Since the groundhog projected 6 more weeks of winter and Chicago is covered in a blanket of snow, we think you may find handy some tricks for managing your car and digging out your car after a winter snowstorm.

Dress for Warmth
Dusting the snow off your car can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes or more depending on the amount of snow and if you need to do some shoveling. Dress yourself for warmth and protect yourself from harsh winter weather. Your hands will thank you for wearing water-resistant gloves.

Tools of the Trade
There’s a right way to do things, and a wrong way. Taking a shovel to the hood or roof of your car can ultimately cause more harm than good. We recommend a soft bristled broom for brushing snow off the roof, hood, and trunk of your car. An old towel can also assist in gently wiping away snow from the windows and sides of your car. A scraper will be your go-to-tool for clearing your car’s windows and windshield. Last but not least, use a shovel to create a walking path around your car and to dig out your tires.

Things to Avoid
Never pour hot water on your windows or windshield. While you may melt the snow away, you may also end up with cracked glass. If you want to warm up your car before driving, be sure to let the engine run for a few minutes and then start the heater or defroster. Never blast the heat right away because you could cause your windshield to crack and also cause your thermostat to get stuck open.

Be Prepared
Keeping a few tools in your trunk this winter can save you time and give you peace of mind during unpredictable forecasts. Why not keep a small shovel stored away in case you need to shovel your way out. You may also want to keep a bottle of wiper fluid on reserve and a bag of salt. Don’t forget extra gloves and a backup scraper as they tend to break from time to time.