Short answer: start the car and the defroster first, then clear fresh light snow from the top down with a soft snow brush or a cordless air blower, and finish with an ice scraper only where ice is stuck. Never pour hot water on the glass.
Step by step
- Start the engine and defroster (front and rear) in a well-ventilated outdoor space. Never warm up a car in a closed garage.
- Clear the roof first. Snow left on the roof slides onto the windshield when you brake, and in many states driving with a snow-covered roof can get you a ticket.
- Windows, mirrors and lights next. You need full visibility, plus clean headlights and taillights.
- Use the right tool: a soft brush or a blower for powder, a plastic scraper for ice.
- Clear the exhaust pipe and around the wheels if snow is deep.
Light snow vs heavy snow
- Fresh, light, dry snow: blows or brushes away in seconds. This is where a cordless air blower shines: no touching the paint.
- Wet, heavy snow: push it off with a foam snow brush or broom, working top to bottom.
- Ice: let the defroster soften it for a few minutes, then use a plastic scraper.
What never to do
- Pour hot water on the windshield (it can crack the glass).
- Use a metal shovel or a hard tool on paint or glass.
- Drive off peering through a small 'peephole'.
FAQ
Can a blower remove ice?
No. Blowers are for light, loose snow, dust and leaves. Use a scraper and the defroster for ice.
How long does it take?
With light snow, a few minutes for the whole car.
The tool we use
Our Turbo Jet Snow Blower is a cordless handheld blower that clears fresh, light snow off your windshield, mirrors and steps, and dries your car or clears leaves the rest of the year. See the full Snow Day Set.