Winter parking questions (chapel, neighborhood, school)

[DoodlemomCoS]

A few more newbie questions regarding parking outside in winter conditions.
When we get up there we will probably need to park the vehicle outside because the garage is full of boxes. I see people sometimes have their wipers up. When do I need to do this and why? Any other things I should know about parking on snow?
Thanks. I just don't want to get stuck.

Please merge if there is an appropriate thread. I couldn't locate one.

[Christina S]

Placing wiper in the up position prevents ice from accumulating on them. Nothing really special to do when parking in the snow. Make sure your parking break is engaged and if parked on a slope turn your wheels towards the curb. Some people place a shield on the outside windshield to make it easier to remove snow and prevent ice on the windshield.

[shanen]

Simplest advice with any driving on snow/ice: don't let your tires slip.

It's comical seeing people nail the gas pedal from a stop thinking they'll get moving faster that way. Use a light touch and gradually accelerate (or decelerate when braking). That applies to slowing down, backing up, and everything else.

[Vision67]

If I were you I'd process the boxes in the garage asap to make room for your car. Scraping ice from the windshield and getting into a freezing car is no fun at all.

Although I live in a neighborhood that has mostly 3 car garages, I'm astounded that so many people park their cars in the driveway.

Only in America do people park their $30K cars outside because their garage is full of worthless junk.

[StarrySkiesAbove]

Originally Posted by Vision67

Only in America do people park their $30K cars outside because their garage is full of worthless junk.

That is funny and you are right! We park our regular cars outside but they are under a carport that covers the drive that keeps the sun and weather off them. We only do this because we have two vintage cars, a convertible Mustang and a 72 Ranchero and they get to live in the garage. At some point we may move to some acreage and put up a big old shop and they can all be inside.

[otowi]

I wish I had a garage to put my car in. I bought a cover for the windshield called a Frost Guard that I put on whenever snow is in the forecast - that helps cut down on scraping quite a bit. If precipitation and freezing temps are in the forecast and you don't have such a cover, that is when it is a good time to raise your wipers so they don't get stuck in ice.

[otowi]

Doodle - how did it go Thursday?

[vnodak]

Originally Posted by Vision67

If I were you I'd process the boxes in the garage asap to make room for your car. Scraping ice from the windshield and getting into a freezing car is no fun at all.

Although I live in a neighborhood that has mostly 3 car garages, I'm astounded that so many people park their cars in the driveway.

Only in America do people park their $30K cars outside because their garage is full of worthless junk.

Boy if that isn't the truth. We moved here in April and people park their cars on the streets and drive way a lot. (Summer and Winter---not to mention hail---are really hard on cars and for the price you pay for them, you would think people would take better care of them.) I have seen 3 car garages stack with stuff all year round. First thing I did when I moved here was unpack and put away stuff. I even downsize some as certain things I did not need anymore or want and just donated the stuff. My side in the garage is clean and neat and that is where my car is when not in use. My husband however has the other two bays and it is packed with alot of junk he could get rid of---guess where his car is---go figure. My favorite is the people who park their cars on the street in the winter---you should see them after the snow plows go by.

[DoodlemomCoS]

Well I made it here with kids ok. Then it's snowed more and our streets are a mess. No way is hubby going to get the uhaul up here. I'm really glad we are making this move but actually moving after this storm is very very difficult. I have to go rescue my hubby and I'm hoping I can get the 4 runner out.

I know we have a lot up here in the north part but I was registering the kids for school in d20 yesterday and the roads down there (academy, jubilee, chapel hills road) were a mess too!!!

[otowi]

Yes, this storm hit fairly equally all over the city - that's a little unusual. I know my commute this morning was a bear - it was worse than any other day this week actually.... but this afternoon was quite a bit better.