Choosing the best snow shovels for your car is not like choosing the shovel you’d keep in your shed. Predictably, they are much smaller and lighter, ready for you to whip out and unfold at a moment’s notice to shift snow that may be trapping your car. This makes them more than ideal in an array of handy winter products.
You’ll see such foldable snow shovels and notice they all look roughly the same. Indeed the formula is pretty commonplace – the difference lies in the quality of construction. There’s no point buying a shovel that’ll buckle and turn to rust the second it touches snow.
The other great thing about snow shovels for cars is that they’re relatively compact. This means you can store the things along with other winter items. These include little ice scrapers or maybe an extra bottle of screen wash.
The best snow shovels at a glance
This article recommends the best snow shovels to keep in your car over winter. We’ve also covered other valuable extras you might want to consider carrying around, such as the best de-icer products.
The best snow shovels
Editor's pick
The blade has serrated edges to deal with ice and compacted snow. A real bonus is that it comes with a vinyl storage pouch. The unfolded length is 58cm while the folded length is 24.5cm which is means storage shouldn't be an issue at all.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with serrated edges to cut through snow and ice
Cons
- Some may be opposed to its smaller size
The best value snow shovel
However, it's a solid steel construction, so it isn't quite as strong as Draper's carbon steel shovel blade. AA's shovel also comes with a storage pouch, but it's fabric rather than vinyl.
Pros
- Great value
- Design allows it to cut through snow
Cons
- Not as strong as the Draper
The most versatile snow shovel
Rrp: $35.00
Rrp: $35.00
In addition to the folding steel blade, the handle slides using a push-button mechanism, similar to an umbrella. A nylon drawstring bag handles storage.
Pros
- Doubles as a hammer
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Not specifically designed for snow
The best budget snow shovel
Unlike some of the others on our list, it won't double as a useful tool when going camping or digging up dirt. It's primarily a snow shovel and will come across as fairly rickety when presented with other tasks.
Pros
- Great value snow shovel
- Easily foldable and compact
Cons
- Won't be much use in other tasks
The best full-sized snow shovel
It's made from anodised aluminium for durability and lightness and features a T-handle for better grip and comfort. The bright yellow finish also means you won't be losing it on dark winter nights.
Pros
- Full sized shovel
- Aluminium structure
Cons
- Assembly is required
The most comprehensive snow shovel
Rrp: $26.90
Rrp: $26.90
This 3-in-1 shovel can also be used as a pickaxe and a pick hoe, and the carbon steel construction means it'll be durable. Corrosion resistance also comes as standard thanks to the black powder-coating. Weighing 0.9kg, at only 23cm x 15cm folded up it can be stored easily.
Pros
- 3-in-1 tool
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Might be a bit overkill
The best snow shovel when folded
It's pretty good value, too, but unfortunately, build quality won't be as on-par as some of the others on this list.
Pros
- Great value
- Folds into compact pile
Cons
- Build quality not the best
FAQs
What features should I look for in a car snow shovel?
Compact size: It should fit easily in your car boot or under a seat.
Foldable design: Many car shovels fold for easier storage.
Durable materials: Aluminum or hard plastic are popular choices for both strength and lightness.
Ergonomic handle: A comfortable grip will make it easier to use in harsh conditions.
Can I use a regular garden shovel instead?
A regular garden shovel can be bulky and impractical for storing in your car. It may also be too large or heavy to effectively clear snow around a car without risking scratches. Car-specific snow shovels are designed to be lightweight, compact, and efficient for this specific task.
Are collapsible snow shovels sturdy enough?
Yes, collapsible snow shovels for cars are generally designed with durability in mind. Many feature strong, lightweight metals like aluminium and reinforced joints to ensure they hold up under pressure.
Are metal or plastic shovels better for clearing snow?
Both have their pros and cons:
Metal shovels: Stronger and more durable but heavier. They may scratch your car’s paint if not used carefully.
Plastic shovels: They are lightweight and less likely to cause scratches, but they might not be as durable in heavy or packed snow.
Is there a legal requirement to carry a snow shovel in my car during winter in the UK?
There is no legal requirement to carry a snow shovel in your car. However, it’s highly recommended during winter months, especially if you’re driving in areas prone to snow or ice, as it can help you in emergency situations.
Other things to consider with snow shovels
Primarily, you want to make sure the shovel can live up to shovelling snow. In the same way that a good torch can live up to lighting a dark area. Build quality will be key, and when the snow is particularly tough and hard to move, having a shovel that’s well-built will save you in the long run. Draper’s shovel is our editor’s pick for a reason, simply because it’s well-built.
Secondly, it’s whether you’ll actually need one at all. While this notion seems to contradict the article, heavy snow does occur in certain parts of the U.K. or, indeed, in other countries. But other areas tend to only get one or two days’ worth of light snowfall. For example, mid-winter in Scotland will be very different than in Sussex. This effectively makes the snow shovel, or even a set of snow socks, a requirement only for certain people. So, our advice is to keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area(s).
Finally, if you’re in a situation where you do need a snow shovel, then consider if other winter products will be needed as well? These will undoubtedly include the likes of winter tyres, the best snow chains, and probably dome dashes of engine cleaner.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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