When heavy snowfalls hit, getting your car unstuck can be a real challenge. Having the right snow removal tool on hand can make a big difference in how quickly and easily you’re able to dig out your vehicle. In this article, we’ll go over some key considerations in choosing the best snow removal tool for freeing a stuck car, and provide recommendations on top options to have in your winter prep arsenal.
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Key Factors in Choosing a Car Snow Removal Tool
Not all snow removal tools are created equal when it comes to the task of unburying a car. Here are some of the key factors to take into account:
- Ability to move heavy, packed snow – Dense, heavy snow that has been packed down requires a robust tool that can break through and push it aside. Look for a snow tool with a solid construction and enough leverage power.
- Width of clearing path – A wider shovel head, scoop or pusher allows you to move more snow at once, making quicker work of clearing off your buried car.
- Ergonomic handle – Freeing a snowed in car often requires extensive shoveling and pushing, so an ergonomic handle can make a big difference in comfort and avoiding strain on your back and shoulders.
- Collapsible/portability – Look for a snow removal tool that can collapse down or break apart for easy stowing in your car trunk until needed.
- Material – Metal and high-impact plastics withstand heavy use without cracking or breaking.
- Affordability – With most snow removal tools, you get what you pay for. Look for the best value by balancing capabilities with price.
Top Snow Removal Tools for Digging Out Your Car
Based on the key selection criteria, here are our top recommendations for snow tools to keep in your vehicle during winter:
1. Snow shovel
A sturdy snow shovel is one of the most versatile essentials for removing snow from around your car. Models with a steel wear strip along the leading edge cut into hard packed snow with ease. Choose a shovel with an at least 18-inch wide scoop to move a large volume of snow efficiently. The added leverage of a shovel makes quick work of heavy lifting and throwing snow aside.
2. Auto snow broom
An auto snow broom is specially designed to sweep snow off vehicles while minimizing damage to paint and glass. The bristles help clear away loose powder from the car’s surface. The broom head may be made of foam or flexible plastic for optimizing snow clearing without scratching. A telescoping handle allows you to clean off all surfaces without overreaching.
3. Snow push broom
For moving large quantities of snow pronto, a wide snow push broom is a handy tool. The extra-wide broom head (24 inches or more) enables you to push aside drifts of snow in a hurry. Polypropylene bristles help grab and channel snow while protecting your car’s finish.
4. Snow scraper
Having an ice scraper handy helps with clearing snow crusted over your windows, headlights, brake lights and mirrors. A long-handled scraper allows you to reach all areas of your car from the ground. Plus the scraper edge cuts into ice buildup that a brush just can’t tackle.
5. Emergency collapsible shovel
Collapsible emergency shovels are ultra-portable tools that fold down for minimal storage space but expand to full size for digging out compacted snow around your wheels or buried lower body of your car. The compact design lets you keep one in your trunk at all times.
| Tool | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Snow shovel | $25 – $50 | 18+ inch blade, steel wear strip, ergonomic handle |
| Auto snow broom | $15 – $25 | Foam or plastic bristles, telescoping handle |
| Snow push broom | $30 – $50 | 24+ inch head, polypropylene bristles |
| Snow scraper | $5 – $15 | Sturdy scraper edge, long handle |
| Emergency folding shovel | $20 – $40 | Folds down small, full size extended |
Tips for Digging Your Car Out of Deep Snow
When faced with the daunting task of excavating your snowbound car, having the right tools is just the beginning. Here are some handy tips for digging out your car efficiently and safely:
- Clear snow from the top down – Brush loose snow off the roof, hood and trunk lid before tackling the main body of snow encasing your car.
- Work around perimeter first – Clear the area immediately around and in front/behind your car to create working space before digging close to the body.
- Push don’t lift – Pushing accumulated snow is safer on your back than lifting heavy shovel loads. Use a push-style tool whenever possible.
- Take small loads – Shoveling huge mounds of snow exhausts you fast. Take modest shovel loads you can manage without straining.
- Widen path gradually – Work incrementally to widen the path around your car bit by bit.
- Watch for ice – Check for and break up any solid ice buildup around wheels and undercarriage.
- Clear exhaust pipe – Make sure your exhaust pipe is free of packed snow before running your engine.
- Work smart – Push snow downhill and snow pile upwind when you can. And let gravity help you – dig upward from lower areas.
- Pace yourself – Digging out a buried car takes a lot of exertion. Take breaks to rest your muscles.
- Protect yourself – Wear sturdy boots for traction, gloves for grip and layers to stay warm and dry.
Calling in Reinforcements
If your car is plowed in by exceptionally heavy snow or large drifts, getting it unstuck can be an all-day chore or even impossible without extra help. Some options for calling in reinforcements include:
- Asking neighbors to lend a hand digging – Having an extra pair of hands (or two) can cut your digging time significantly.
- Hiring a local teen or snow removal service – Your local neighborhood kids or snow removal pros will have the right tools and experience to get the job done fast.
- Towing service – For very heavy snow, calling a tow truck to pull your car free may be your best (or only) option.
Preventing Getting Snowed In
Avoiding getting your car plowed in during heavy snowfalls takes some preplanning. Here are some tips for keeping your car free through the winter:
- Park in a garage whenever possible.
- Park on a regularly plowed surface – avoid unplowed driveways or streets.
- Keep brushes, scraper and shovel in your car at all times.
- Clean snow off frequently – don’t allow deep buildup.
- Dig out your parking spot thoroughly after each snow.
- Use snow chains for traction if you park on an incline.
- Place reflective flags by your car to make it visible for plows.
- Stay aware of approaching big snowfalls so you can move your car preemptively.
Conclusion
Freeing your car from heavy snow can be challenging, but having the right tools on hand makes a huge difference. A sturdy shovel, auto snow broom, scraper and compact folding shovel are key items to keep in your winter driving kit. Remember to clear snow strategically and work safely. And when in doubt, call in help from neighbors, snow removal services or tow trucks. Staying one step ahead by parking smart and keeping your car clear throughout winter is the best way to avoid getting plowed in. With the right preparation and snow removal gear, you can dig your car out from even the deepest snow drifts.