Quick Summary
Don’t get caught off guard by the changing weather. Check out these tips and tricks to help speed up your morning defrost and prevent unwanted car hassles this winter.
The alarm goes off. It’s 8:03 a.m. and you have to somehow get to work by 8 a.m. You rush to your car only to find it frozen. All you can do now is turn on the defrost, and hope the windshield wipers can do their thing. With warm weather giving us a false sense of security, we seem to have forgotten we’re still in Minnesota. Let’s get ready to tough out one more winter using resources available through eLibrary Minnesota.
One of the best ways to avoid the aforementioned circumstance is advanced preparation. There are many things you can do ahead of time to reduce your morning defrost time. “WINTER CAR HACKS”, by the Saturday Evening Post, provides some unique preventative measures. For example, use a door mat (old, inexpensive, whatever) as a cover for your windshield to prevent frost and snow accumulation. Just remove it and your windshield should be ready to go. Another tip is to put socks over your wiper blades to protect against damage and prevent them from getting stuck. You can also wrap spare grocery bags around the side mirrors to prevent them from freezing. For more tips like these, make sure to check out this article and many more available on eLibrary Minnesota.
What about just making sure your car can make it through one more winter? Car maintenance is important for longevity, especially when you live in a place with rough winters. The article “WINTER-PROOF YOUR CAR”, by Good Housekeeping, outlines how to keep your car up and running. One of the worst things that can happen is losing control due to icy roads. That’s why this article recommends a minimum of 5/32” depth in the grooves of tire treads, and to replace worn-out tires. This will prevent hydroplaning and skids. Having the correct antifreeze mix is essential to keep your engine running. You can buy pre-made products, but to make your own, the recommended mixture is equal parts water and antifreeze. Read the rest of this article on eLibrary Minnesota for more ways to prevent or prepare for any vehicle mishaps this winter.
We got accustomed to some comfy weather over the the holidays this year, but the recent cold snap served as a cruel reminder of the way it’s supposed to be (minus the snow). With the right tips and information from eLibrary Minnesota, you can make it through one more year, no matter what the weather brings.
