Preparing Your Car for a Winter Storm

With today’s technology, we’re able to determine when and where winter storms are going to hit. Knowing that storm is going to hit even just a few hours in advance gives you the opportunity to do some last minute preparations for your vehicle that will make cleanup the next morning a breeze. The team at Logel’s Auto Parts in Kitchener has put together a list of simple steps you can take to prepare your vehicle for an upcoming winter storm.

Lift Your Windshield Wipers

By lifting your windshield wipers away from your windshield, you won’t have to deal with trying to pry them off of it if they freeze during the storm. When you try and remove a frozen windshield wiper from a windshield, there is an increased chance that they will break in the process.

Put a Sheet Over Your Windshield

Once your windshield wipers are lifted, place a sheet over your windshield. Custom sheets can be purchased to do this job, but you can also make one yourself by taking the measurements of your window and including a way to secure the sheet to the side rearview windows. You’ll quickly see this is the easiest way to avoid having the deal with icy windshields the rest of this winter.

Lubricate Rubber Seals

Before the storm hits, take the time to re-lube the rubber seals in your vehicle doors. We’ll admit that this can be a bit tedious, but it’s totally worth it. By lubricating the rubber with a silicone lubricant, the chance that your door will become frozen shut is reduced. It also helps preserve the life of your vehicle’s seals!

Know Where the Snowplows Go

If you park your vehicle on the street, pay attention early in the season as to how the snowplows clear your street. If their plows push snow in one direction or the other, try and secure a parking spot on the side of the street that avoids the plowed snow. This will save you having to dig out your vehicle the next morning!

By following these four simple steps, you will significantly reduce the time spent cleaning up your car after a storm. While your neighbours are out shoveling and de-icing their vehicles, you can spend the extra time inside with a nice warm cup of coffee. If you have any questions about other ways your can prepare your car for winter, give our Kitchener auto shop a call. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any of your questions!