Can Snow Damage a Car?

[BrantleyFitz]

Snow generally does not damage a car, but if not cleared in time, it can easily harm the car paint and other automotive components. Winter maintenance methods for engine oil: In winter, the engine system has higher lubrication requirements. If you live in an area with low winter temperatures, it is necessary to switch to winter-grade engine oil to ensure smooth engine starts and driving performance. Winter maintenance methods for antifreeze: The role of antifreeze is cooling and freeze protection. In cold regions, it is essential to use antifreeze that can withstand low temperatures to prevent the cooling system from freezing, which would hinder engine heat dissipation and potentially damage the engine and radiator. It is important to note that when selecting the freezing point of antifreeze, refer to the lowest winter temperature in your actual residential area and then choose a product with a freezing point 10 to 15 degrees lower. Additionally, do not mix products of different models or brands.

[LeSkylar]

I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade and have seen plenty of vehicles damaged by snow accumulation. Car roofs do have weight-bearing limits – light snow is fine, but heavy wet snow during blizzards becomes dangerous. That dense, waterlogged snow can weigh up to 100kg per square meter. Last winter, an SUV came in with a dented roof and deformed sunroof seals that caused leaks. What many overlook is how roof snow blocks drainage channels, then refreezes, causing metal seams to rust and crack. The riskiest scenario is freezing rain forming an ice shell – one owner forced their door open and bent the frame. My advice? Clear snow when accumulation exceeds 15cm, especially for older vehicles and panoramic sunroof models. Always start clearing from the roof edges, and never strike the windshield directly – that's how cracks happen!

[VonAngelina]

Last week on a business trip up north, the row of cars parked outside the hotel gave me quite a shock – the roofs of three vehicles were crushed by snow. Chatting with a local guy, I learned they're used to thick car covers there, as overnight snow accumulation of 20-30cm is common. Modern car roofs have thinner sheet metal now; my old Santana actually holds up better. It's not just roof deformation to worry about – my neighbor last year didn't clear snow promptly, causing ice to form in the door seams. When he yanked it open, the door hinges loosened and wouldn't seal properly, letting in drafts. The mechanic later said uneven stress on the door frame can cause deformation too. Now when it snows, I carry a scraper and start clearing once accumulation reaches halfway up the tires, while also checking that wiper blades aren't frozen to the windshield.

[Grayson]

I remember one year after a heavy snowfall, while helping a friend clear his car, we discovered a palm-sized dent on the roof. The mechanic said metal fatigue combined with the excessive weight of wet snow was the main cause. So, how much snow can a car roof actually support? For a regular sedan, the limit is around 150 kilograms, while sturdier SUVs might handle up to 250 kilograms, but even that's pushing it. On snowy days, what you really need to watch out for is ice forming in the door seams—forcing the door open can damage the seals. Some cars also accumulate snow blocks under the chassis, which can jam the steering system. It's best to keep a foldable snow shovel handy; if the snow exceeds 10 centimeters, it's time to clear it. When parking, avoid spots under tree branches, as wind can dislodge accumulated snow, posing a greater danger. Older cars especially require more frequent snow clearing, as areas with rust have reduced load-bearing capacity.