7 Solutions for Winter Car Problems
One of the biggest drawbacks of winter is without a doubt the sticky situations it puts you and your car in. Get out of trouble with 7 solutions for car problems this winter.
1. Gain Traction with Bleach:
If your car is stuck on a patch of ice and can't seem to get enough traction, pour a small amount of undiluted, chlorine-based bleach on the tires.
- The bleach will react chemically to soften the ice and rubber, which will improve traction. Wait a minute for the chemical reaction to take place, then try to start.
- You can also gain traction by placing sand, salt, or kitty litter on the snow in front of the tires.
Since bleach accelerates tire rubber wear, you should only use it in an emergency.
2. Shovel Snow with a Hubcap:
If your car is stuck in snow, ice, or mud and you don't have a shovel handy, remove a hubcap and use it to dig up your car.
3. Thaw the Locks with a Straw:
If your car's door lock freezes and you can't insert the key, don't stay locked out.
- Try to apply your hot breath in the keyhole with a straw.
- The ice should melt quickly and you can easily unlock the door.
4. Burn the Frozen Locks:
If your car door lock is frozen, hold the key in your hand (preferably gloved) and heat it with a match or lighter.
- Place the key in the lock and turn gently without forcing.
- After a few seconds, the hot metal key will melt the ice and you can open the door.
5. Start your Car with a Hairdryer:
If you wake up on a freezing morning and your car won't start, plug a hairdryer into a large extension cord and directly heat the carburetor.
- You can then start without a problem.
6. Get Rid of the De-icing Salt:
You know slush is stuffed with the salt your city used to clean the roads, but did you know that salt can rust your car's frame? Don't worry: cleaning is easier than you think.
All you need is an old garden hose and an ice pick to give your car chassis a good shower and get rid of the salt:
- Drill holes in a part of the pipe equal to the width of the car body.
- On the day the temperature rises above freezing, place the hose under the car, turn on the water, and let the underside of the car spray for about 10 minutes.
- Move the hose and repeat the process until the entire frame has had a good shower.
7. A Yogurt Scraper:
Scrape ice from the windshield and windows using an empty yogurt pot.
- When you scratch with the rim, the pot picks up the ice.
- As you scratch, empty the ice on the floor with a small flick of the wrist.
Don't get stuck this winter. These simple solutions will get you out of the cold and get you back on the road in no time.
