If you aren't lucky enough to live in a place that stays warm all year it is crucial that you are educated on proper Winter car care. Proper car care during cold months can save you time, money, and even your life. Although getting your vehicle ready for Snow and ice will take time and money up front, it is absolutely worth it and will save you from more expensive costs in the long run. Here are the top 10 best car tips and tricks for winter that everyone who drives should know. Even if you live in a warm place you never know when snow can happen, just take a look at the Texas snow storm of 2021!

1. Always keep a full tank of fuel

We all know that gas is expensive and sometimes we may put off filling our tanks until they are practically empty. This is not a good idea in the wintertime. If you break down and run out of gas you will not be able to heat your car to keep warm. If you are trying to find ways to save on gas, check out the American Express Blue Cash Preferred credit card. This card gives you 3% cash back on gas!

2. Make sure you have enough of the right type of Windshield wiper fluid

Always ensure that you are using windshield wiper fluid designed for cold temperatures such as brands like Peak. Summer wiper fluid will freeze in and this can cause damage to the wiper pump or reservoir. It can also freeze and cause a sheet of ice to appear on your windshield and impair your view of the road.

3. Use silicon spray on your locks and along your door

Have you ever tried to open your car door on a cold and snowy day and realized that it is frozen shut? The good news is that this problem can easily be avoided using a $16 bottle of silicone spray. Silicon spray is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. If no water is able to get into your car, it can’t freeze. All you need to do is spray the inside of your lock, hood latch, the weather stripping on the inside of your door. Just be sure to put the silicone spray on a paper towel first when you do your door to avoid making a mess.

4. Cover your windshield and side view mirrors

Waking up to see that your windshield and side view mirrors are covered in ice can be infuriating. To avoid getting ice on your side view mirrors, simply cover them with a plastic ziplock bag. For your windshield, consider purchasing a windshield cover. If you don’t want to buy a windshield cover, you can also use garbage bags.

5. Cover your snow brush with a microfiber towel

Think twice before you start brushing the snow off our car! Most snow brushes have hard bristles that can damage your paint. To avoid this, attach a microfiber towel to your brush using binder clips. Just be sure to attach the clips to the back of your brush to ensure the clips do not damage the paint.

6. Use a leaf blow to remove snow

This trick works best with fresh snow but can still work even if the snow is heavy! Using a leaf blower can save you time and also help you avoid scratching your car’s paint.

7. Use a credit card to get ice off your windows if you don’t have a scrapper

If you were not expecting snow and do not have a scraper handy, consider using a credit card. A credit card can do a great job at removing ice from your windows.

8. Ensure that you don’t need a new battery

As temperatures drop, it takes more power to start your car. If you were already having battery problems before winter, it is best to have your battery replaced. Advance Auto Parts will even test your battery for free!

9. Check your tire pressure frequently

Changes in temperature can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. Because of this, it is best to frequently check your tire pressure during the winter months. The correct pressure for your tires can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your car owner’s manual.

10. Switch to winter tires

Although all season tires can be used in winter, they are not ideal for areas that consistently get temperatures below freezing. When the temperature consistently drops below freezing, the rubber compounds in all season tires can harden and decrease the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds that help prevent hardening in cold temperatures which provide better traction. It is also great to have a portable air compressor in case you cannot get to an air pump.