Snow and ice make everything hard. Especially everything related to automobiles. Cars and winter just don’t seem to mix. Driving, braking, and every little vehicular maneuver can feel like an Olympic challenge.

Parking is especially hard. Parking is always tricky, but winter weather can make it nearly impossible. There aren’t enough spots, the lines are hard to see, other motorists have inevitably parked themselves across multiple spaces, and vehicles are slipping and sliding around like penguins. When you’re looking for a place to park your car this winter, think about the following ways in which you can get a good spot.

Look For More Space Than Usual

When the weather is good, any spot will do, so long as you’re able to squeeze your vehicle into it.   A tight fit on a sunny summer afternoon may be a little irritating, but it won’t do much damage.

Not so in winter. A small spot when it’s snowing out can be a big problem. Cars slip about easily and unpredictably in the snow, and “just big enough” could instantly change to too small and extensive vehicle damage.

When parking in the winter, leave more room between cars. This will allow for small errors and protection from big headaches.

Park in the Direction in Which You’ll Be Driving

You’ll have an easier time getting back into traffic if you park facing the direction in which you’ll be travelling. Don’t get stuck trying to make a slow, awkward u-turn in the middle of a busy street. Time-consuming maneuvers increase the likelihood that you’ll cause other cars to swerve or slam on the brakes, leading to an accident involving you or your fellow motorists.

Park Under Something

When you park under an overpass or thick tree covering, the snow won’t be able to cover your vehicle or the ground surrounding it. When you’re covered, you’ve got a small space that’s protected from the hazards of winter (save for the cold, of course). This will decrease the likelihood of slides, accidents, and other disasters.

Park Near a Well-Cleared Sidewalk

The danger doesn’t necessarily end when you step out of your car. When you’re parking, look for cleared off spots. Thick layers of even the fluffiest snow can mask incredible slick ice spots, leaving you vulnerable to hard falls and personal injury.

Park Close to Your Destination

This may seem obvious, but it gets ignored often. Park close to your destination. This will lead to shorter walks and fewer falls. It will also make things more pleasant for you. The cold itself is a hazard too, remember. By keeping yourself away from the biting wind, you’ll spare some risk of hypothermia.

When You Get Out, Walk Slowly

Even walking is hard when the winter arrives. Make sure that once you get out of your vehicle, you step carefully and slowly. Walking quickly is not that different from driving quickly. Stay at a reasonable speed. This will help prevent you from falling and hurting yourself.

It is important to remember these helpful practices in order to maintain the well-being of yourself and commuters around you while you acknowledge the risks involved with driving through winter weather.