How to Protect Your Car From Snow Without a Garage
A garage is a space that has a lot of value– it can be used as a workshop or a storage space, and can also keep your car safe and protected from the elements. However, not all houses come with a garage. So, what to do if you don’t have a garage? If you live in an area that gets lots of snow, your primary concern is probably how you can keep your car protected. Luckily, there are several different things that you can do to protect your car from the snow. Take a look below for more details.
Use a Carport
This may seem like cheating, because we are talking about street parking, or not having a covering at all, but if you don’t have a garage and you can afford one, or don’t have the space to build one a carport could be the answer. Carports are great options, especially in a temporary fashion if you have some kind of driveway or off-street parking.
- Inflatable Carports – These little gems are super portable, and can often be used without much effort. We have a whole article where we recommend the best inflatable carports on the market.
- Stationery / Tent Like Carports – These are more permanent and sturdy. When you are customizing your living situation around your vehicles this could likely be the best option.
Stand Up Your Wiper Blades
This particular tip is one that most of us know well. It is important to stand up your wiper blades if you are parked outside and know that snow is coming. This will prevent them from being trapped under the snow, and will also prevent them from getting frozen to your windshield– which can often damage the blades themselves, causing them to have to be replaced. Make a habit of it in the winter so that you are not caught unawares after a snowfall.
Use a Windshield Cover
A windshield cover can be a helpful tool in the winter, especially if you get a lot of snow and will have to scrape off your car often. These are put on your windshield so they do not get covered in ice– meaning that you do not have to scrape off your windshield in the morning after it has snowed. Instead of purchasing a windshield cover, you could go a more inexpensive route and just use an old towel, too. Like standing up your wiper blades, make a habit of placing your windshield cover on your car so that you are prepared in the case of an unexpected storm!
Wax Your Car Before Snow Comes
Now, this tip may be one that you are not quite as familiar with. Unlike standing up your wiper blades, it is not as commonly taught. Washing your car and then applying a coat of wax can help to protect your vehicle’s appearance from snow, ice, and salt during the winter. All of these can damage and devalue your car. Look at the brand of wax that you usually use to see how long it lasts– the best winter car waxes are able to protect your car for up to three months.
Check Your Fluids
Fluids can freeze, so be sure that the fluids in your car are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels before winter comes. If your levels are too low, the liquids will likely freeze– which is especially dangerous when you are driving on the road and you need them to work! You will also want to be sure that your coolant is a weather-resistant option to keep your car driving safely and in tip-top shape. Besides the safety concerns, frozen liquids, such as coolants or washer fluid, can damage your car and require expensive repairs.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Just like the fluids in your car, the gas in your gas tank can freeze, too! If your vehicle is being parked or stored outside, that makes it even more important to keep your gas tank full, or at least at a reasonably high level so that freezing is not a concern. This is because frozen gas will of course make it so that you are not able to drive your car, but it can be damaging to the vehicle as well. The suggested rule of thumb is to keep your gas tank at half a tank full or more during the cold winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I store my car in the winter without a garage?
A garage can be great because it protects your car from the elements– especially in the winter when it begins to snow! If you don’t have a garage, you can still protect your car by using windshield covers or a car cover. You can also wax your car before the snow to keep it protected.
How do you protect your car if you don’t have a garage?
If you do not have a garage, one of the other ways to protect your car is to invest in a car cover, or a car shelter– while not as strong and sturdy as a garage, these can both still add an extra layer of protection. You should also be sure to check the door and window seals of your car to make sure that no snow, drafts, or pests are able to enter. Try to park out of the way of snow trucks, too.
How do I protect my car from snow in the driveway?
There are plenty of precautions you can take to protect your car from the snow, even if you are parked in the driveway over the winter. For instance, get a wax before the snow comes, and try to avoid getting the ice melt or salt on the car. Once the snow has fallen and you are trying to dig your car out, do not use buckets of water to try and melt the snow. Also, only use your scraper on the windows or windshields, so that you do not end up scratching the paint off your vehicle.
How can I preserve my car for the winter?
The most important thing to do when trying to preserve your car for the winter is to take care of your car! One of the top tips is to get a wax before the snow comes. Also, be sure that you are aware of all of the fluid levels in your car. If necessary, top them up so that they do not freeze when temperatures drop– this applies to the gas in your tank, too! Check the seals on your door and windows as well to make sure that no snow can get in and ruin the upholstery, for instance.
