Remove snow from a car gently so you stay safe and avoid scratching the paint or glass. Use soft tools, clear all windows and lights, and never drive with snow left on the roof.
Basic steps
- Start the car and turn on front and rear defrosters and heat to help loosen ice on the glass.
- Use a snow brush or soft broom to clear loose snow from the roof first, then hood, trunk, windows, mirrors, and lights.
- Use a plastic ice scraper on the glass (not paint) to remove ice, letting the defroster do most of the work.
What to use
- Snow brush with soft or foam head for paint and glass.
- Plastic ice scraper for windows only.
- Gloves and a small shovel only for around the tires and under the car, not on painted surfaces.
What to avoid
- Do not use metal shovels, metal scrapers, or credit cards on paint.
- Do not pour hot water on a cold windshield (risk of cracking).
- Do not leave thick snow on the roof or hood; it can slide or blow off while driving and block visibility.
Extra tips
- Lift wiper blades up before a storm so they don’t freeze to the glass.
- Clear around the exhaust pipe so it is not blocked by snow.
- If the snow is light and fluffy, a leaf blower or your gloved hands can work without touching the paint with hard edges.