DIY Winterproofing Supplies

If you are looking to winterproof your vehicle, but don’t want to spend money on numerous de-freezing and de-fogging supplies, take a look in your home. Various everyday items can help you achieve a safer drive and lower your annoyance levels at those pesky winter conditions.

Here is a list of some items that may save you some trouble:

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Hand Sanitizer

First of all, you need to get into your vehicle. However, that isn’t as easy as it seems when the lock is frozen over. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in it. Spread some sanitizer on the lock and the key and watch the alcohol work its magic. The alcohol will melt the ice away, allowing the key to fit into the lock.

Cooking Spray

Another issue with getting into your vehicle can be that the car’s doors freeze shut overnight. To prevent this, spray the doors’ rubber seals with cooking spray and rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray creates a shield around the rubber and it keeps water from melting into the rubber during the drive and freezing overnight.

Vinegar

Frozen windshields are also an ice related issue. Windows tend to freeze over with morning frost in colder temperatures, which can be a nuisance to get rid of in the early morning. An easy way to prevent this is to use vinegar. Put 1/3 water and 2/3 vinegar into a spray bottle to solve your problem. You can spray the windows at night to prevent frost from forming on the windows, or in the morning to watch the ice melt away. Vinegar is made up of acetic acid that heightens the ice’s melting point, which will keep your windows clean.

Rubbing Alcohol

You need clear visibility during the drive, which can be harder when the windshield wipers leave watery streaks across the windshield. Not to mention the squeaking noise they emit when you use them. To prevent this use rubbing alcohol. Wipe the wipers with a cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol or ammonia to ensure the proper functionality of your wipers.

Shaving Cream

Some cars have a tendency to fog up overnight. This causes the window’s inner side to distort your vision. Wiping the fog stains away can leave streaks on the window. An easier solution is to fog-proof the windows with shaving cream. Spray shaving cream on the inside of the windshield and windows and rub it in with a paper towel. The shaving cream will create a protective layer on the windshield as it has similar ingredients as de-foggers you can buy at the store.

Car Wax

Harsh winter conditions can dampen the light of your headlight, ruining the visibility during the vehicle’s performance. An easier solution to keep your headlights clean is to use car wax. Car wax consists of water repelling ingredients that will prevent water, snow and slush from sticking to your headlights. This will offer a safer performance for weeks on end.

These few simple DIY winterproofing items will ensure you have a safer and easier winter journey.