Tips for parking your car in a city during winter

By Staff Contributor

The winter season in many parts of the world can be a challenge. This is especially true when driving around town, finding a place to park, or getting your car unstuck from snow or ice. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to make sure you get where you need to go safely, quickly, and without hassle during the coldest months of the year. Follow these tips for parking your car in a city during winter without any trouble!

PREPARE YOUR WINDSHIELD Clean your windshield and windows to prevent ice from forming on them. Ice sheets on your windshield can obstruct your view and slow you down, increasing your chances of an accident or being pulled over by law enforcement.

AVOID FLOODED AREAS Ensure you avoid flooded areas when looking for a place to park your car. Most of us know that water can damage our engine components, but did you know that cars are susceptible to saltwater corrosion as well? Salt water can cause rusting underneath a car, which is tough to spot at first. If you see standing water, keep driving.

WATCH OUT FOR DIBS In cities, the locals engage in a tradition known as dibs after a major snowstorm (and sometimes after minor ones). Dibs refers to declaring a spot to be yours. After a blizzard, it can take some time for the plows to come and clear the streets. Residents clear a spot and, when they drive away, mark it with folding chairs and other objects. While not strictly legal, cities tend to ignore this for the first day after the storm. In any event, respect dibs. Don’t remove a thing marking a shoveled-out spot and park. The person who marked it will not be happy. It’s always best to look for a parking garage before picking street parking. That way, you can avoid the hassle. Many cities even have automated parking garages to improve urban living, so keep an eye out for those!

CONCLUSION These are some of the best tips for parking your car in a city during winter. Some cities may not have snowfall, so try to adapt them accordingly to your situation. Hopefully, these tips will help you park your car safely during winter.