Should snow on the car be cleared promptly?
4 Answers
After snowfall, it is essential to promptly clear the snow from your car, as accumulated snow can easily freeze and block windows, spray nozzles, and other areas. Below are specific details on the hazards of snow to vehicles: 1. Snow and ice contain large amounts of corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or salts, especially in areas with poor air quality where snow contains even more harmful substances. If not removed promptly, these can erode the car's paint, causing the external clear coat to lose its shine. 2. It is best for car owners to wash their vehicles immediately after the snow stops. To minimize damage from corrosive substances to the car's paint, if there is no forecast of snow in the coming days, owners can apply wax or a sealant to protect the paint surface after washing the car.
I always emphasize from a safety perspective that snow on your car must be cleared promptly. Failing to remove snow severely restricts your visibility while driving, especially on the windshield and side windows. When it slightly warms up, the snow can melt and refreeze, creating more blind spots and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or scrapes. Even more dangerous is snow on the roof—when you brake, it can slide down and completely cover your windows, leaving you momentarily blind and potentially causing a chain-reaction accident. I’ve seen many friends regret minor scratches or even major repairs due to laziness in clearing snow. My advice: deal with snowfall as soon as it happens, using a soft brush or a dedicated snow shovel to gently remove it—avoid hard objects that could damage the paint. Winter driving safety comes first, and making it a habit can also reduce insurance claim hassles.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I know it's crucial to clear snow immediately. Accumulated snow adds excessive weight, which can deform the roof or damage the suspension system, making driving unstable and unsafe. Moreover, melted snow that refreezes can corrode the car's paint and sealing strips, accelerating aging over time—repair costs far exceed the price of a snow brush. My routine is to sweep off snow gently in the morning before starting the engine to warm it up briefly. In sleet conditions, act promptly to prevent ice bonding. Whenever possible, park in a garage or use a car cover to avoid hassle and extend your vehicle's lifespan. This small habit ensures a worry-free winter.
From a vehicle maintenance perspective, snow removal should not be overlooked. Leaving snow on the car overnight can seep into gaps, causing door seams or sheet metal to rust and accelerating component aging. When too heavy, it may even crush the sunroof or antenna. I've seen a neighbor's SUV whose wiper motor failed due to long-term snow accumulation, costing over a thousand to replace. It's recommended to use specialized snow removal spray or warm water to soften the snow, then remove it with a scraper. Combining seasonal maintenance like checking wiper blades to prevent ice damage is both efficient and cost-effective.
