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Clearing snow from your car with the engine running may result in a fine
(photo Moje Auto)
When winter comes, drivers stock up on snow scrapers, window defrosters and car frost covers. They already know that there is a time ahead of them when they have to get up earlier and spend more time in the morning preparing the car for driving. Clearing snow from your car is necessary to safely hit the road. Snow on the windows limits visibility, and snow on the roof may slide off while driving. To get into a warm car, drivers often turn on the engine and then start clearing snow. However, running the engine while stationary may result in a fine.
Incorrect clearing snow from the car
Before you start driving in winter, you need to thoroughly clear the snow from your car. Many drivers use the "tank driver" method, i.e. they only clean a part of the windshield to see a little. As stated in Art. 66 of the Highway Code, the condition of the car cannot pose a threat to other road users. Car snow removal Therefore, it should include cleaning all the windows in the car, as well as the headlights and the roof. Imagine driving with the wind blowing away the snow on the roofs of your cars. Visibility is significantly reduced. Incorrect clearing snow from the car it can cost you up to PLN 3000. If you also forget to clear the snow from your license plate, add PLN 300 and 8 penalty points to this amount.
(photo: My Car)
Parking with the engine running and snow removal
The interior of the car after a frosty night is not conducive to comfortable driving. The temperature in the car drops uncomfortably. To warm the interior, drivers start the engine before shoveling snow. Did you know that in this way two laws are broken? Parking with the engine running in built-up areas is prohibited. If you do not comply with this regulation, you may pay a fine of PLN 100. Moreover, the car cannot be used if the engine operation causes noise and excessive exhaust emissions. For a policeman wcombined engine at standstill and clearing snow from the car at the same time has no justification and such a practice is considered excessive exhaust emissions.
Car snow removal with the engine running – how to avoid a fine?
It won't be a good excuse that you wanted to heat up the inside of the car. For this to be possible, the engine would have to run at low speed for several minutes. If a policeman catches you red-handed, you can try to avoid a fine, e.g. if you have children and you wanted to warm up the car to take them to school in good conditions for them. However, not every policeman will accept such an argument.
(photo: My Car)
Car snow removal with the engine running, you can explain it differently. The running engine facilitates effective drying of the windshield using the airflow. This is also a way to activate the electric window heating. Parking with the engine running it is also possible, and even necessary, without the risk of a fine, if you own a car with a turbine. The engine should run for about half a minute while stationary to cool down.
How to clear snow from your car?
You already know that you can't clear snow from your car with the engine running. So how can you do it quickly and effectively and at the same time get rid of snow from the windows, headlights and, of course, the roof? You can choose the typical one rubber scraper, which is available in the Moje Auto offer. It works very well not only in the case of snow, but also ice. If you are looking for multifunctional accessories, choose brush-scraper made of flexible bristles, making it easier to remove dirt, and the scraper handles snow and ice very well. You can choose a smaller brush-scraper or larger, depending on your preferences.
(photo: My Car)
Or maybe clearing snow from the car Is it so bothersome for you that you would like to shorten the time needed to clean your car in the morning as much as possible? In this case, we recommend car rental frost cover on the windshield. It has ends that need to be slammed against the door to prevent it from being torn off by the wind. In the morning, just remove the cover without having to clear the snow.
(photo: My Car)
Fine for incorrect clearing snow from the car it's a really unnecessary expense. You yourself know perfectly well what you could spend this amount on, which this time may end up in the policeman's pocket. Remember that parking with the engine running is inconsistent with road traffic law. Always remove snow from windows, headlights, license plate and roof. Do you follow these rules?
Improper removal of snow from your car - you will be fined!
- Incorrect clearing snow from the car poses a threat to other road users.
- Remove snow from windows, roof, headlights and license plate.
- Parking with the engine running and clearing snow from your car at the same time is breaking 2 regulations.
- You can have engine on at a standstill only if you dry the windshield or have a car with a turbine.
What to avoid when clearing snow?
You now know how you should behave when clearing snow from your vehicle. When you see that your car is covered with snow in the morning, start clearing it relatively early. First remove the snow from the roof, then from the hood and doors. Then from the side windows, and finally clean the lamps and license plates. Later, when you start the engine, the moisture from the windshield will evaporate thoroughly.
If you remove snow with scrapers, do not under any circumstances use self-made or damaged ones. You can use them to destroy the paint on the body, seals, and even scratch the glass. If your car is covered in a thick layer of ice, don't try to remove it by hitting it. You will certainly damage the paint and maybe even one of the windows.
Effective home methods for removing stubborn ice
If you have a problem with ice on your car, you can use proven methods to remove it. The best one is to use a defroster. It will melt the ice on the windows, body and lock. If you don't have a defroster, you can use water. However, this is a dangerous method and, if performed incorrectly, may damage the paint and glass. Therefore, reach for it as a last resort. If you decide to do this, remember that it cannot be too warm, at most a few degrees above zero. Unless it's -20°C outside, cool water will remove ice from the windows and bodywork and allow you to open the locks. Don't forget to dry your car immediately so that the water doesn't freeze again.
You can also use an electric dryer if your car is next to your house, or power it from a car socket. As you can see, you have many options. They will bring results as long as you approach them in a professional manner.
Remember that haste is a bad advisor and if you have little time to clear the snow from your car, you can make a mistake that could cost you dearly. Try to avoid situations that may result in significant material losses. Know that a car breakdown in winter will exclude it for some time, but you need it every day.
