You can find hacks about every aspect of life if you search the internet. Unfortunately, there are many hacks that aren’t helpful, or clickbait related.
This got me thinking about the plastic bag on car mirrors. What’s the purpose of putting a bag on your car mirror?
In this article, I will answer those questions on advice that rightfully USES plastic bags, and hacks that are absolutely ridiculous.
I will look at other household products that are also helpful to have in the car. I will answer a few of your additional commonly asked questions at the end of the article.
Why Put a Plastic Bag on a Car Mirror?
The only good reason to cover car mirrors in a plastic bag is to protect the glass from ice and snow. Obviously, if you have bad weather in your area, the best option for your car is to park it in a garage, but the bag trick will work in a pinch. Beyond that, you may get the occasional misleading clickbait advice.
Ice can do a lot of damage, specifically to auto glass. If you are stuck parking outside, you can throw plastic bags or Ziploc baggies over the mirrors to stop the snow and ice from sticking to the mirrors.
If you are worried about them blowing off in the wind, you can tie the bags on with string or rubber bands.
If your car mirror is broken or cracked, a plastic bag over the car mirror will help cover it enough to keep water and moisture from entering the mirror and damaging the electrical components.
Do Plastic Bags on Mirrors Prevent Break-Ins?
One of the best suggestions online is using Ziploc bags over the car mirrors to prevent a break-in from happening. Because people are very gullible, lots of drivers have done it.
There is no evidence using plastic bags will stop a thief from breaking into your car. The idea is that the view will be obstructed into your vehicle, and thieves won’t be able to see the valuables they want.
In my opinion, this will draw more attention than less, making you a more likely target.
5 Household Objects to Keep in Your Car
#1. Duct Tape.
What can’t duct tape do? It’s a miracle product for your home and your vehicle too. If you’re caught in an emergency when you’re driving, you will be glad you have duct tape.
For instance, if your bumper cover comes loose, duct tape will hold it until you can get home. In all seriousness, duct tape can hold nearly anything safely together until you can fix it properly.
#2. Cooking Spray.
You surely won’t be cooking in your car while you are driving, but oil certainly still comes in handy. With the temperature dropping, you could use the cooking spray to keep your door from freezing shut.
Before the winter weather hits, you can open the doors and spray all of the rubber seals around the edge. With a good coat of the cooking spray as a lubricating oil, snow will not stick to the seals allowing you to easily open and close your car doors in the morning.
#3. Socks.
Keeping socks in your car is a good idea, especially when you plan on shoveling out of a deep snow. At that point, your feet will be wet, and it will be nice to put on a cozy, dry pair of socks.
Socks can be used for purposes beyond keeping your toes warm. You might think of putting your socks over the wipers to protect them when the car is parked in a standing (upright) position when the snow begins to fall.
You can also slide the socks in a plastic bag if you want added protection or tie them off with the string or rubber band idea shared above.
The wipers will not accumulate any ice or snow, and you’ll be able to clear the glass earlier in the morning.
#4. Emergency/First Aid Kit.
You should have a first aid kit for your home and a separate one for your car. Emergencies can happen at the most unexpected times and you may have to render some minor medical help.
In addition to a first aid kit, if you are traveling during the winter you want an emergency kit as well. Emergency kits should have things like road flares, a blanket and a cell phone charger.
You may want to have a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water in case you are waiting for assistance and you get hungry. And aside from the emergency kit, keep your fuel tank full in winter so that in the event you are stuck on the roadside, you can run the heat.
#5. Kitty Litter.
You likely aren’t taking your cat for a ride, and you probably don’t have a reason to set up a kitty potty in your car. However, there is always a reason to keep some cat litter in your trunk. If you are dealing with snow or ice, kitty litter can get you out of a stuck situation.
Keep cat litter in your car and sprinkle some in front of the stuck tires. The little pebbles break up the ice, allowing more traction to the surface beneath.
You can get a cheap bag of kitty litter; there is no reason to spend more. Just be sure to get non-clumping kitty litter, which offers more traction and is helpful to the tire tread.
FAQs.
Q: Why are there plastic bags on a car mirror?
Usually, the driver is trying to prevent snow or ice from accumulating on the glass during poor weather.
Some people also tie bags over their mirrors because their car is abandoned or to keep someone from breaking in, neither of which has any value along with the endless social media encouragement.
Q: Why do people put a plastic bag over their rear windshield wiper?
If you put a plastic sleeve or bag over your wipers then you can prevent snow or ice buildup during a storm. Winter weather takes a heavy toll on the actual wiper material and can lead to premature breakdown.
If you put a bag over it you may also keep it upright in a vertical position in order to further preserve it.
Q: What Does a White Towel on a Car Mean?
There are two meanings to a white towel or t-shirt on the car. It means a person has broken down in the vehicle and went to find assistance. If someone is with the car, it could mean trouble or danger.
If you feel you are in a safe position, you could contemplate stopping to see if you could assist. Otherwise, a call to emergency services is warranted.
There are many hacks that are useful and will keep your car in its proper place during winter months. For example, covering a car mirror with a plastic grocery bag will ensure that ice and snow does not harm the glass.
That being said, there are also plenty of tips and tricks online that are either a waste of time or potentially dangerous.
As with anything you read on the internet, and before you ever attempt anything you read online, be sure to conduct your own research. Always listen to your gut and instinct. If it is odd or seems odd, then just avoid it until you have a better understanding of it.