Winter brings traumatic memories to many people, especially for car owners. During this season, some cars refuse to start, while others could struggle getting traction on roads full of snow.
On top of that, parking in winter can be complicated, too. If it is done carelessly, your car could end up stuck in deep snow in just a couple of minutes. That’s why you need to be careful and know the winter parking regulations and snow emergency routes in your city during this time of the year.
Don’t get caught out by surprise. Enjoy safe parking around the city during the winter season by checking out this detailed guide:
Ways to find a city parking
Rain and sunlight may not harm your vehicles, but snowfall can. So, be cautious with the choices you make.
If you decide to leave your car in an outdoor parking spot during winter, you will definitely have instant regret. Take note that rust and other tissues can form on your car’s delicate interior when the snow that gets deposited in it melts.
Instead of going to outdoor parking spots, try to park in covered garages to protect your car from damages caused by the weather. However, you need to book a covered parking in advance because they are fewer in numbers compared to outdoor parking spaces.
Winter Parking Regulations
Various winter parking regulations will be enforced across the United States starting from December 1st to late February, and they vary from one state to another. There will be metered parking lots, fines for parking regulations, time limits, and a number of snow emergency routes.
Parking rules like parking on odd-numbered days, winter parking bans, and alternate side parking will also be implemented. The parking authority will charge violators with expensive fines, which can range from $50 to $500, depending on the rules they didn’t follow.
Safety Tips for Winter Parking
To make sure that your vehicle is protected during the winter season, it is important to follow some simple guidelines before heading out:
- Warm up your car first before driving. This will help ensure that its engine is at the ideal temperature for driving.
- If your windshield wipers are frozen, don’t pull them up. These wipers could stick together with the windshield itself, so be careful. Wait for the snow to melt before pulling them up to make sure that nothing damaging happens.
- Remove all the snow residue using a snow brush. Start from the top of your car to its bottom - make sure that the snow is brushed off completely before driving.
- You may think that pouring hot water is a great idea to melt the snow on frozen windshields. Actually, it’s not. The windshield could have been cold because of all the ice residue, so when you add hot water on its surface, the glass will definitely break quickly.
- During the winter season, avoid parking on the streets or outdoor parking spaces. Always park on covered garages around the area as they serve as an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. If you don’t know where to find a covered parking lot, try searching online - you will find plenty of affordable options near your area.
