Safe method of snow removal?

toml · 10-25-05, 06:29

As much as I hate to face up to it, winter is just around the corner in New England, and I don't have the benefit of a garage

Last winter, with my new car, I'm pretty sure I got some marring on the trunk edge where it drops off to the bumper from either my snow removal technique or from the hardened snow sliding off the trunk on its own. My "technique," if you can call it one, is to use my gloved hand and wipe most of the snow off the car. I leave a small layer next to the paint as I'm not going to use my glove to remove that (shudder) and I figure it'll melt when either the car warms up or the sun melts it.

Do any of you have techniques or tips on safely removing snow without marring the paint?

White95Max · 10-25-05, 06:42

That's about how I do it. I have a garage, but when it snows on my car when it's outside, I just clear off the glass with my snow brush, and wipe the horizontal surfaces of the car with my arm (inside my coat). I leave a little bit of snow on the paint so that I don't touch it with my arm or glove.
As it gets colder outside, the snow is fluffier, and it usually blows right off the car when you drive away.
The wet snow will eventually melt and slide off.

psl car wash · 10-25-05, 08:13

a hairdryer

HomicidalSloth · 10-25-05, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by psl car wash

a hairdryer

Not a bad idea really. Or for those worried about it, why not invest in a leaf-blower?

AndyH_STi · 10-26-05, 04:24

Boar's hair snow brush purchased mabe 5 years ago from Stratmosphere. I don't believe they sell them anymore though. No scratching, but doesn't work great with a deep, heavy snow as the bristles are pretty flexible.

Accumulator · 10-26-05, 07:50

Stratmosphere had those brushes last winter IIRC. I got mine a long time ago and like them, but I don't use the brush on anything except my glass. Just not soft enough for me.

IMO there's no way to avoid the risk of some light marring if the car gets really covered with snow. Just the melted stuff sliding across the paint can mar it if the snow contains any abrasive grit. The method White95Max described (clearing off all but a thin layer) are about the best you can do. Keeping a healthy layer of slick LSP sure won't hurt though.

Oh, and those Sno-Broom things work OK for this, but if you use them to really clear the snow off, as opposed to leaving a thin layer, they'll mar for sure. Still use mine on rentals though

White95Max · 10-26-05, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomicidalSloth

Not a bad idea really. Or for those worried about it, why not invest in a leaf-blower?

A leaf blower would only work for clearing fluffy snow. Driving at 25mph would accomplish the same thing.