Get an insurance quote for auto, house, condo or tenant. Get started

6 Common Winter Car Problems – solved!

The outdoor thermometer reads -10°C, and it’s still dark as you struggle to open the frozen car door.

You grab the scraper and work on the snow and ice clogging the windshield. With a sigh of relief, you get in the car, only to hear a quiet “click” when you turn the key in the ignition. It’s going to be a long day.

Here is a handy driver’s guide for solving common winter car problems. Sometimes, getting where you need to go takes some advanced planning, a few household products, and a little ingenuity!

1. Dead battery

Most car batteries last 4-5 years. Have your local mechanic perform a load test on your battery before the temperature drops. While driving, you can reduce the drain on your battery by lowering the heater fan speed and turning off the window defrosters when not needed. Put jumper cables in your vehicle – and ensure you know how to use them safely. And it never hurts to have a roadside assistance membership.

2. Icy windshield

To prevent frost from forming on your windshield, try this. Blanket the windshield with cardboard, old bathmats, or even a plastic tablecloth. In the morning, you just pull it off and shake off the snow.

3. Frozen windows and door locks

  • Unlock another door first.
  • Wearing gloves, heat your car key using a lighter and gently press it into the lock.
  • Use a hairdryer or a drinking straw to blow hot air directly on the lock for a couple of minutes.
  • Silicone spray, WD40, or cooking spray can be used proactively on windows and locks to prevent freezing.
  • Keep a can of lock de-icer handy.

 

4. Frosty inside windows

Prevent frost inside your windows by removing any wet floor mats and allowing them to dry inside overnight. Consider leaving the silicon packets that come in shoeboxes in the car to absorb moisture. You can also purchase anti-fog spray at your local hardware store.

5. Windshield wiper problems

Slide a pair of old socks over your windshield wipers in the evening to keep them from icing over. You can also unfreeze wipers by soaking a soft cloth in full-strength rubbing alcohol and then wiping each blade. Or simply lift them up overnight.

6. Cold engine

Let your engine idle for 30 seconds before heading out. Anything more wastes fuel increases engine wear and reduces the life of engine oil. Consider a block heater or an electric engine heater that you plug in at night to keep your coolant and oil warm. This will reduce fuel consumption and allow the cabin to heat up faster.

Before you go

Stock up your car with a snow brush, lightweight shovel, booster cables, gloves, windshield wiper fluid, and a flashlight. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including water bottles and non-perishable food items. Keep your gas tank at least half full. It can help reduce moisture and freezing in the fuel system; plus, it allows you to run your car for warmth if you get stuck.

 


 

To find out more, call 1-888-476-8737.

Or visit thepersonal.com/ospe

This article is being provided by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers on behalf of The Personal which has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members.
The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.
The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting with experts with respect to the proper use, installation, and storage of any products referred to herein.
Tagged categories

Leave a Comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

You may also like

OSPE’s Feedback on the Proposed Amendments to the Accessible Canada Regulations
Launching New Initiatives to Support Internationally Graduated Engineers
OSPE’s 2025 Budget Recommendations to the Ontario Minister of Finance

As of March 31, 2025 you will no longer be able to purchase an OSPE membership through Professional Engineers Ontario (for new memberships and renewals).

If you have a current membership and intend to renew, we encourage you to use our auto-renewal service to ensure continuity. You will also receive a 10% discount for doing so. 

Click to access your account.