Is It Okay Not to Clean the Snow Covering the Car?
2 Answers
It is not okay to leave the snow covering the car without cleaning it. After snowfall, it is essential to promptly remove the snow from the car, as accumulated snow can easily freeze, blocking windows, spray nozzles, and other areas. Hazards of Snow Accumulation: The pristine snow on the car body may look beautiful, but in reality, it contains a significant amount of corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or salts, especially in areas with poor air quality where snow carries more harmful contaminants. If not removed promptly, these substances can erode the car's paint, causing the external clear coat to lose its luster. Therefore, it is best for car owners to wash their cars immediately after the snow stops, even if the weather forecast predicts more snow in the coming days. Precautions for Snow Removal: Many car owners, upon seeing their vehicles covered in snow, resort to simple and rough methods for cleaning. For example, using the windshield wipers to clear the glass or pouring hot water on the windows or door seams—these practices are undoubtedly incorrect. When a car is covered in snow, a layer of frost forms on the surface of the glass. Using wipers or brute force to remove it can damage the glass.
Having driven for twenty years, I've seen too many troubles caused by not clearing snow. Snow covering the car roof increases the overall weight, potentially overloading the suspension system. Door rubber seals soaked in snow water are prone to deformation and aging, leading to leaks in summer. More dangerously, snow melting on the hood can seep into the electrical system—my old car once burned a fuse because of this. Snow on the windshield might seem harmless, but sunlight reflection can scorch the dashboard surface. The most troublesome is when headlights get blocked by snow, making night driving like driving blind. I recommend getting a long-handled snow shovel; it's great for clearing the roof without needing to climb.
