13 Cold Weather Car Hacks That Really Work

Winter mornings can really test your patience, can’t they? You’re rushing to start your day but instead, you’re stuck dealing with a car that’s as frozen as an ice cube.

Trust me, I’ve been there—scraping ice off the windshield in the bitter cold, dealing with fogged-up windows, and tires that just won’t grip. But over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks that have turned those freezing mornings around.

Ready to make your winter a little less annoying? Here’s 13 of my best cold-weather car hacks.

DIY Windshield De-Icer Solution

Skip the morning scramble with a frozen windshield by making your own de-icer. Mix one part water with two parts isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle.

When you face an icy windshield, just give it a good spray, and you’ll see the ice start to melt away almost instantly. This mixture not only clears ice fast but can also be applied the night before to prevent ice from forming overnight.

Check Tire Safety with a Penny

Keep an eye on your tire tread depth to make sure you’re safe on those slippery winter roads. All you need is a penny.

Just place it into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If his entire head is visible, your tread is less than 1/16 of an inch and it’s time to consider getting new tires. This quick check can literally be a lifesaver.

Clear Foggy Windows with Shaving Cream

Tired of dealing with foggy windows every time you hop into your cold car? Try this clever hack: shaving cream. Spread a thin layer on the inside of your windows and then wipe it clean.

Shaving cream contains ingredients that prevent condensation, effectively keeping your windows clear. This trick not only improves visibility but also makes those frosty mornings a little less stressful.

Shield Your Car with a Cover

As winter approaches, you might think about protecting your vehicle with a car cover. It’s one of the best defenses against the harsh weather.

Not only does a car cover insulate your car, protecting its sensitive electrical components, but it also prevents snow and ice from accumulating on the surface. This means less time spent scraping off your car in the cold and more time enjoying a warm cup of coffee before you head out.

Hand Sanitizer for Quick De-Icing

Got frozen locks? Reach for the hand sanitizer. The alcohol content in the sanitizer is excellent at melting ice because it lowers the water’s freezing point. Just dab a little on the lock, give it a moment to work its magic, and then try your key.

Slip Socks Over Shoes for Extra Traction

Always pack an extra pair of socks in your glove box, not just for keeping your feet warm, but for an unexpected use too. If you ever find yourself needing to step out and push your car on icy roads, pull those socks over your shoes first. This can give you the extra traction you need to prevent slipping on the ice or snow.

Use a Straw to Thaw Frozen Locks

Frozen car locks can be a real hassle (and pretty annoying) on cold mornings. But here’s a trick you might not have thought of: grab a drinking straw. Hold it up to the lock and blow through it. The warm air from your breath will direct heat straight into the lock, thawing the ice quickly.

This little makeshift heat gun is surprisingly effective and gets you into your car without having to wait for the lock to unfreeze on its own.

Prevent Frost on Side Mirrors with Plastic Bags

Keep a few plastic bags in your glove compartment for a quick fix to avoid frost on your side mirrors. When you park outside in freezing weather, especially during snowy or rainy days, slip a plastic bag over each mirror. This simple barrier keeps the frost off, so you won’t have to waste time scraping your mirrors in the cold.

Use Air Conditioning to Defog Windows

Turning on the air conditioning in the middle of winter might sound, um… dumb, but it’s actually a smart move. Your car’s AC system is great at pulling humidity out of the air, which is exactly what you need when your windows start to fog.

Less moisture inside means fewer issues with ice forming inside your car and on your windows. Plus, it helps keep the cabin environment less damp, which can actually help it to feel warmer as you drive.

Use Kitty Litter for Better Traction

Caught in a snowy spot and your tires just keep spinning? Use kitty litter! Yup, that’s right. If your car is struggling for grip on a snowy or icy surface, sprinkle some kitty litter in front of the drive tires—whether they’re in the front or back.

This gritty material can provide the traction needed to get you moving. It’s a good idea to keep a bag in your trunk through winter.

Protect Wipers with Old Socks

Ever return to your car only to find the wipers frozen solid to the windshield? There’s a simple solution: old socks. Slip them over each wiper blade when you park outside in freezing weather.

This protects the wipers from sticking and freezing, saving you the hassle of prying them off and potentially damaging them. You can also lift the blades up as an added measure.

Use Cooking Spray to Prevent Ice Buildup

You know the drill—waking up to a frost-covered windshield and spending precious morning minutes scraping away. Here’s a tip to make those winter mornings a little easier. Before heading to bed, grab your cooking spray and give your windshield and wipers a quick spray.

It creates a thin layer that ice can’t cling to, which means you can say goodbye to excessive scraping and hello to a smoother start to your day. Just remember to wipe off any extra oil to avoid a smeary view.

Park Facing the Sunrise to Melt Windshield Ice

Ditch the morning ice scrape by parking your car facing east during winter months. It’s not just about getting the best view of the sunrise—it’s strategic. As the sun peeks over the horizon, its rays will naturally warm your windshield, working to melt the ice and frost.