In many parts of the US, winter is a beautiful season filled with cozy nights by the fire, hot cocoa, and stunning snowy landscapes. But as magical as it may be, winter also brings along some challenges, especially when it comes to parking your car outside in winter and keeping your driveway ice-free. Icy driveways are inconvenient and sometimes dangerous to traverse. However, there are several preventative measures you can take to keep your driveway safe and accessible during the winter months. Read on for more tips on how to winterize your driveway.
Prep for Winter Driveway Maintenance
To ensure your driveway is prepared to brave the winter, there are several essential items you should have at your disposal.
- Shovels
- Sand, Gravel, or Salt
- De-icer
- Snow Blower
- Ice Scraper
- Heated Mats
- Insulation Covers
How to Winterize Your Driveway in 5 Steps
To safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property from the hazards of icy conditions during winter, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to winterize your driveway. Here are some key winter driveway maintenance strategies:
- Shovel Regularly: Make it a habit to remove snow from your driveway as soon as it falls. This prevents the snow from compacting and turning into a solid layer of ice.
- Apply a De-icer: Use a high-quality, eco-friendly, and pet-friendly de-icer, which can help melt any ice that forms, creating a safer surface for walking and driving.
- Spread Sand or Gravel: These materials can provide additional traction on icy surfaces, helping to prevent slips and falls. While they won’t melt the ice, they are a cheap and easily accessible option.
- Consider Heated Mats or Systems: For those residing in extremely cold climates, a heated driveway mat or system can be a worthwhile long-term investment. These devices help to maintain an ice-free driveway throughout the winter season.
- Seal Your Driveway: Before the onset of winter, seal your driveway to prevent moisture from seeping into the cracks and freezing, which can cause further cracking and damage.
By being proactive with these steps, you can easily reduce the potential of a frozen driveway, helping provide a safer entry to your home throughout the frosty season.
Tips For Parking Your Car Outside in Winter
Winter driving and parking can be challenging due to slippery conditions. Here are a few tips to help you safely park on your driveway during the chilly season:
- Drive Slowly: Always approach your driveway at a slow, controlled speed to prevent skidding or sliding on ice.
- Use Parking Brake: Engage your parking brake to prevent the car from slipping or sliding.
- Park Strategically: If possible, park your car in a spot that receives direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can help melt the ice on and around your vehicle, making it easier to drive off when needed.
- Clear a Path: Before parking, ensure you have a clear, ice-free path to your vehicle’s doors. This will prevent slips and falls when entering or exiting your vehicle.
- Keep a Safe Distance: When parking in your driveway, maintain a safe distance from other cars, fences, or walls to prevent accidental damage due to sliding or skidding.
Storing Your Car vs Parking in a Driveway During Winter
If you live in a region that experiences hard winters and you have multiple vehicles, you’ve probably questioned whether it’s better to store a vehicle in indoor storage or to park it outdoors on your driveway continuously. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks:
Storing Your Car or Vehicle
If you’re looking to protect your car from the damaging effects of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, place it in vehicle storage. It minimizes the chance of the car’s bodywork suffering from rust or paint damage caused by constant exposure to winter weather. Additionally, an indoor environment keeps the engine and battery warmer, reducing the strain on the vehicle during cold starts.
How to Park in Your Driveway During Winter
Parking in your driveway is convenient and requires less planning. However, it exposes your vehicle to the winter elements, which may lead to increased wear and tear. The cold can affect the vehicle’s battery life, tire pressure, and fluid levels. However, daily use of the vehicle keeps the engine and other components in motion, which can be beneficial for the overall functionality of the car.
Ultimately, the choice between storing your car or parking in your driveway during winter depends on your circumstances, including the severity of the winter in your area, the availability of storage area, and how frequently you use your car. If you’re wondering how to prepare your car for long-term storage, it’s always advisable to implement recommended strategies for winter car care, such as regular servicing, using winter tires, and ensuring your vehicle’s fluids are winter grade, to ensure your vehicle’s longevity and safety.
Store Your Car With CubeSmart
Whether it’s the dimensions of your driveway or the specific climatic conditions of your location, you might need local vehicle storage solutions. CubeSmart consistently offers reliable vehicle storage solutions tailored to your needs. Our extensive array of options ranges from covered parking spaces to specialized RV storage facilities. Enjoy the convenience of CubeSmart’s vehicle storage and simplify your winter vehicle care routine.
