AUTONEWS

Four tips for safely removing ice and snow from your car

Winter mornings often start with the same scene – a car completely covered in snow and ice

Although many drivers develop their own “quick methods” for cleaning, improper snow removal can lead to vehicle damage, but also to serious traffic safety problems. However, there are effective and safe ways to clean your car before setting off, reports Danas.

Below are four basic tips that help to remove snow and ice properly, without risking the vehicle and other road users.

1. Turn on the heaters first and check the exhaust...Before you start any physical snow removal, it is important to check that the exhaust pipe (exhaust) is completely free. If it is clogged with snow or ice, there is a risk of carbon monoxide returning to the interior of the vehicle, which can be extremely dangerous.

After that, it is recommended to turn on the front and rear window defrosters. They gradually heat the exterior surfaces and help to loosen the ice more easily, reducing the need for rough scraping and possible damage.

2. Never use hot water...Pouring warm or hot water on an icy windshield may seem like a quick fix, but in practice it often ends up cracking the glass. The sudden change in temperature creates stress in the material, which can result in serious damage and expensive repairs.

For the same reason, it is not recommended to use an open flame or makeshift heating devices. If parts of the vehicle that are not made of glass – such as door handles – are frozen, you can use a jet of cold water and carefully remove the ice with a soft brush.

3. Use the right tools...One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong tools. Metal scrapers, although available on the market, can scratch the glass or damage the vehicle's paintwork. The same goes for various "homemade mixtures", such as vinegar and water, which can leave permanent damage.

The best option is a combination of a plastic scraper and a soft, non-abrasive brush specifically designed for snow removal. Brushes that are not designed for this purpose can leave small scratches that accumulate over time and spoil the appearance of the car, writes rochestermazda.com.

4. Clean the car from top to bottom...When removing snow, it is important to start from the roof of the car and work downwards. By pulling the snow towards you, instead of pushing it, the risk of snow accumulating on already cleaned surfaces is reduced.

Special attention should be paid to the windshield, rear window, hood and trunk. The goal is to avoid large deposits of snow or ice that could slide off while driving and endanger the visibility or safety of other drivers. Smaller residues that will melt with the help of the heater are acceptable, but large pieces are not.

Why a thorough cleaning is important...Taking a few extra minutes to properly clean your car not only protects the vehicle from damage, but also contributes to road safety. Snow and ice that fall from the roof or hood while driving can pose a serious danger to vehicles behind.

Patience and the right equipment are key allies in winter conditions – and they help keep your car in good condition in the long run, without unnecessary repair costs.

An inexpensive food that draws moisture out of your car... For many drivers, winter weather conditions bring problems with a large amount of moisture in cars, especially in the morning, when the windshield and door windows "fog up".

A simple solution is in an inexpensive everyday food that we all have in our homes. This substance successfully prevents water condensation in the space, prevents the spread of mold and unpleasant odors.

Table salt in the car cabin...Ordinary table salt placed in a cup or plastic cup inside the car will collect all the excess moisture in the vehicle, which is introduced when we get into the vehicle with snow-covered streets and bring snow and water in with our shoes, clothes and umbrellas.

Salt has very high hygroscopic properties, which means that it absorbs water from the car cabin before it condenses on cold glass surfaces and eventually freezes. Table salt should be left in a place in the cabin that will prevent the contents from spilling.

Why do windows fog up in winter...In new cars, ventilation and heating work flawlessly in the cabin, but in older vehicles, the devices do not work well enough and there is also the issue of dirty air filters, which drivers of older cars rarely change.

It is advisable to take your car to a mechanic to check the filters, ventilation and heating. It should be noted that the salt in the glass should be changed every two weeks during the winter months, because salt, by absorbing moisture from the air, becomes lumpy over time and then draws less moisture in.

What are the other benefits of using salt...Removing moisture from the car "welcomes" the electronics in your favorite four-wheelers, because they are sensitive to water that can condense if hygroscopic substances are not used.

Also, moisture contributes to the formation of bacteria and mold, and therefore unpleasant odors in the vehicle, which salt prevents. There are other substances on the market that collect moisture, but from the point of view of price and economy, table salt is by far the least expensive.

During the winter season and through two-week salt replacements in the car cabin containers, you will use a maximum of half a kilogram of salt.

There is no need for expensive and complicated solutions when cheap and effective ones are at our fingertips.

More tips from the expert...Removing ice and snow from your vehicle requires patience and the correct tools to prevent costly damage to your paint and glass. 

1. Warm Up Gradually and Check the Tailpipe...Before starting your car to use the defroster, ensure the exhaust tailpipe is completely clear of snow and ice. A blocked exhaust can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up inside the cabin. Once clear, start the engine and set the front and rear defrosters to medium heat rather than high; cranking heat too quickly can stress cold glass and lead to cracks. 

2. Use the "Top-Down" Method...Always begin clearing snow from the roof and work your way down to the hood, trunk, and windows. 

Safety: Leaving snow on the roof is hazardous, as it can slide forward and block your windshield during braking or fly off and hit drivers behind you.

Efficiency: Working from the top ensures you don’t have to re-clear lower sections once you brush off the roof. 

3. Choose Paint-Safe Tools...Avoid using household brooms or metal shovels, which can cause deep scratches in the paint. 

Soft Bristles or Foam: Use a dedicated snow brush with soft bristles or a foam-headed snow broom. Foam brushes are particularly gentle on paint and effective for heavy, wet snow.

Straight Lines: When brushing, use straight, pulling motions rather than circular ones to minimize the visibility of any minor micro-scratches. 

4. Never Use Hot Water...While it may seem like a quick fix, pouring hot or boiling water on a frozen windshield is dangerous. The sudden temperature shift can cause the glass to shatter or crack instantly. Instead, use a plastic ice scraper or a de-icing spray. For stubborn ice, a DIY solution of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water can effectively lower the freezing point and melt the ice safely.