Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
Make sure the
hood is securely closed.
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under the
hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period, inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small animal. Also check under the
hood for leftover flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
Make sure the
tires are in good condition.
Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder. You will be unable to insert the key if the water freezes in the hole.