A few minutes outside can change the way you drive in winter weather.
thick snow covered the area
The snow was still falling at a fast pace, with this scale measuring 6 inches as of 9 a.m.
- Failure to properly remove snow and ice from your vehicle creates dangerous driving conditions for yourself and others.
- The snow brush and car defroster allow you to safely and efficiently remove snow from your car.
Snow and ice can make driving extremely dangerous, especially in areas where drivers don’t experience heavy snowfall frequently. Once you can see just enough to see the road ahead, it’s tempting to jump in your car and start driving.
However, if you don’t properly clear your car of snow, it can reduce visibility in some weather conditions and create dangerous driving conditions for other drivers.
Here’s why taking a few extra minutes to clear snow and ice from your windshield, rear glass, side mirrors, and roof can help prevent crashes on the road.
Why is it necessary to clear snow from your car for safe and responsible driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that “101,390 traffic accidents that occurred in snow and sleet conditions at the time of the accident were reported to police.” Driving in the snow or after a heavy snowfall is dangerous enough, but driving without properly removing snow from your car can be disastrous.
Snow and ice that accumulates on the roof of your car can fly off at high speed, creating projectiles that can obscure other drivers’ visibility or suddenly and unexpectedly apply force to your windshield. Snow left on the roof of a car can cause a collision, especially on highways where many cars drive in the same lane at high speeds.
When it comes to visibility, clearing snow in cold weather can be unpleasant, so you may want to leave snow and ice on your front or rear windshield when you have good visibility. Snow and ice buildup on your windshield, side mirrors, and car windows can make it difficult to see while driving. Additionally, if it’s already snowing, or there’s a chance of snow falling while you’re driving, the safest option is to only operate your vehicle after you have maximum visibility.
Although it may feel like a hassle to spend extra time completely clearing your car of snow, this action and additional preparation will keep drivers safe in unpredictable driving situations. The better your visibility and control while driving in bad weather, the safer your trip will be.
How to quickly remove snow from your car
Clearing snow from your car, truck, or SUV in the frigid cold isn’t always comfortable, but it can make a big difference while you’re driving.
car snow removal tips
- Wear gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof) to minimize discomfort.
- Choose your cleaning tools wisely. Snow brushes wear less than some materials.
- Work slowly as the scraper can damage the paint if you rush.
- Utilize your car’s defrost feature to warm up your car as you clear the snow.
Removing snow from your car can be a pain, but trying to remove snow and ice too quickly can result in damage to your car. Instead, warm up your car and turn on the defroster.
Use snow brushes and other safe snow removal tools to remove snow from your vehicle over time until it is safe to drive. If snow is expected, taking the time a few hours before your commute to gradually remove snow and ice from your car will make the job go much faster when you’re ready to go.
Should you own a snowbrush?
A snowbrush isn’t necessary for drivers who live in states that don’t get snow, but if you’re likely to encounter a few inches of snow during the winter, it’s worth purchasing this tool. Snow brush and ice scraper combo tools are available at very affordable prices on Amazon and at local auto parts stores.
This tool makes it much easier to remove snow and ice, and using this tool is one of the most effective ways to remove windshields. Additionally, there are larger snow brush/ice scraper combos that can easily remove snow from hard-to-reach areas like the roof of your car.
