OK, I've cleaned/polished/waxed etc.. Now I have 6 inches of ice and snow on my truck, how do I clear the snow and ice without scratching the paint?

 

Snow isn't a big problem... Ice is.

The best way is to simply let it melt off. There are NO guarantees here.

While there are a few 'mitt style' products out there that tout that they will not scratch -- none of them will work well with ice.

Sorry, man!

 

Don't touch the paint.. is about the only thing you can do.

if you have to get the snow off the hood to see, use a soft brush that will just move the top layer of snow and not scrap snow/ice across the hood.

 

You can brush off the snow, but don't try scraping the ice off, it'll scratch like a bitch. Either get it indoors or wait for the snow to melt. Hopefully you can find a place you can put it in a garage or something. I know exactly what you're talking about too, my vehicles accumulate that snow and ice frequently in the winter as well.

 

Just a thought (that may sound completely stupid, but remember I am from TX), but why not let your engine run for a long time to try to heat up the hood???

Other than that, BLOWDRYER!!!

RP-- you know that "windshield spray de-icer" stuff??? What does that do to paint? I would only assume it eats wax, but since I use it (being a FF, I cant always wait for the defroster...) a lot, I am curious as to what I may be getting myself into...

If it is not harmful to paint (although this is VERY unlikely), then hypothetically you could spray it on-- but do NOT try this until RP returns the message with answers...

Another thought: Salt. Apply it, then immediately wash. I guess this sounds dumb, but you may be able to get it washed and dried before a re-freeze... I dunno, I am a Texan. we dont deal with that for more than a couple of days per year, and even then, it is NEVER more than an inch or 2 of ice...

Good luck!

 

like other said....."don't freaking touch it"

 

brush off the windows so you can see and clear off the wiper cowl. beyond that let it melt off or blow off as you drive.

 

Thanks Guy's responses were petty much what I figured, I'll let the sun and engine heat do most of the work.

 

ya, that ice can play hell on the paint job..

 

I use the squeegee side on the brush to remove the bulk of the snow. Let the ice be. It clears itself off when the truck warms up.

Never use the brush.

 

how do you clear the 20" of snow we are supposed to get today??

btw i have broken 100 posts. RP watch out.

 

Back when i lived in the great white north, i would use a piece of cardboard to keep snow/ice of the windows. when i forgot the cardboard, a shop broom gently across the hood. but if it is frozen ice/snow: FORGET IT! just let the stuff naturally go away, unless you cant get in the truck. then use cold water to thaw it

 

that advice works great... think about how you would feel if it were your wife & kid in the car.... http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=88815&sc=98

I assume it at least didn't scratch the paint on the company van...

 

Bottle of good whiskey, a warm fire, and plenty of time.

 

At least in Massachusetts as of last year, thats illegal and can cost you 75$ for the first offense, which I completely agree with.

What makes people so special (aka fat and lazy) that they can't brush off the snow, but cause a safety hazard for other drivers?