How to Remove Snow from a Car
2 Answers
First, start the car and turn on the heater to blow warm air onto the front windshield. Then, use a brush or towel to remove the snow. If there is ice, residues can be cleared using tools like an ice scraper or plastic scraper. Only after the snow is mostly removed and the ice on the windshield has melted should the wipers be used normally. Below is information on removing snow from cars: 1. The first scenario is loose snow. Loose snow refers to the layer of snow that falls on the car's surface without an underlying layer of ice. This type of snow is the easiest to remove. Use a soft cloth or a gentle broom to sweep the loose snow away, always moving in the same direction. Never activate the wipers before clearing the snow. Snow on the car body doesn’t need to be removed immediately—if it’s loose snow, it will naturally melt away once the car is started. 2. The second scenario involves a thin layer of ice beneath the snow. This situation is more challenging to handle. First, do not use the wipers. If the ice layer on the glass is thick, use a rubber or hard glass scraper to gently scrape it off, preferably moving in one direction. Specialized snow removers are now available for better results. Additionally, use a soft broom to gently scrape the side mirrors in one direction until the ice fragments are removed. 3. The third scenario is when the car is covered in thick frost and ice. Some car owners might be tempted to use warm water to melt the ice, but this method is not advisable as it can deform the windshield and wipers or even damage the wipers directly. For thick ice layers, it’s recommended to use professional antifreeze windshield fluid sprayed onto the glass, followed by a rubber scraper to remove the ice. In most cases, the ice will slide off on its own. The same method can be used to remove ice from other parts of the car. Starting the engine and setting the air conditioning to heat, with the airflow directed to the "windshield" setting, can also help remove ice more easily.
When my car is often covered with snow in winter, I first use a long-handled snow brush to sweep the snow from top to bottom, focusing on cleaning the roof, windshield, and side windows. Avoid starting directly from the windows to prevent damaging the wipers. Start the engine and let the heater run for about five minutes, as the warm air can help melt stubborn ice layers. Then, use a plastic scraper to slowly scrape off the ice—never use hot water or metal tools, as they can crack the glass or scratch the paint. For prevention, buy a snow cover to shield the car overnight, making it easy to remove the next morning and saving time. During cleanup, be sure to remove all snow, especially any residue on the roof, as it can slide off while driving and pose a hazard. Afterwards, use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining water to prevent refreezing. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, ensuring clear visibility and safe driving.
