[Groundhog]

1) It sounds like you got the USB to work... . There is a 2nd cigarette lighter port under the dash in the passenger foot well close to the center console. You pull electricity from there as well with a USB adapter - if you hadn't found it yet.

2) Invest in a car cover? If that's not an option, pick up one of those cheap electric leaf blowers. You may be able to blow them back out.

3) If you are in electric mode and switch to one of the 3 gas modes, remember you need to let the gas motor warm up before pushing the car. It's never a great idea to push a cold engine. Sit on the door sill and swing your legs in to save wear on the seat. Get your car coded if want special features like fob powered mirror closing, windows up, AM radio, tire temperature with tire pressure, etc... .