How to Remove Snow From a Vehicle's Roof

Snow should be removed before a vehicle is driven.

Residents of cold-weather states often have to deal with snowy vehicles during the winter months. While it may seem snow is merely an inconvenience, it can actually cause dangerous driving conditions when not properly disposed of. If snow remains on a vehicle when you drive away, it can slide down on the windshield or rear window and block your view. For this reason, total snow removal from a vehicle should be accomplished with each snowfall before you drive.

Things You'll Need

• Snow brush
• Scraper (if icy)

Instructions

1. Start the vehicle's engine and turn on the window defrosters. Turn on the heater and point all vents upward toward the roof to help melt the bottom layer of snow. If you have time to spare, you can let the vehicle warm up for five or 10 minutes while you wait inside.

2. Grab a snow brush and stand beside the driver's side door.

3. Reach over the roof with the brush as far as you can. Brush the snow off to the side of the car. If you can't reach the roof from the ground, you can open the door and stand on the floor panel of the vehicle.

4. Move to the passenger side of the car and repeat the procedure if you couldn't reach all of the snow from the driver's side.

5. Brush the snow off the windshield, rear window and side windows. You must also scrape off any ice on the windows. Check the windshield wipers to ensure they can move.

6. Remove snow from the headlights, taillights and turn signal indicators. A thick layer of snow may potentially block all light emitted from these areas, which can be dangerous.

Tips & Warnings

• Ice and frost on the windshield can be difficult -- sometimes impossible -- to see through. You must always make sure the windshield is clear before you attempt to drive.

• Do not pour hot water over the windows in hopes of melting ice quickly. The sudden temperature change make crack the windows.

References

• Smart Motorist: How to Drive in Winter