Winter in the United States can be a challenging time of year for snowbelt cities and states. As we enter the winter yet again, everyone in winter cities across the U.S. must adopt new techniques to navigate slippery streets and secure parking spaces in snowy and icy conditions. Here are ParqEx’s five tips for mastering snowy streets and parking spots:

Helpful Winter Tips from ParqEx:

• All Vehicles Need To Be Careful: Do you own a large SUV or pickup truck that you think is impervious to snow and ice? Well, you are not alone in that misconception. While these big cars with winter wheels may offer more stability, many rear-wheel-drive vehicles actually lack traction because most of their weight is on the front axles. If your vehicle has 4-wheel or all-wheel drive capabilities, you should use them to enhance your safety in winter conditions.
• Warm Clothes in Trunk: Were you raised by parents who stressed the importance of always leaving the house with enough layers? Same, but nothing is worse than sweating in the car on the way to work, school, dinner, etc., right? Despite that, please do not forget the helpful tip you learned as a kid: always keep a winter jacket, some gloves, and maybe even a scarf handy. If you do not want to wear them, that is fine, but at least leave them in your trunk, just in case. If you were to skid off the side of the road and needed those extra layers, it is nice to be prepared.
• Skidding Strategies: When you find yourself skidding on icy roads (and you will), remember the advice you received back when you were just learning the rules of the road – turn your steering wheel the other to the direction of the skid. And please remember that even though it seems wrong, avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, slowly lift your foot off the gas to slow down and steer in the opposite direction to the skid. This technique will help your vehicle straighten out again and regain traction and control.
• Rock and Roll: If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, do not panic! All is not lost. Try rocking your car back and forth! This rocking motion can help your vehicle break free. Another helpful tip: make sure your front wheels stay as straight as possible while you try to rock and roll out of the snow pile your car has become stuck in.
• Parking Etiquette: Finding parking spots can be challenging during winter, so consideration is essential. Yes, we know! It is not fair that finding parking is more complicated than it already is during the three other seasons. But it makes sense if you consider all the street parking that disappears because of plowing. So do your part, and please avoid taking up more space than necessary – use only one spot. Taking more than one spot is already annoying during Spring, Summer, and Fall. Do not be that person to do that during winter when it is bitterly cold and people become more frustrated.
• Technology to Save the Day: As is often the case, modern technology can make your life easier, even when it comes to winter parking. With parking apps readily available for all drivers, it is a no-brainer to use apps like ParqEx to find parking during these winter months. It may surprise you, but more often than not, our ParqEx parking spots are inside, adding another benefit to your experience with us. Stop fussing with the snow; reserve your indoor parking spot in advance with ParqEx and reduce your stress while driving on slippery roads.

As winter cities across the U.S. gear up for another brutally harsh season of snow and ice, these tips will help with mastering snowy streets and parking spots. Download ParqEx’s mobile parking app to streamline your winter parking experience.

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Why? Well…

Benefit #1: Saving Time

Whenever you drive in the cold weather, people always tell you to leave early, and take it slow. There’s nothing worse than rushing for your safety when it gets cold, and that’s one of the chief ways people get into accidents. Which is why it’s a good idea to use a parking solution to reserve your parking spot before you ever leave the house. If you know where you’re going, then you can accurately predict what your travel time is going to be. You can leave yourself a more specific safety cushion, then, and you won’t end up being late because you had to circle the block three or four times in order to find somewhere to park.

Benefit #2: Less Exposure To The Cold

No one wants to walk in the cold, especially when the wind is blowing down through the concrete canyons and the sun went down an hour ago. If you’re taking the luck of the draw when it comes to your parking, though, you could end up half a dozen blocks away from where you’re actually trying to get to. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a digital reservation instead. If you know where you’re going, and you know where you’re parking, then you can find a place that’s close enough that you can minimize the time you spend with frost nipping at your heels.

Benefit #3: No Surprises

Parking in the winter can be a hassle for a lot of unexpected reasons. You think you’ve found the ideal spot, but it turns out there’s a fire hydrant sticking out of the snowbank. Or you can’t quite squeeze in because there’s no way to tell where the lines on the street are anymore. Rather than dealing with irritations like that, a parking app lets you get a location you’re sure about, and which will be ready for you when you arrive.

Benefit #4: Pay Without Going Outside

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through your evening, and realizing you need to go out to feed the meter. Or leaving the parking garage and getting sticker shock from the machine as you try to head out. A digital parking solution allows you to handle all of that right from your phone, and to make sure you can relax when it comes to your car while you enjoy your night out on the town. In many cases you won’t even need to roll down the window to hand cash to an attendant; you can just show them your digital assignment, and you’re ready to park, lock up, and head off to your final destination!

Parking in The Future

Digital solutions have made our lives better in so many different ways, and there’s no reason to park the old-fashioned way when old man winter is scrabbling at your car door. Stay warm, stay safe, and be on time by embracing the future of parking solutions! If you have questions, or you’re wondering what other benefits come with using this kind of platform to park your car, all you have to do is contact us today!

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