13 Winter Driving Hacks to Put Some Fun Back into Cold-Weather Driving

There is very little to smile about when it comes to driving in the winter in the windy city. Did you know that one of the oldest names for Chicago is Mud City? Doesn’t it feel as if that name should still apply? That or Slush Heaven, it’s a toss-up.

When the cold weather has you down and out, try a few of winter driving hacks to help keep a smile on your face. After all, what have you got to lose until about April?

Winter Driving Hacks

1. Use Socks Wisely

If you can’t pay for a covered parking garage for your car, rather than use those old socks as a coffee cup cozy, why not put them over the windshield wipers? This will at least prevent them from sticking to the windshield. Extra points if you have socks with Rudolph, Santa or dirty words on them.

2. Old Sock Trick #2

You can prevent foggy windows by filling an old sock with cat litter. CLEAN cat litter, of course. Unless you are using this trick on your ex.

3. Hot Water

Never use hot or even warm water to defrost the ice on your windshield. This will cause huge cracks that you will regret.

4. Freezer Bags—Who Knew?

Prevent the outside mirrors from freezing up by putting gallon-sized freezer bags over them. There are so many hacks for freezer bags, you gotta wonder if anyone actually puts food in them.

5. Back to Kitty Litter

Put one or two 20-pound bags of cat litter (use the perfumed kind) in the trunk to help keep the tires a bit more secure on the ground. You can also dump some under the tires if you need some extra traction.

6. Put That Ugly Rug to Use

No, not your Ex’s toupee. That ugly rug you got as a holiday gift. If you put it over the windshield, it will prevent ice and snow from sticking to the glass.

7. Pinch that Penny

No one wants to spend money on tires if they don’t have to. When you’re feeling a little cabin fever coming on, take a penny and head out the car. Put good old Lincoln’s head into the tread. If you can see all of Mr. Lincoln’s head, you’re beyond due for new tires. If the tread barely covers his head, you’re due now for tires. In fact, many of us now believe you should do this same test with a quarter, instead of a penny. Tires with more tread stop sooner, keeping you safer on the road.

8. Superb Shaving Cream

If you are collecting a stash of items before your mother visits your apartment, put that can of random shaving cream to good use. It doesn’t take much. Put a little quarter sized spot of shaving cream on the inside of the windows with one rag and wipe it off with another. You can kiss those foggy windows goodbye!

9. WD-40 It

We bet you have a can of WD-40 somewhere in your house or apartment. If not, borrow some from a neighbor. Squirt a little bit inside each lock, then squirt some on a rag and wipe down the rubber strips inside the doors. This will prevent them from freezing shut.

10. Check Out the Compass on Your Phone

Whenever possible, park your car facing east (toward Lake Michigan). It’s where the sun rises. (You know, the sun that feels like it went south to Mexico for the winter?) On mornings when there is sun, the warm rays in the morning can help to defrost your frozen car.

11. Headlight Hack

Hit up your local Dollar Store and buy some toothpaste that does NOT have gel. You want that old-fashioned white toothpaste. Rub this onto the headlight lens and rinse with a little bit of warm water. Now apply a thin layer of wax and rub it off. You will be shocked at how much clearer your headlights are. This trick really works, so don’t tell anyone. If they ask how you keep your headlights clear and free from ice, tell them you lick them regularly.

12. Make an Emergency Kit

Everyone in Chicago knows that you can get stuck in the snow for hours for a variety of reasons. That is why you should always keep an emergency kit on hand. This should include:

• Water
• First Aid Kit
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf
• Blanket
• Snacks
• Candle and matches
• Flashlight (check the batteries every September)
• Extra phone battery
• Phone charger that works in your car
• A deck or two of playing cards (don’t play strip poker)
• Donuts (Remember to change them regularly to keep them fresh. You will be the first car the police help out of the snow if you have these in your trunk.)

13. Just for Laughs

What is life if you can’t have a little fun? Tell someone you really don’t like who is not very bright that you just changed that old summer air in the tires with fresh winter air and you are amazed at how much better your car drives. Then you can LOL when you see them letting the air out of the tires on their car.

Just kidding. We would never suggest you actually do that. Tell them the “R” on their stick shift means Race mode. Can’t hurt but might be a good laugh.

We hope these driving hacks help you make it through winter. Remember that the whole Hong Kong Auto Service team is here to help survive the winter. Call us at 847-251-0300 or schedule an appointment online today to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter.