Car care tips: How to remove snow from your car

 Whether you live in an area that sees its fair share of snow or are traveling into one, it's always a solid bet to know the car care basics involved with winter weather. Driving in the snow is one thing, but knowing how to care for and maintain your N Charlotte Toyota is just as important. We're here with seasonal car care tips straight from the experts at our car care center - check out this quick guide to removing snow from your car quickly and efficiently. 

So you got a dumping during the night and now your car is buried in snow. It's pretty to look at, sure, but when you consider how much work it's going to be to remove it, all those winter wonderland vibes dissipate pretty quickly. What should you do, and in what order? Let's review. 

Four steps to take when cleaning snow off your car 

Step #1: Make sure your tailpipe is clear. Before you do anything, walk around to the back of your N Charlotte Toyota and make sure that the tailpipe isn't blocked by snow. If it is and you turn the car on, you could get a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide. Clear all snow away from the tailpipe before you move on to step 2. 

Step #2: Get inside and turn the car on. Once you've cleared the tailpipe, hop into the driver's seat and crank the engine. Turn the defroster on full blast to help melt ice on the windshield, and run the heat so your car is toasty by the time you have to get back behind the wheel. 

Step #3: Remove the snow from your windows. Next, hop back out of the car (sorry) to clean snow from the windows so you have a clear view all the way around your car. While the defroster works away at the windshield, sweep snow from your car's windows, headlights, taillights, turn signals, backup camera, and side mirrors. It's also not a bad idea to sweep off the roof of your car so when you drive, snow doesn't just dump back down on your back window. 

Step #4: Clear the snow from your wiper blades. When you've finally cleared off the rest of your car, remove the snow from your car's wiper blades so you can utilize them when you hit the road. Finish clearing snow from your windshield and remove any remaining ice with a scraper, and you should be good to hit the road. 

Also, keep in mind that this aspect of winter car care is a lot easier if you have the right tools. Here are some supplies to keep in your trunk: 

• A snowbrush with plastic bristles 
• A push broom 
• An ice scraper 

A shovel. But a caveat - never use a shovel or anything metal to remove snow from your car - you can do a number on your car's paint. 

And remember, the easiest way to deal with this type of winter car care is to avoid it. Parking under cover or in a garage is best, and will also help protect your car's paint, plastic, and tires from extreme weather and temperatures. 

Get more information on winter car care at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have more questions about winter car care? Call us! Toyota of North Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. You can stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.