HOUSTON — It’s not often that the Houston area gets freezing cold weather and snow flurries. So, when it happens it’s no wonder questions like, “Can I pour water on my frozen windshield” get searched much more often.
So, we’ve got some tips from AAA to help you when facing freezing temperatures and frosty windshields:
Clear away ice and snow from windows, lights, the roof, and your hood – anything that could obstruct your vision or that of another driver
- Wipe grime from headlights, brake lights, and your backup camera
- Don’t use hot water to melt ice on your windshield – the thermal shock could crack it
- Don’t tap your glass to dislodge ice
- Replace skipping or streaking wiper blades
- Use a washer fluid with deicing properties
“It can be really tempting to clear away just enough to see the road ahead, but please remember that your windshield and windows exist for a reason – to provide the most comprehensive view possible for safe driving,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Visibility is critical to the safety of all road users, especially because icy roads, fog, and increased dark hours may require even more reaction time than you might otherwise need to prevent a crash.”
A couple of other car tips to remember, according to the Department of Transportation, in cold temperatures, it can take more battery power to start gasoline and diesel engines. When it comes to electric and hybrid vehicles, the driving range may be reduced. If you have concerns about your battery, then you may want to have a mechanic check it before cold weather hits.
Another issue could be your tires. As it gets colder outside you can lose pressure causing your warning light to go off. Experts recommend checking your tire pressure before you start driving.
You can find the recommended inflation pressure on a label on the driver’s side door frame. Don’t go by the number on the tire itself. That’s the maximum pressure the tire can hold.