Tips to make removing snow and ice from your vehicle easier

January 6th, 2013  |  Insurance

We see it all the time – people driving down the road with snow piled all over their car. It is often one of those head shaking moments that has you wondering what was going through the drivers mind when they pulled out of the driveway, let alone wondering how they can even see where they are going.

Failure to brush the snow and ice off your car not only makes it very difficult for the driver to see, it is also extremely dangerous to other drivers. Failure to remove snow and ice can lead to:

• Drivers making blind lane changes or reversing without proper visibility.
• Snow flying off the car and impeding the vision of other drivers, which could lead to an accident.
• Ice flying off and causing damage to other vehicles.

There is no argument that supports not properly brushing off your vehicle. And, many people don’t know this but, it is illegal to drive when your windshield is covered in snow or ice and you can get a ticket for doing so.

So, you just need to accept it as part of winter driving. Since you have to do it anyway, here are some tips that will make removing snow and ice from your vehicle easier:

1. Get the car waxed when washed: Getting your car waxed when you get is washed will help prevent snow and ice from sticking to your vehicle. This will make it easier to brush off.
2. Turn on the car first: The heat generated from the car will help to soften up the ice on the windshield as you brush off the snow from your car. Don’t forget to turn on the front and rear defroster.
3. Invest in a good ice scraper and brush: This cannot be more understated. Investing in a good brush and ice scraper will make things so much easier for you.

Also, brush off the car before shoveling. While not really a tip for brushing off your car, this will prevent you from having to shovel the same area twice.