What is the best way to remove snow from your car?

Removing snow from your car can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially after a heavy snowfall. Having snow piled on top of your vehicle not only makes it harder to get in, but it can also pose safety hazards if it slides down and obscures your view while driving. That’s why it’s important to properly clear off your car before getting on the road. But what’s the most effective and efficient way to do it? Here we’ll go over some quick tips and best practices for getting the snow off your car quickly and safely.

Use a snow brush and ice scraper

The most basic tools for removing snow from your car are a snow brush and an ice scraper. The brush is useful for dusting off loose snow, while the scraper chips away at any hardened ice on the windows, mirrors, lights, and other surfaces. Look for a extendable snow brush with a foam head to prevent scratching the paint. And make sure the scraper has a brush end as well to sweep away remaining debris. Bringing along a small hand broom can also help whisk away snow from crevices. Having the right snow removal tools saves a lot of time and elbow grease.

Start with the windshield

Clear off the front and rear windshields first so you can see while removing the rest of the snow. Use the ice scraper to loosen and scrape off as much built-up ice and hardened snow as possible. Then use the brush to whisk off the remaining powder. Be sure to fully clear snow from both windshield wipers as well. Getting the front and rear windows cleared should be priority number one so that you can properly see out of the car while driving.

Brush off all loose snow

Use your snow brush to whisk off all loose powder from the roof, hood, trunk, and tops of the doors and wheel wells. Trying to scrape off snow before brushing can risk scratching the paint. Work from the top down and brush snow off all surfaces to clear off the loose powder. Pay extra attention to cleaning snow from lights, mirrors, door handles, and the license plate so they are fully functional and visible.

Use a de-icing solution if needed

For any ice that won’t easily scrape off, try applying a de-icing solution to help loosen the stubborn frozen layers. Spray it directly onto the icy spots and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate before scraping. But use de-icer sparingly, as over-application can damage the glass and paint over time. And never put warm water directly on very cold windows, as it can cause them to crack. A de-icing solution designed for automotive use is best for tough ice.

Clear off all snow from the hood and trunk

Don’t forget to fully clear off the hood and trunk areas. Use your brush and scraper to remove all packed snow and ice from these surfaces. You don’t want any piles sliding down onto the windshield or rear window while driving. Be thorough in cleaning off the hood, as even a bit of accumulated snow can fly off at high speeds and obscure your view of the road. The same goes for the trunk and roof.

Clean side mirrors, lights, and license plates

Check that your side mirrors, lights, and license plates are completely free of snow buildup. Use your scraper and brush to clear snow away from the vehicle’s side mirrors and guide lights so you can properly use them while driving. And be sure your license plate is totally legible so you avoid any trouble. Don’t forget to clear off the rear brake lights as well for visibility.

Clear snow from wheel wells and undercarriage

Use your brush to whisk away snow packed into the wheel wells around the tires. Built-up snow in the wells can get flung onto the windshield when driving. Also brush off any hanging snow from the undercarriage and side skirts. Stubborn ice can be chipped off with a scraper. Getting the underside of the vehicle clears helps avoid chunks coming loose at high speeds.

Watch for ice dams around doors and windows

On vehicles with frameless windows and doors, check for any “ice dams” packed into the seals which prevent doors from opening. Use your scraper to gently break up any hardened snow or ice dammed up in the seals around doors, the trunk or liftgate so they open properly. Never try to force them open if ice-packed.

How to Clear Off Snow Safely

Now that we’ve covered the key areas to focus on, here are some additional tips for safely and effectively removing snow from your vehicle:

Dress warmly in winter outerwear

Be sure to bundle up in warm socks, boots, gloves, hats and winter jackets before heading out to clear snow. Having the right cold weather gear keeps you comfortable so you can take your time to thoroughly remove all snow and ice. Water-resistant gloves also help keep hands dry.

Use a step stool for roof access

Use a sturdy step stool or small ladder to reach the center of your vehicle’s roof if you cannot access it from the ground. This allows you to fully clear off the roof rather than missing the top center area. Just be cautious of wet, slippery conditions when climbing.

Start vehicle ahead of time if needed

For very cold temperatures or significant ice, consider starting your vehicle 5-10 minutes early and run the defroster. This helps melt and loosen ice on the windshield, mirrors, and windows so it’s easier to scrape off. Just don’t leave the car unattended if it’s running.

Watch out for windshield wiper damage

When lifting windshield wipers to clear snow underneath, gently place them back down against the windshield rather than letting them slap down. Otherwise, you risk cracking the wiper blades or damaging the wiper motor.

Use a soft-bristled brush around sensors

Use a very soft brush to gently dust snow off sensors for safety systems like backup cameras, lane departure warning, and collision warning. Avoid abrasive scrapers around fragile sensors.

Dry door frames and seals before closing

Use a towel to wipe down wet door frames and weather stripping seals before closing doors. This helps prevent doors from freezing shut, especially on vehicles prone to ice buildup in door seals.

Check your trunk and roof before driving

Before hitting the road, do a final check that no snow remains piled on the roof or trunk that could potentially slide down onto the rear window while driving. Clear it fully off to avoid obstructed vision.

Take your time and be thorough

Rather than rushing, take your time to fully clear snow from all surfaces on every side of the vehicle. Double check that lights, mirrors, sensors and cameras are completely free of snow and ice buildup before driving off. Being thorough reduces risk and improves safety.

Additional Winter Driving Precautions

Beyond just clearing your car of snow, it’s also important to take extra precautions for safe winter driving:

Allow extra following distance

Increase your following distance behind other vehicles to 8-10 seconds to allow for extra braking time on snowy or icy roads. Leaving ample room reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.

Watch for black ice

Use caution when temperatures hover near freezing, as melted snow can refreeze into dangerous black ice, often invisible to drivers. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

Don’t use cruise control

Avoid using cruise control in wet, snowy, or icy conditions where maintaining steady traction is key. You want full control over your acceleration and braking.

Check tire tread and pressure

Inspect that your tires have adequate tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch for snow traction. Also ensure tires are properly inflated. Proper winter tires are best for very snowy regions.

Equip an emergency kit

Keep an emergency kit in your car with items like flashlights, warm blankets, extra gloves and hats, flares, jumper cables, traction mats, snacks, and water. This can save you if stranded.

Stay alert for changing conditions

Snowfall, fog, sleet, or freezing rain can worsen throughout your drive, so monitor weather alerts and adjust your speed accordingly. Stay attentive to surrounding conditions.

Conclusion

Removing snow thoroughly from your vehicle before winter driving is crucial for safety. Be sure to clear off all windows, mirrors, lights, and surfaces using the right tools and techniques. Check for ice dams around doors and use de-icer spray moderately if needed. Take your time to fully clean the hood, roof, trunk, wheel wells and undercarriage as well. Completely freeing your car of snow reduces the risk of obstructed vision or loose chunks falling onto the road. And don’t forget to equip your vehicle and adjust your driving for extra winter precautions. Staying alert and vigilant of changing road conditions is also key to safe winter driving. Taking the proper steps to fully clear snow from your car and prepare for winter weather will help ensure you safely reach your destination.

Tool	Purpose
Snow brush	Removing loose, powdery snow
Ice scraper	Scraping off hardened snow/ice
De-icing spray	Melting stubborn ice
Step stool	Reaching top of roof
Emergency kit	Preparing for winter hazards

Key Steps for Clearing Snow

1. Clear windshield and windows first
2. Brush off all loose powder
3. Scarpe off hardened snow/ice
4. Check undercarriage and wheel wells
5. Ensure lights, sensors and cameras are clear
6. Wipe down wet frames before closing doors
7. Recheck roof and trunk before driving

Top Driving Precautions

• Allow extra following distance
• Watch for black ice
• Avoid using cruise control
• Check tires tread and pressure
• Equip emergency kit
• Stay alert for changing conditions