A jacket with a broken zip is often thrown out even though the rest is fine. A little regular care keeps zips running smoothly and extends the life of the whole garment.
Keep zips clean. Grit and salt from winter roads jam the teeth, so rinse them with lukewarm water and a soft brush when they look dirty, then let them dry fully.
If a zip sticks, rub a little wax or a zipper lubricant along the teeth rather than forcing it. A zip that has started to separate behind the slider can sometimes be fixed by gently squeezing the slider with pliers, though a repair shop can replace it cleanly.
Fasten zips before washing and avoid overstuffing pockets, which strains the closures. Small habits like these cost nothing and keep a jacket serving you for years.
