Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
One of the most important steps when preparing for winter driving is cleaning your car of snow and ice. Snow and ice on the car can create the aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel efficiency and tire traction and posing a potential danger to other drivers.
Snow can be a hassle when it comes to keeping your car clean. The most effective way of removing snow from your car is to use a long-handled brush or car ice scraper. This will help you reach all areas of the car, from the hood and windows to the roof and side mirrors. An ordinary broom will do the trick if you don’t have a brush or ice scraper. It’s important to become familiar with the best practices for cleaning snow from your car to keep you and other drivers safe.
Cleaning Snow From The Car
You Will Need
- A Brush Or A Broom With A Long Handle
- An Ice Scraper
- A Soft Sponge
- A Microfiber Towel
Instructions
Check The Tailpipe: Begin by checking the tailpipe for snow. If there’s a blockage, you may need to use the ice scraper or brush to clear it before starting the engine. This is important for safety reasons when driving in icy conditions, as exhaust gases should be able to escape.
Turn On The Engine And Defrosters: Start the engine, turn on the defrosters, and aim them toward the windscreen and side windows. Let your car warm up to melt away any snow or ice that may have accumulated on the windshield. If you are in a hurry, you can use an ice scraper to remove stubborn areas of frost from the glass.
Brush Off Large Amounts Of Snow:
- Use a brush to remove large amounts of snow from your car.
- Start at the roof and work your way down, making sure to clear away all areas where snow has built up.
- Wear gloves to keep your hands warm while brushing off the snow if it’s freezing.
Scrape Away Ice And Snow: Once you’ve removed the bulk of the snow, use the ice scraper to scrape away any remaining ice or snow clinging to your car. Pay special attention to areas like the headlights, mirrors, windows, and door handles.
Clean The Wipers: Once you’ve removed the bulk of ice and snow from your car, it’s essential to clean the windshield wipers. Clean any snow or ice build-up on the blades with a soft sponge or cloth. This will ensure that when you use them, they are in good condition for clearing rain or snow away from your windshield.
Wipe Down The Car: Use a soft cloth or a microfiber towel to wipe down your car. This will help remove any excess moisture that may have been left behind. Make sure to dry it off thoroughly to avoid any watermarks or stains.
Things To Consider
- Avoid using hot water or salt. Hot water may cause the car to freeze, and salt can affect the paint job.
- Always use protective wax before cleaning snow off your car. This will help protect the paint from scratches when brushing off snow or ice.
- Wait for the sun to hit your car, as this can help melt off some of the snow and ice before you start cleaning it off.
- Wear suitable gloves when removing snow from your car. Wearing thick winter gloves will protect your hands while giving you a better grip on the snow.
- Use a foam brush to avoid scratches on your car’s finish.
- Work from top to bottom when removing snow from your car. This will ensure that snow and ice don’t get trapped in the crevices of your car panels and causes scratches.
- Pull the snow, don’t push it. Pushing the snow can cause it to scrape against your car’s finish and cause scratches.
- Choose the right tool for cleaning snow off your car without scratching. A soft brush, a foam scrubber, or an ice scraper can work perfectly for this job.
- Be gentle and patient when removing snow from your car. Don’t rush the process; it will take time to do it correctly and avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Preventions
- Park your car in the shade to prevent snow and ice from accumulating.
- If a storm is forecasted, cover your car with a tarp or waxed canvas to protect it from heavy snowfall.
- Use windshield covers to keep the glass clear of snow and ice.
- Invest in a car de-icing spray to help remove stubborn ice and snow from your car.
- Ensure your car’s antifreeze is in good condition to prevent any freezing of the engine components.
- Keep a shovel in the boot of your car for when you need to dig it out after a heavy snowfall.
- Make sure the snow brush and ice scraper are always in your car to help clear away any snow or ice quickly.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a blanket, food and drink, a torch, and spare clothing for when you get stuck in the snow.
FAQs
What Can I Do To Make Sure My Car Is Safe During The Winter?
Taking extra steps to ensure your car is protected in the colder months will help reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Ensure your battery and tires are in good condition and take time to clean off snow and ice from your vehicle.
Why Is It Good To Wrap Wipers Or Mirrors In Bags In Winter?
Wrapping wipers or mirrors in bags during the winter is a great way to protect them from getting covered in snow and ice. The bags act as an insulator, keeping the blades and mirror surfaces warm enough so they won’t freeze up when exposed to cold temperatures. Wrapping your wipers and mirrors can help prevent any damage caused by the accumulation of snow or ice.
Conclusion
Cleaning the snow off your car can be a tedious task, but it is necessary to maintain visibility while driving. Taking a few extra moments to clear away the snow can make all the difference in ensuring safe travel. Make sure you have good-quality tools to help you efficiently remove the snow. You should have no trouble getting your car ready for the road.
