We have had some record cold temperatures here in Ohio, which reminded me that it's time to make some of my DIY Ice Preventative Spray for my car.
We got up early this morning, while the temps were still in the single digits, to head to the airport to pick up our grandson. Of course, my husband scraped snow and ice from the windshield. We started our car and let it warm up for a good 20 minutes (we don't have a garage) before we attempted to head out.
My husband does a great job of making sure all our automobiles (and our children's) are equipped with winter gear. Unfortunately, he's not with me 24x7 and sometimes I have to battle the havoc the winter weather plays on my car all by myself.
DIY Ice Preventative Spray
One of my favorite defenses against ice on my car's windshield is to prevent the ice in the first place. I simply spray the ice preventative on my windshield and mirrors when I arrive home from work in the evening. Then the net morning, I simply need to let my car warm up for a few minutes before heading out to work. It makes battling the winter weather so much easier!
To make the DIY Ice Preventative Spray, mix 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle. Then you spray this mixture on your car's windshield and side view mirrors before going to bed at night.
DIY Washer Fluid
Speaking of ice prevention, have you ever had your washer fluid lines freeze up? You can help prevent your washer fluid lines from freezing up by adding isopropyl alcohol to your washer fluid reservoir. You'll want to use a 50/50 mixture of alcohol to washer fluid.
DIY Windshield De-Icer
I previously shared my DIY Windshield De-Icer recipe here on The Birch Cottage blog. You simply fill a spray bottle ⅓ of the way with water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with 70% (or higher) isopropyl alcohol. Shake the bottle to mix. Spray liberally on your windshield. Within seconds, the ice will start to melt away. It helps to turn your windshield wipers on so they can cycle back and forth a couple of times, too.
More Weather Tips for Your Car
There are some great tips that I found over on LifeHacker on how to keep your car from freezing you out this winter. So, if you'd like even more cold weather tips for your car, be sure to read this post.
I little bit of preventative care really goes a long way in these cold winter days. You can keep a bottle of the DIY ice preventative spray in your car so that you always have it handy. Then you can simply use it when you get out of your car, no matter where you are!
I haven't tried to use the preventative spray on anything other than my car's windshield. You'll also want to use caution not to get the spray on your automobile's paint. If you give this DIY Ice Preventative Spray a try, I'd love to hear how it works for you. Of course, if you have other tips on cold weather car care, I'd love to hear those as well!
Til next time...
