Leave snow on car or sweep it off?

newbie007_2

davidjwest wrote: »

I left my car with the snow on it since Saturday and was concerned it wouldn't start this morning so I started it last night and took it for a 30 minute drive as it didn't start as easily as normal. I was wondering if the batter wasn't very happy and the 30 minute run might have helped recharge it a little - is that not the case?

Windscreen was nice and clear after I brushed the snow off though, so I'd probably just leave it on until you need the car.

What you did was good. 30mins drive will definately charge up the battery somewhat than just starting the car for a few minutes and not take it for a drive.

I didnt drive over the weekend so drove yesterday to another gym which isnt my local and back 4.5miles x2, car start fine although I noticed it took a split second longer to turn over. I'm from london so the temp hasnt been too low.

Lum

a 30 minute drive should be enough to replenish the charge used in starting the car.

2-3 minutes idling on the driveway most definitely isn't.

Rolandtheroadie

wiccanlou wrote: »

IMPORTANT:- There are thieves out there who are targeting people who leave their cars running to defrost the snow and go back indoors for something there has been reports of it on the news today and you aren't covered by your insurance either cause you left the keys in the car.

Reminds me of a workmate that had a subaru impreza. Used to leave it running for 5 mins because of the turbo when he arrived at work.
Arrived 7PM, went out to work, returned a few hours later to see all the cars frozen except his. Still running.

andy111

Never mind ice on the car, watch the road when it's a sheet of glass.
Wonder where this Fiesta ended up?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MPRmOUxRMY

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

davidjwest wrote: »

I left my car with the snow on it since Saturday and was concerned it wouldn't start this morning so I started it last night and took it for a 30 minute drive as it didn't start as easily as normal. I was wondering if the batter wasn't very happy and the 30 minute run might have helped recharge it a little - is that not the case?

Windscreen was nice and clear after I brushed the snow off though, so I'd probably just leave it on until you need the car.

It'll take up to five miles to put back into the battery what was taken out by starting the car, and that's five miles of driving at a half decent engine speed.

My advice, if you don't use your car that often at this time of year, would be to buy a battery charger.

philbostavros

Many years ago (when prolonged periods of snow were more common - even here in the South), my brother left his Austin Princess for over a week with a significant amount of snow on the roof and bonnet. During this time it partly thawed and refroze several times.

Eventually, (probably when he ran out of food or booze?) he ventured out to the car and wondered why, when he got in to start it, his head hit the roof linning.

Turned out the weight of the snow and ice had caused the roof to buckle. I seem to remember that the insurers paid out for a new body shell (car was nearly new then).

I know that British Leyland cars were not that well thought of, but given the increasing use of lightweight materials these days, could become a modern hazzard?

Now where did I put that soft broom?

Keep warm.

[Deleted User]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0FjntOZV58&NR=1 :rotfl:

Gordon_Hose

Deleted_User wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0FjntOZV58&NR=1 :rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

The tantrum at the end is epic :T

Doshwaster

If it's snowing regularly and you aren't using your car then I really cannot see the point in clearing it. It will only get covered again. In addition, a snow covering will protect your windscreen from a hard frost.

The again, one of my pet hates is people driving off after only clearing a small porthole in the windscreen and leaving snow piled up elsewhere on the car.

jayme1

skylight wrote: »

I clear mine off whether I use the car or not and start the engine every morning for a few minutes. My car hates being stood still for a few days in the cold and the battery is almost always dead by day four, so I now clear it and start it.

you know if your can won't start you only get about 4 goes before your battery goes flat, well starting it for only a few mins each day is basically the same you only get 4-5 starts before a flat battery.

davidjwest wrote: »

I left my car with the snow on it since Saturday and was concerned it wouldn't start this morning so I started it last night and took it for a 30 minute drive as it didn't start as easily as normal. I was wondering if the batter wasn't very happy and the 30 minute run might have helped recharge it a little - is that not the case?

Windscreen was nice and clear after I brushed the snow off though, so I'd probably just leave it on until you need the car.

but going for a 30min drive should replenish it fully, but if it is really bad snow then yo have to think is it worth risking hitting some black ice for a trip that isnt really needed.

basically a battery charger is what? £25, well worth it imo