Recent winter precipitation has left many vehicles covered in a thick layer of snow and ice. For those drivers without the benefit of a garage or covered parking spot, AAA Oklahoma is offering reminders of the importance of properly clearing snow and ice from cars, as well as the right ways to do so without damaging the vehicle.

When you do go to dig out, AAA Oklahoma reminds drivers to clear all of the snow and ice off of vehicles “It’s important to clear the windshield and all of the windows of snow and ice so a driver has a 360-degree view of the road,” says Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma. “Don’t neglect the roof of the vehicle. Clear all of that frozen precipitation away so that so that it can’t blow off and create a dangerous situation for drivers on the road behind you.”

How to safely clear snow and ice from your vehicle

• Clear away as much snow as possible from around the tires under the vehicle and near the vehicle exhaust pipe. Keeping the vehicle exhaust is especially important in deep snow to avoid potentially hazardous build-up of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle.

• If the car door or lock is frozen, apply gentle force to push and then pull on the door handle; use a de-icer fluid (kept in your house, not locked in the vehicle) to spray around the door seals and locks to help melt the ice; pour warm water over the car door and lock (not the window glass) to help thaw the ice; or use a match or lighter to heat the end of your key to help it melt the frozen lock mechanism.

• Once you gain access into the vehicle, turn on the defrost system, adjusting the airflow to ‘recirculate,’ and the temperature control to full heat to help aid the melting of ice on the windshield and rear window. Softening the ice with the defroster will make it easier to scrape off.

• Make sure side windows, mirrors, headlights, taillights and turn signals are unobstructed.

• Remove snow from windshield wiper blades and ensure fluid nozzles are clear of snow or ice.

• Do not use a shovel to remove snow from the body of your vehicle. This can cause scratches and damage to the paint. Use a soft bristle snow brush or pusher on the car body.

• Never pour hot water over the vehicle windshield or windows. The frozen glass can easily shatter due to the sudden and extreme temperature change.

• Do not pick at the ice on the windshield by using an ice pick, screwdriver or any metal object to remove the ice as this can shatter, crack or scratch the glass. Use a designated plastic ice scraper and snow brush.