For those of you in winter climates.

[Shawn T.]

How do you get the snow off of your car in the winter without using a stiff snow brush? I had to ue one this morning on my fender and I can already see scratches.

I mean, if there's really no other way it's not a huge deal since it is a daily driver but I'm just curious to see other techniques.

[Blueline]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

You can get really soft snow brushes at any auto store, probably even at Wallymart, that will not damage the finish. Also brush gently.

[BillE]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

A soft dusting brush (foxtail) works wonders. They come in synthetic and 'hair'.

If you have a janitorial store nearby, go see what they have and you can feel the differences.

Just don't use it for cleaning the garage AND desnowing.

Bill

[BillyJack]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

I'm in the retail car business in Pennsylvania and we've tried numerous solutions over the years. Our best solution is the foam pads on a broom handle, normally known as "Snow Rakes". As with anything, careful use is the key. More paint is damaged by dragging or pushing the ice chunks across the paint than damage from the contact with the foam pad. If nothing else, it only takes 4 or 5 passes to clear a hood or roof, which is far less chance for scratching than the multiple strokes needed with a smaller brush.

Bill

[ANeat]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

Having some recent experience what Ive always tried to do is not brush all the way down to the paint, and even then I normally try to only get the most off the hood, headlights, grill, windows and not worry about the roof or anywhere else. All that will blow off.

[STRIFE]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

http://www.truevalue.com/product/Auto-Truck-RV/Snow-Ice-Removers/Snow-Brushes/Extendable-Arctic-Plow/pc/2/c/38/sc/2106/23320.uts?refineByCategoryId=2106

I use one of these....soft foam....worked great on my DD

[Murr1525]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

Leaving a thin layer to blow off is always nice when possible.

Some municipalities may feel differently...

I tried using the Meguiars Car Wash brush a while back, didnt seem like too big of an improvement. I just use my regular brush (or arm) and try not to go all the way down.

[Shawn T.]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

Thanks for all the responses guys. Do you think a Meguiars microfiber mitt would work?

[Murr1525]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

It would be better than a stiff brush on the paint, but still have the snow, ice, dirt being pulled/pushed around. And the grit may catch in the MF easier.

[cnfowler]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

Thanks for all the responses guys. Do you think a Meguiars microfiber mitt would work?

Last year, someone on Autogeek posted a video of him removing snow using that technique. It seemed to work pretty well.

Like already suggested, I recommend not brushing down to the paint. Leave a small amount of snow as a buffer.


Colin

[CieraSL]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

We bought a couple of these last year from Autogeek when they were on sale: http://www.autogeek.net/oxosnowbrush.html, except ours are the extendable version. Doesn't look like they have the extendable version anymore. Anyway, they are a very nice, high quality brush, and we haven't had any problems with them scratching or marring the paint (even our softer Honda paint).

[rqk]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

I pull a microfiber wash mitt over my snow brush and gently brush off the snow that way.

[trackcyclist1]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

How do you get the streaks off your windshield that the wipers leave behind after snow, rain and slush?

[Blueline]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

and not worry about the roof or anywhere else. All that will blow off.

Ah, you must be the fellow who had a foot of ice and snow on their roof, that suddenly blew off and shattered into my windshield on the Interstate the other day. Thanks for your consideration for other drivers.

[Blue Apollo IV]

Re: For those of you in winter climates.

I just wipe the snow off with my hands, simple as that.