What is the safest way to remove snow from your vehicle this winter?
The winter weather is finally here after breaking a record for the latest recorded snowfall in St. Louis! With multiple winter weather events on the horizon, we wanted to share a few tips to help you safely remove snow from your vehicle without scratching the paint.
DO NOT USE A SHOVEL !
No matter what you do, you do not ever want to use something hard like a scraper or shovel on the painted or plastic parts of your vehicle. Glass is far more scratch resistant that the painted finish and can handle a plastic scraper to remove ice.
Stay away from hot water
Despite the valid thought that warm/hot water will melt snow and ice, dumping hot water on your car can be very dangerous. The rapid exposure to heat can cause already damaged glass (pitting, smaller rock chips, micro cracks) to shatter. This can make a huge mess off glass and water inside the cabin of your vehicle. Want proof? check out this YouTube Short.
Do use a foam Snow Broom
We have recommended Sno Brums for years. When used correctly, they make snow removal a breeze (even with heavy, wet snow) and are quite safe for the paint and glass if cares for correctly. When using the snow broom, you do not want to put tons of pressure and slide the broom on the paint. Instead, working in small chunks, break apart the snow and slide it off the car. It may take a little longer to do it this way, but it will result is a lower risk of paint damage. The smaller chunks of snow and ice will weigh less and thus cause less scratches.
Do keep your paint and glass sealed or coated
Keeping your paint and glass clean and sealed before snowfall is a great way to minimize swirls. The coating or sealant will create a slick, hydrophobic surface that will reduce the strength at which the snow and ice can bond to the glass and paint. By keeping the paint clean, you will also reduce the dirt and debris that can get stuck between the heavy snow and ice and the paintwork. This is why I always clean my car before it snows (even though it sounds crazy).
Ceramic Glass Coatings can also help decrease the time it takes to defrost your windshield and rear glass when it gets covered in ice and snow. After only a few minutes, you should be able to easily move the snow and ice off the glass with a soft towel if it isn't heavy.
Blowers for light snowfall
The EGO blowers are a great, touch-free way to remove snow from your car and driveway. They can also be used in the warmer months to blow dry your car and remove excess water from cracks, crevices and wheels. This means you can drive away after a wash with minimal drips!
