In an ideal world, freezing temperatures and snow would mean that the world could just stay curled up in the house where it's warm. However, in reality life goes on, even when the weather outside is far beyond frightful. As a driver, this means that you will have to deal with all kinds of cold weather issues when it comes to getting your car ready to get you where you need to go in the morning. Blame it on lack of sleep, frozen fingers, or what you will, but there are several mistakes drivers make when they run out in the brisk morning air. Here are a few of the most common.

Using Warm Water for De-icing

It sounds like a logical solution. When you are running behind with a frozen windshield, a good glass of warm water seems like a harmless idea. However, pouring water that is dramatically higher in temperature than a frozen car windshield could be one of the biggest mistakes you can make. The water can cause a drastic temperature change that causes the windshield to crack. This is especially true if your windshield already has a few divots and dings where the water can seep in and force expansion. Skip the water, even lukewarm, and reach for the old-fashioned ice scraper instead – otherwise, you'll end up needing windshield replacement.

Not Turning Off All Switches Before Turning the Ignition

The last time you drove your car, you may have been in such a hurry to get back in the house that you left everything turned on in your car. Before you start your car when it is dreadful and cold, make sure you take a second to turn off the heaters. radio, interior lights, and anything else you may have on in your car that will pull battery power. It takes a lot more effort for the battery to start your car in cold weather, and the battery power can already be weakened by the cold. Therefore, not being conservative at startup can lead to an-all-too-familiar whirrererer...er..er, and then the click of a dead battery.

Being a driver when the weather is cold calls for a different set of guidelines to keep your car running as it should. Make sure you do not skip these simple rules the next time you have to drag your way through the cold to get to your frozen car in the winter.