The four OK Tire and Auto Service stores in Saskatoon are locally owned and operated, and have been providing superior service in Saskatoon since 1989. They provide honest advice and fair prices meaning you can count on them for the right advice and helping you with any questions. All locations provide a variety of tire, wheel, and mechanical brands to offer their customers, ensuring that all your needs can be met.
OK Tires are your Trusted Saskatoon Tire Experts and here they provide a great Tip on How to dig your car out after a snow storm!
This article details how to get your car out of the snow build-up after a blizzard or a big snow storm. It's a big job, so using the right tools and knowing what to do can help the task run more smoothly. And if you're inwardly groaning at the task, at least it's a great workout in winter!
1. Find your car.
After a snowstorm, locating your car can be tricky sometimes when a row of cars in the street or a car park look the same under the snow! Always know where you last left your car to make it easy to find again during the winter. If you need to carve out a path to get to your car, do so, as you'll want firm footing when clearing the car. If you're at work or in a general car park, wait for the car park owners to help clear the driving areas.
2.Gather the snow clearing gear.
You don't need much but what you do need must be capable of doing the job without scratching your car. Shovels have a tendency to scrape cars, even if you're careful because it's easy to slip and it's hard to know where the snow ends and the car starts until you've cleared enough snow. Only use a soft bristled broom Use a broom with feathered, soft bristle tips to do the main removal work. Don't use gardening bristle brooms or corn brooms as these will scratch the car. Also take an ice scraper for the windshield. A very careful approach to removing the snow from the car itself would be to use an old towel, and shake it out from time to time. Dress warmly. Be sure to wear gloves as your hands will get incredibly cold otherwise and you won't be able to keep clearing the car. Wear layers of clothes, as you might need to remove the snow jacket if the going gets too hot while clearing off deep snow.
3.Start digging out the car.
Depending on your personal strength, the amount of snow piled up on a car, and the temperature, this task can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. It will be much faster if you can get a helper or two on the job. The following method is recommended: Start by digging around the wheels and the sides of the car, especially the driver's door. A snowblower could be great for this and for getting rid of the snow later removed from the car itself to the ground. Don't throw the snow--and whatever junk might be mixed in with it--at the car, people, or anywhere else it could cause a problem. Shovel the removed snow well away from the car, other cars, and pedestrian walkways. The intention is to clean your car without creating more snow hazards. Brush the snow off the roof onto the ground. Brush the snow off the roof onto the ground. Since much of this will fall onto the hood of the car, also brush it off the hood. Don't leave snow on the roof or hood of the car. While it seems easier, it's a road hazard because it can blow onto your windshield blocking your view, or large chunks can blow onto other driver's windshields and block their view. If your vehicle is higher than you, use a small step ladder and a broom to push off the snow. Use a scraper to clear the windshield, side windows, side mirrors, back window and any parts of the roof and hood that are not yet free of ice. Use a scraper to clear the windshield, side windows, side mirrors, back window and any parts of the roof and hood that are not yet free of ice. Do not pour warm water on the windshield as this will cause the glass to crack!
4.After a major blizzard,
Snow may have filled the engine compartment. If so, prop the hood open, remove the snow, dry the spark plug wires and leave the hood open to let everything dry off. Also check your windshield washer outlets to make sure they are clear as you may need to clean your windows often during winter driving.
5.Try to unlock door with the key if the car doesn't have a remote.
As soon as you can get into the car, if your locks aren't frozen, start the car and turn on the heat and defrosters. The heat from the heater and defrosters will help the car to warm up and melt snow and ice while you continue to clear it off. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and only have the engine on while clearing snow when the car is outside, never when the car is in shelter as the build-up of carbon monoxide is toxic. If it doesn't open, use lock de-icer or clean and try another door if you don't have any de-icer on hand. If you don't have any de-icer on hand, using a lighter or match to heat up your key before attempting to unlock your door. This may work as the heat will melt the ice; try several times if needed.
6. Clear snow away from the tailpipe.
The exhaust must be able to flow freely from the tailpipe or it may build up in the car's interior.
7. Free up the wipers, if frozen.
Free up the wipers, if frozen. If they were running when you stopped the car, it may damage the wiper motor if you start the car and they are not free to move.
8. For where it gets really cold and your car's sluggish
Start the car. Turn on the heat and rear defroster. Wait a few minutes for the car to warm up. Then get in and drive the car as usual, provided your driveway is clear.
This video shows someone digging out their car - took 3 hours but they get there eventually!!
Thanks OK TIRE Saskatoon!! Check out their listing in Saskatoon Tires and Saskatoon Auto Repair & Service on the Saskatoon Directory of excellence to read what their many happy clients have to say about them!
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