Snow brush, ice scraper and shovel: how to choose them and clear your whole car
Pick the right winter tools, clear every window and sensor, and dig out safely
Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation built this guide from winter guidance by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other federal and state agencies, plus published survey research. Every source is listed at the end.
Why a fully cleared car matters
Winter weather causes trouble in two ways. It makes the road slick, and it makes it hard to see. Federal road weather experts note that snow and ice cut tire grip and make vehicles harder to steer [1]. Heavy snow and sleet can also limit how far you can see [1].
From 2019 through 2023, collisions during snow, sleet, hail or freezing rain killed an average of 407 people a year in the United States [2]. They injured about 34,200 people a year on average [2].
You cannot control the storm, but you can control how much you see. A small hole in a frosted windshield can hide a person at the curb. Snow on your lights hides your signals from everyone else.
Treat clearing the car as the first winter skill of the season. Our guide to driving in snow and ice covers grip, skids and when to stay home. This article focuses on the tools: how to choose them, use them and keep them ready.
Three tools, three jobs
Each tool has one main job. The right tool protects your glass and paint.
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
What each snow tool is for
| Tool | Main job | Also useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Snow brush | Pushes loose snow off the roof, hood, glass and lights | Gently clearing cameras, sensors and license plates |
| Ice scraper | Removes frost and ice from glass | Freeing wiper blades and mirror glass with care |
| Small shovel | Clears snow from around tires, doors and the tailpipe | Digging out after a slide off or a plow buries your car |
Federal agencies put these tools on their winter car lists. NHTSA suggests carrying a snow shovel, a broom and an ice scraper, plus sand or cat litter in case you get stuck [3]. OSHA’s emergency kit for work vehicles includes a windshield ice scraper and a shovel [4]. Ready.gov’s car kit also lists an ice scraper [5].
Who needs them and where to get them
Anyone who drives where snow falls needs a brush and a scraper. A shovel matters most if you park outside or travel far from help.
- Everyday drivers: A brush, a scraper and a compact shovel that fits in the trunk cover most needs.
- Owners of tall vehicles: SUVs, pickups and vans need a longer, extendable brush to reach the roof.
- RV and trailer owners: Large roofs call for long handled tools used from the ground.
- Rural property owners: Long driveways, plow piles and longer waits for help make a sturdy shovel worth carrying.
- Fleets and employers: OSHA says employers should keep up a maintenance program for the vehicles workers must drive [4]. Every work vehicle needs its own kit.
- Road agencies and contractors: Plow trucks and crew pickups need clear lights and glass before each shift, too.
You can find these tools at auto parts stores, hardware stores, outdoor and farm supply stores, and the seasonal aisle of general stores. Truck stops and travel centers often carry them. Fleets and agencies usually buy through roadside safety or fleet equipment suppliers.
Buy before the first storm, and check that the shovel and brush fit in your trunk or cargo area.
How to choose a snow brush, scraper and shovel
Good tools need to reach, grip and hold up in the cold.
Snow brush
- Length: Standing beside your vehicle, you should reach the middle of the roof without leaning on the car. Tall vehicles need an extendable handle that locks firmly.
- Head: Foam pushes heavy, wet snow well. Soft bristles handle light, dry snow and tight spots.
- Pivoting head: A head that turns sideways lets you pull snow off the roof toward the side.
- Grip: Padded grips are easier to hold with gloves.
Ice scraper
- Blade: Look for a wide, flat, smooth edge with no nicks. A chipped edge can scratch glass.
- Ice chipper: Hard ridges on the back break thick ice. Use them only on glass, never on paint or plastic.
- Size: A compact scraper fits in a door pocket, so you can reach it if the trunk freezes shut.
Small shovel
- Size: A compact or folding shovel fits most trunks but should still be long enough to dig without kneeling for long.
- Blade: A tough plastic or metal blade breaks up packed plow snow. A narrow blade fits between the tire and the wheel well.
- Handle: A D shaped grip gives better control. If the handle folds, check that the locking pins snap in fully.
The full clearing routine, top to bottom
Clear from the top down so snow does not fall onto areas you already cleaned. Connecticut’s driver’s manual tells drivers to clear every window of snow, ice and frost before setting out [6]. Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation gives every driver the same advice. A full clear goes further than the glass.
- Check the tailpipe first. If snow is piled behind the car, dig it out before you start the engine.
- Start the engine outdoors and turn on the defrosters. NHTSA advises making sure your defrosters and wipers work before winter arrives [3]. Warm air loosens ice while you work.
- Clear the roof. Push snow off to the sides and back, away from the windshield.
- Clear the hood and the vent below the windshield. Snow there can block the air your heater pulls in.
- Clear every window. Brush off loose snow, then scrape all the glass. Do not settle for a peephole.
- Clear both side mirrors. Brush gently, then scrape lightly if needed.
- Clear every light. Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals all need to show.
- Clear cameras and sensors. Brush the grille, bumpers, mirrors and the area behind the rearview mirror.
- Free the wipers. Lift each blade off the glass gently. Do not run wipers that are frozen in place.
- Brush the license plates and walk around once more. Then pull out.
Roof snow and tall vehicles
Roof snow is easy to skip, especially on a tall vehicle. When you brake, a sheet of it can slide forward and cover your windshield in an instant. At speed, it can blow off in chunks and strike the vehicle behind you.
A frozen sheet of ice on the roof can come loose in one piece. Let the heater run to soften the bottom layer. Then push the sheet off with the brush, standing to the side so it cannot slide onto you.
On tall vehicles, use an extendable brush and work from the ground on each side. If you need a boost, use a sturdy step stool on cleared, level ground. Do not stand on the bumper, the tires or a slippery door sill.
RVs, box trucks, trailers and pickups
Clear large roofs from the ground with long handled tools, and avoid ladders on ice. If you manage a fleet, ask how drivers clear truck and trailer roofs without climbing up. Pickup owners should also check the bed, where loose snow can blow out at highway speed.
What about the law?
Rules on snow and ice left on vehicles differ from place to place, and they change. Ask your state’s driver licensing agency or state police what applies where you live. The safest habit does not depend on the rule: clear the whole vehicle every time.
Lights, sensors and cameras
Many newer vehicles use cameras and radar for features like automatic emergency braking, which can brake for you to avoid or lessen a crash. Snow and ice can block these sensors. A 2018 AAA Foundation survey asked owners of vehicles with automatic emergency braking about it. One third (33%) did not know the system used cameras or sensors that dirt, ice or snow could block [7].
Your owner’s manual shows where your sensors sit and how the vehicle warns you when one is blocked. NHTSA urges drivers to read the manual to learn about their own safety features [8]. Common spots include the front grille or emblem, the bumpers, the side mirrors and the top of the windshield.
Use the soft side of your brush on sensors and camera lenses, never the hard scraper edge. If a warning says a sensor is blocked, stop in a safe place and clean it. Assume the feature may not work until the warning clears.
Plastic headlight covers scratch easily, so brush them instead of scraping.
Using the shovel safely
A shovel helps you get going and get unstuck, but it can also strain your body.
Keep the tailpipe clear
Snow around the tailpipe raises the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so keep it clear [10]. Carbon monoxide is a gas in exhaust that you cannot see or smell. CDC estimates that each year more than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires [9].
CDC warns against running a car or truck in an attached garage, even if the garage door is up [9]. If you use a remote starter, make sure the car is outdoors with the tailpipe clear. CDC also advises a yearly exhaust check, since even a small leak can let the gas collect in the cabin [9].
Digging out
If you slide off the road or a plow buries your car, dig snow away from the tires, the underside and the tailpipe. NHTSA suggests carrying sand or cat litter for grip in case you get stuck [3]. Our companion articles on traction devices cover the next steps.
If you cannot get free, NHTSA advises staying with your vehicle and not overexerting yourself [3]. CDC says to run the engine and heater about 10 minutes per hour, with one window open slightly and the tailpipe clear [10]. Our guide to roadside breakdown safety explains when to stay in the car and when to leave it.
Protect your heart and back
CDC notes that cold weather adds strain to the heart [10]. Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure should ask a doctor before shoveling [10]. CDC also suggests dressing warmly and working at a slow pace [10].
OSHA’s lifting advice is to hold your back straight, let your legs do the work and avoid twisting [4]. It also calls for frequent breaks somewhere warm [4]. Push snow instead of lifting it when you can, and take small scoops. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness, stop and call 911.
Common mistakes that damage glass or put you at risk
Most clearing mistakes come from being in a hurry.
- Pouring hot water on the windshield. A sudden temperature change can crack cold glass, and the water can refreeze where you stand.
- Driving with a peephole. A small cleared patch hides people and cars to the side.
- Using the wrong tool. Keys and metal edges scratch glass. A plastic card can snap and cut your hand.
- Scraping with a dirty or chipped blade. Grit and nicks leave scratches that glare at night.
- Running frozen wipers. This can tear the blades or strain the wiper motor.
- Warming up in a closed space. Running the engine in an attached garage can let carbon monoxide into the home [9].
- Overdoing the shovel. Lifting heavy, wet snow fast can hurt your back and strain your heart [4, 10].
A clear windshield also needs winter washer fluid with deicer, as NHTSA advises [3].
Care, storage and a preseason check
A quick check each fall keeps your tools ready. Replace the scraper if the edge is chipped, rough or warped. Rinse grit out of the brush and let it dry so it does not scratch paint. Work the extendable handles and locking pins to make sure they still hold.
Store the shovel and brush in a waterproof bag or bin, and secure them so they cannot fly forward in a hard stop. Keep a scraper inside the cabin in case the trunk freezes. Our guide to securing cargo explains why loose items matter in a crash.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to clear the roof for a short trip?
Yes. The first hard stop can send roof snow sliding over your windshield, even a block from home. It can also blow off and hit the car behind you or a person walking. With a brush that reaches the middle of the roof, the job takes only a minute or two.
Can I use hot water to melt ice on my windshield?
It is best not to. Cold glass can crack when hot water hits it, and the water can freeze again on the glass and the ground. Instead, start the engine outdoors and turn on the defroster. Let the warm air soften the ice, then use a plastic scraper with a smooth edge.
Is it safe to let my car warm up in the garage while I shovel?
Not in an attached garage. CDC warns against it even when the big door is raised [9]. Carbon monoxide can build up and enter the home. Back the car out, check that the tailpipe is clear of snow, and let it run outdoors. If you use a remote starter, make sure the car is outside first.
What size snow brush do I need for an SUV or pickup?
Pick a brush that lets you reach the middle of the roof while standing on the ground. For most SUVs, pickups and vans, that means an extendable handle. Measure from the ground to your roof line before you shop, and look for locks that hold tight under heavy snow.
Can snow on my bumper affect my car’s safety features?
Yes. Many driver assistance features rely on cameras and radar that snow, ice or dirt can block [7]. Your owner’s manual shows where they are and what warning you will see [8]. Brush those spots gently before each trip. If a warning appears while driving, stop somewhere safe and clean the sensor.
The bottom line
Recommendation from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation urges every driver to clear the whole vehicle, from tailpipe to roof to lights, before each winter trip. A snow brush, an ice scraper and a small shovel are some of the least expensive safety tools you can own. Used well, they let you see the road and let others see you. They also help you dig out and keep your tailpipe clear if you get stuck.
Make full clearing a habit: tailpipe first, then roof, hood, glass, mirrors, lights, sensors and wipers. Choose tools that fit your vehicle, check them each fall, and pace yourself when you shovel. A few extra minutes in the driveway can prevent a collision on the road.
Related articles
- Driving in snow and ice: grip, black ice, skids and when to stay home
- Roadside breakdown safety: what to do when your car breaks down
- Rural road safety: why country roads are deadlier and how to drive them
- Journey management for work drivers: weather, breakdowns and check ins
- Secure cargo and tow safely: a loading guide for families and trailers
Sources and further reading
- 1Federal Highway Administration, Road Weather Management Program. Snow & Ice. Accessed October 2026. ops.fhwa.dot.gov/…/snow_ice.htm
- 2Federal Highway Administration, Road Weather Management Program. How Do Weather Events Affect Roads? Accessed October 2026. Data year: 2019 to 2023 (five-year annual averages). ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
- 3National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle. Accessed October 2026. nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips
- 4Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Winter Weather: Hazards and Precautions. Accessed October 2026. osha.gov/winter-weather/hazards
- 5Ready.gov (U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Car Safety. Updated April 15, 2024. ready.gov/car
- 6Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Connecticut Driver’s Manual. Revised March 2023. portal.ct.gov/…/drivers-manual-english.pdf
- 7AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (McDonald, Carney and McGehee, University of Iowa). Vehicle Owners’ Experiences with and Reactions to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Published September 2018. Data year: 2018 (survey). aaafoundation.org/…/vehicle-owners-experiences-reactions-a…
- 8National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driver Assistance Technologies. Accessed October 2026. nhtsa.gov/…/driver-assistance-technologies
- 9Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics. Updated January 12, 2026. Data year: annual estimate (years not stated on page). cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
- 10Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safety Guidelines: During and After a Winter Storm. Updated January 26, 2026. cdc.gov/…/stay-safe-during-after-a-winter-storm-…
This article reflects the safety priorities of winter visibility and everyday vehicle preparedness. It is general safety education, not legal, medical, insurance or financial advice. Rules on clearing snow from vehicles vary and change, so check with your state's driver licensing agency or state police. Ask your doctor whether shoveling is safe for you, and check your owner's manual or the dealer's service department about your vehicle's sensors. Reviewed October 2026.
Cite this article: Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation. “Snow brush, ice scraper and shovel: how to choose them and clear your whole car.” drivewithcare.org, https://drivewithcare.org/snow-brush-ice-scraper-car-shovel/. Reviewed October 2026.
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