Here in North Carolina, we don’t have much snow during an average winter. Therefore, many drivers do not keep an ice scraper or brush in their vehicle. What if you are caught needing to drive after it snows, though? If you’re searching for “how to get snow off car without scraper”, we can help. Here are our best tricks for safely removing snow, along with some general winter car care maintenance tips.
Snow Removal Tips to Avoid
Before we get started with a few ways to remove snow from your car, lets talk about a few snow removal techniques to avoid. These three techniques might seem like a good idea, but they can damage your car.
- Boiling/Hot Water
- Using Salt
- Sweeping Snow Off With an Outdoor Broom
First and foremost, it might seem like common sense that if you pour hot or boiling water on snow, it will melt. While that might be true, this is a snow removal technique you should absolutely avoid. The sudden change in temperature can cause your windshield to instantly crack. If it is still relatively cold outside, the hot water can chill quickly when it contacts the snow, causing ice build-up. In short, you could end up with a cracked windshield and more ice than when you started.
You should also avoid using salt or any other sidewalk chemicals on your car. Yes, this can melt snow, but it is made for more durable surfaces. It can wreak havoc on your paint and glass, causing scratches and other issues. It’s never a good idea to use chemicals on your car unless they are specifically made for vehicles.
Last but not least, be very careful using any kind of broom to remove snow from your car. While this can be an effective way to remove snow, if you’ve been using the broom to sweep leaves, rocks, dirt, and other debris, particles could be stuck in the bristles. It only takes one tiny twig or barely-visible stone to leave huge scratches on your car.
Safe Options: How to Get Snow Off Car Without Scraper
The best case scenario is that you have an ice scraper and brush that you keep in your vehicle for winter storms. However, if you are searching “how to get snow off car without scraper,” that advice probably doesn’t help you right now. Here are a few safe options you can use if you need to remove snow from your car but don’t have a scraper.
- Turn on the heat and defrost: This will help the snow start to melt. You can use a gloved hand to gently remove as much snow as possible. This isn’t the fastest option, but it will work.
- Spray your windshield with rubbing alcohol: You can use this technique as long as it isn’t cold enough for the rubbing alcohol to freeze as well (around 5 degrees). Remove as much show as possible and then spray any remaining build-up with a mixture of 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part water (room temperature, NOT hot). You should see the snow start to melt faster with this method.
- Scrape with an old card: If you don’t have an ice scraper, you can make a makeshift scraper using an old credit or gift card. This method does take some elbow grease and works best if you’re only removing a thin layer.
You can use a brush or broom to help you push the snow off, but only if you are absolutely sure it is completely clean. As mentioned, if there is even the tiniest bit of debris in the bristles, you can cause major scratches.
Winter Car Prep – Be Ready for Storms
Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we can help ensure your vehicle is ready for any winter storm. This doesn’t just mean buying an ice scraper to keep in your trunk. We can also assist with the following:
During the coldest months of the year, keep yourself and your family safe by maintaining your vehicle properly. Even though we typically don’t see the massive snowfall and low temperatures they get up north, North Carolina can still have some harsh weather. Make sure your car is in great working condition and keep a winter car kit in your trunk or backseat. It’s better to be prepared.
FAQs About Kernersville Auto Center
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about how to get snow off car without scraper or other car care tips. Here are a few frequently asked questions about our shop and our services:
How can I keep my car looking great in the winter?
Slush and road salt can make your car dirty in an instant. Worse, this kind of winter sludge can eat away at your paint job and cause scratches and rust. Do yourself a favor and wash your car regularly during the winter at our drive-through car wash. Yes, we have monthly plans available!
What kind of maintenance does my vehicle need?
Our certified mechanics can let you know what kind of car care you need. Every vehicle is different, so they will look at manufacturer recommendations and your driving habits to help you come up with a maintenance schedule.
Do I need an appointment?
No, you can stop in any time. However, the fastest way to get on the road again is to schedule an appointment. Click here to book your preferred time slot now.
