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How to Remove Snow and Ice from a Car

And the Consequences If You Don’t

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By Susan Meyer
Updated February 3, 2026
Reviewed By Beth Swanson
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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  1. Why you shouldn't skip snow and ice removal
  2. How to De-Ice a Car
  3. Things to avoid when de-icing a car
  4. Preventing ice on cars
  5. Will insurance cover damage from ice storms?

Snowy Cars Are Road Hazards

In January, a snowstorm blanketed much of the United States in snow and ice. The storm extended over 1,300 miles from the Great Plains to New England leading to halted traffic, cancelled flights, bitter cold from Montana to the Florida panhandle and over 800,000 homes without power.[1]

The storm also led to deep snow in many places and icy roads in others. For people who park their cars outside, this can mean snow and ice buildup on the vehicle. Once the roads are safe to drive, it can be tempting to skip snow and ice removal or do the bare minimum, but that can lead to legal consequences and create hazards on the road.

In this article, we’re covering how to remove snow and ice from your car the right way and why you shouldn’t cut corners.

Why You Should Never Skip Snow and Ice Removal

Snow and ice on your vehicles creates a number of hazards at a time when roads are probably already pretty hazardous. If you don’t completely clear the front and back windshield or if you leave snow on top of the car, it can lead to:

  • Reduced visibility and increased crash risk. Not fully clearing the windshield will obviously limit critical sightlines, and as you pick up speed, snow that was on your roof may dislodge in a mass and block your windshield. 
  • Snow and ice become road hazards for other drivers. These are known as “ice missiles” and occur when snow or ice falls off a vehicle as it picks up speed and lands on another vehicle or on the road in front of them. 
  • Potential fines or legal consequences in some states. Many states have laws around driving with snow or ice. See below for details. 
  • Damage to your car’s windshield wipers, paint and mirror: The weight or ice or snow can strain or crack windshields or sunroofs.
Car driving in snow

State Ice Missile Laws

Driving with snow or ice on top of your car is illegal in 11 states through what are known as “ice missile laws.” These states include Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Alaska.[2]

In New York and Ohio you can also be charged under reckless driving statutes or if the snow and ice causes damage to another vehicle or leads to a crash. 

Even if your state doesn’t have laws on the books specifically related to ice missiles, local laws may apply.

How to De-Ice a Car the Right Way

It’s cold outside and you’re late to work, so it can be tempting to try to rush the process, but that can create more damage to your vehicle. Here’s how to remove the snow and ice correctly the first time and while limiting damage to your ride.

1. Remove accumulated snow.

If you have significant snow accumulation on the car, you will need to take care of that first. If you have a leaf blower or snow blower, now is a great time to bust it out to help get accumulated snow off the roof. If you don’t have a blower, you may need to use a broom, but be careful because many brooms can scratch your car’s paint. 

2. Start the car.

Make sure the exhaust pipes and radiator grill are clear before turning on the vehicle. Then once it’s on, crank up the heat on the front and rear windshield refrosters. This speeds up the melting process. 

3. Scrape away ice from glass.

Once you’ve got things melting, you can spray on a mixture of isopropyl alcohol with warm (not hot) water and a drop of dish soap to help or use a commercial de-icer which usually has methanol as the active ingredient.[3]  Then go in with your ice scraper and clear any remnants away. Make sure to clear all glass surfaces: front and back windshield, windows and mirrors to have complete visibility. Don’t just clear a small peephole. 

4. Do a final check.

While uncovered the roof and windows is job one, you also want to make sure you’ve cleared off any sensors, cameras and your headlights and taillights before you hit the road.  

Safe, Recommended Tools

  • Snow brush with soft bristles

  • Ice scraper (plastic, not metal)

  • De-icing spray or homemade solutions

  • Gloves and windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temps

How to De-Ice a Car the Wrong Way

So that's what you should do, but here’s all the things to avoid. First of all, it’s a good idea to avoid any “life hacks” you see on Tiktok. Never pour boiling water on your windshield to de-ice it. Avoid sharp objects like hammers and shovels to try to crack ice. 

Don’t use any of the following. 

  • Metal scrapers, shovels or sharp objects

  • Hot water

  • Household chemicals not meant for cars

You should also avoid using the windshield wipers to clear away ice, as this can cause damage to them and also just isn’t effective.

Tips to Avoid Damaging Your Car

Many drivers are concerned with damage to their car when de-icing. Here are some tips to avoid scratches to your finish

  • Use the defroster strategically.

  • Apply de-icer or rubbing alcohol solution.

  • Scrape gently at an angle. Never use metal scrapers!

  • Be patient—more forceful scraping causes damage.

Preventing Ice and Snow Build Up

Of course, you can prevent all (or some) of the work above with a few ounces of preparation. Snowstorms usually come with some warning, so get to work before the storm to avoid spending your morning removing ice. 

Parking in a garage or carport is obviously the most foolproof method; however, that option isn’t available to everyone. Even if you have no choice but to park on the street or in uncovered parking, there are steps you can take. 

1. Cover your windshield.

You can buy windshield covers at most auto parts stores. You can also use a tarp or even a large towel or old sheet to place over the windshields and prevent ice formation. Hold the cover in place using the wiper blades to keep it from getting blown off. This method works best if light or no snow is forecast as heavy snow can make the cover difficult to remove. 

2. Treat your windshield.

You can also buy commercial spray-on ice shield products to pretreat the windshield and prevent ice formation. 

3. Lift wipers and lubricate door seals.

Lifting your wiper blades keeps them from freezing to the windshield. You can also spray silicone spray on your door seals to keep them from sealing shut. 

4. Make sure your gas tank is full.

Stormy weather or traffic delays can force you to change routes, so you want to make sure you have the fuel to adapt. Additionally a fuller gas tank will help prevent your car’s gas line from freezing.

Will Car Insurance Cover Damage Caused from Ice?

The chance of an accident increases on icy roads. Additionally snow and ice can cause damage to your vehicle by causing falling branches or from the weight of the snow itself. Will insurance cover the damages?

Damage from multi-car crashes on icy roads

Like all accidents regardless of percipitating peril, these crashes are covered under the liability portion of the negligent driver’s insurance policy.

Damage from crashing into an object

If ice causes you to spin out and crash into a tree or guardrail, your collision coverage will come into play to repair the damages.

Damage from falling ice, trees, etc.

For these damages caused by the ice storm, you will need to have comprehensive coverage in order to file a claim.

Wrapping Up

Preparing your car before the storm is the best way to save yourself time and headaches later. However, if you have an ice and snow-covered car, taking the time to safely remove the accumulation will make for safer driving for you and all the other drivers on the road.

And remember: Even if your car is road ready…the roads might not be ready for it. This is particularly true in places where icy weather is not the norm and there is no infrastructure for clearing or de-icing roads. Pay attention to the news and local bulletins to know when it is safe to drive. 

Sources

  1. Colossal winter storm dumps deep snow across the nation, with at least 13 deaths reported. [PBS]

  2. Driving with snow on top of your car is illegal in several states across the US. [Fox 7 Austin]

  3. How to de-ice your car's windshield. [AAA]