in your car in the morning and drive to work, you don’t give a thought to snow-covered car roofs and frozen windows and mirrors. And then all of a sudden: minus degrees and thick snowflakes. And the most important utensil is missing: the ice scraper.
As a result, most people make a virtue out of necessity. The old CD case is dug out of the glove compartment and used as an ice scraper. Suboptimal. And without gloves a rather uncomfortable and frosty start into the cold winter day. Here you can find out, how to avoid frozen fingertips and how to best protect yourself and your car against father frost.
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Tip 1: do something good for your fingertips and prevent it
Scratching is annoying. Especially if the ice layer is robust and in the worst case you have not parked a scratch in the side door. The simplest method, however, is to put on a put film over the windshield and jam them in the side doors. The film should lie tightly on the windshield.
By the way, cardboard boxes are not suitable for this purpose. If the cardboard gets soaked, it sticks and freezes to the windshield.
Even if you’re a fan of cleanliness, you’ll have an easy time with ice in the morning. A clean windshields are much easier to clear of ice. And scratches on the glass can be prevented in this way.
More about driving in winter:
-
: warm up the car? This can be expensive
- Driving in winter weather:how to drive safely through ice and snow
- Snowfall and congestion:what drivers should carry: through the cold without problems – this is how the motorhome hibernates
Also a good tip from the net community: the thick christmas socks take it out and put it over the side mirrors. Do not forget to remove the film before driving off.
For all other windows: scratch, scratch, scratch. Or pack the whole car. At best in a garage.
Tip 2: it’s all in the technique: how do i scrape my windshield properly??
Ice scrapers for the car are practically thrown at you. Whether as an advertising gift or already available for one euro in the trade, you are well advised to provide yourself with one or even two scratches. Because: winter is coming!
However, it is also clear: not all ice scrapers are the same. The good ones of their kind often cost a little more and last made of sturdy plastic and often come with a sawtooth edge. So the thick ice crust can be done away with.
And beware: the CD case mentioned above should only be used in emergencies. The risk of scratching the windows is higher this way. Credit or check cards are also not a good idea. You may be able to free the windows from ice, but you will not be able to withdraw money or pay by card afterwards. It is also not advisable to use the nearby parking window as a substitute for scratches.
Tip 3: the environmental sin: chemicals against the layer of ice on the windshield
Sometimes people are in a hurry in the morning. No time to scratch. De-icer spray can provide a quick remedy. But: environmentally friendly is different. So maybe it’s better to leave the house two minutes earlier and fall back on tips 1 and 2. On particularly cold days, however, the only thing that often helps is a combination of chemicals and scratches, to loosen thick layers of ice.
Tip 4: completely remove ice from the windshield, headlights, turn signals and mirrors
A small peephole in the windshield covered with snow and ice is not enough. The risk of accidents increases enormously. And the risk of getting a fine of 10 euros as well. Besides the windshield, all windows should provide a clear view. So down with the ice. This also applies to headlights, turn signals and taillights. You should also be able to look through the side mirrors. five euros will be charged for a snow-covered license plate.
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Tip 5: don’t take a hot shower! Remove ice with hot water
Don’t do it! Tilt them no hot water over ice-covered car windows. The change in temperature can cause cracks in the glazing, especially if the glass is already damaged by microcracks caused by stone impacts.
Tip 6: don’t start the engine until the work is done
If you love your car, and maybe your neighbors too, leave the engine off until the snow and ice have been cleared away. According to ADAC it is sletting the car warm up while stationary is harmful to the engine. In addition, harmful exhaust gases are blown into the air. Unpleasant for all residents.
In addition, the running engine can also mean a reach into the wallet. Here, too, a look at the winter fine catalog is recommended.
tip 7: be careful, your windshield wipers will thank you for it
Windscreen wipers quickly freeze on the windscreen. If you then pull on them, you can damage or even tear off the rubber. Something de-icer can help to gently remove windshield wipers from the windshield and so prolong their lives.
The environmentally friendly variant: a bottle warm water. Absolutely only in room temperature! Otherwise: see tip 5. Or you put the windshield wiper on the cover film of the windshield.
Tip 8: dig deep into your pocket
More on the topic
Fines in winter Warming up the car? This can be expensive
If you don’t feel like doing all that (see tips 1 to 7), you can build a car with parking heater buy. But that costs. Tip 1 to 7 are more likely to save you money.