Q&A for How to Dig out Your Car After a Snow Storm

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I am a handicapped senior citizen who has been trying for three days to get thick ice off my car roof, but it won't budge. I have to drive my car in the morning. What do I do?

Community Answer

Throw some windshield fluid on the ice, let it soak, then scrap away in pieces. Alternatively, wait outside till someone else pulls their car in and ask them to help you. Most people will be understanding.

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Question

Can I drive if I have snow in my tailpipe?

Community Answer

No, you cannot drive with snow in your tailpipe. You would need to clean it out first.

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Question

Should I clean off the snow off my car every few hours or wait until the snow stops?

Community Answer

If the type of snow that is falling is powdery, it may be best to wait until after the storm entirely. If the type of snow that is falling is heavy, wet snow, it's best to clear that off periodically.

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Question

If a snowstorm is followed by a deep freeze, should I wait to clear the snow and ice off, or if I clear the snow first, won't I then have a sheet of ice to clear?

Community Answer

It depends on if you have a melt before the deep freeze or if there was slush or freezing rain. If there wasn't any water, you won't have much ice. Don't let your car go too long under the snow, otherwise the snow will compress under its own weight and turn to ice.

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Question

How can I melt ice that has built up on my car?

Community Answer

Natural sunlight is the best tool for melting ice. If possible, wait for the sun to warm up your car. You can also start your car and turn on the heat and defrosters, which will help the ice to melt. If the ice is on the windshield or windows, use an ice scraper to remove it. If it has built up on other parts of your car, you can use the palm of your hand to smack the area which should cause the ice to crack. Do not use hot water or salt on the car, as hot water will crack the glass and salt will damage the paint.

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When you leave a car outside and it snows several times plus there might be freezing rain, do you lift the wipers from the glass when parking it as a precaution or do you keep them on the windshield?

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Yes, if your vehicle has wipers that can be lifted without damaging them, including when the ignition is turned on to warm it up later, lifting them can help in several ways. It prevents the wipers from becoming frozen to the windshield during thaw/freeze cycles. It allows you to more easily sweep snow and ice from the windshield without damaging the wipers. It may also allow any snow or ice on the wipers themselves to more quickly melt or evaporate, before you need to use them.

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