Clear the tailpipe before you start the engine
This is the most important step. If snow blocks the exhaust pipe, exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, can build up inside the car. Walk to the back of the car and clear snow away from the tailpipe before starting it, and check again after a big storm or when the City plow leaves a windrow behind the car. The same goes for anyone sitting in a parked car with the engine running to stay warm.
Never warm up a car in a closed garage
Do not run the engine in a garage with the door closed, even for a minute, and be careful with remote starters if the car is parked inside. Exhaust can also seep into the house through an attached garage. Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide alarms; our guide on keeping furnace vents and gas meters clear covers CO safety at home.
Brush off the whole car
- The roof. Snow left on the roof can slide onto the windshield when you brake, or blow off onto the car behind you.
- Every window and mirror, not just a small hole in the windshield.
- Headlights, tail lights and signals, so others can see you.
- Cameras and sensors, which many newer cars rely on for parking and safety features.
- The hood, so snow does not blow up onto the windshield as you drive.
Deal with ice the safe way
- Let the defroster run while you brush, then scrape with a plastic scraper.
- Do not pour hot water on a frozen windshield. The sudden temperature change can crack the glass, and the water refreezes on the driveway.
- Use winter washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
- Check that wipers are not frozen to the glass before switching them on. Your owner's manual has advice for your car.
Idling and the neighbours
Modern cars generally need only a short warm-up before driving gently. Long idling wastes fuel and adds exhaust next to your house. The City of London has rules on vehicle idling, so check the City's website for the current details.
Where to put the snow from your car
Brush car snow onto the driveway or lawn beside the car, not onto a walkway you have already cleared and not into the street or onto the sidewalk. If your driveway will be cleared later, leaving a little extra snow on the driveway is fine. Our guide should you move your car before a snow removal visit? explains how parked cars affect clearing, and keeping your EV charger and driveway clear covers electric cars.
A five-minute winter routine
- Check the forecast the night before and keep a brush, scraper and small shovel by the door or in the car.
- Clear a path to the driver's door and the tailpipe.
- Start the car with the defroster on, then brush the roof, windows, lights and sensors.
- Scrape any ice, check the wipers, and drive off gently.
- Watch for ice where the car was parked, especially if meltwater from the car or a downspout has refrozen. Our guide why ice forms under downspouts can help.
How a seasonal plan helps
The less snow there is around the car, the faster and safer the morning goes. A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season, so they are easy to find under the snow.
Prices (all plus HST):
- Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
- Double driveway: $815
- 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
- Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
- Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
- Pet-safe de-icer: $120
- Priority early-morning clearing: $125
- Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95
Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.
Get a quote
Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 639-2069.
Frequently asked questions
Can the crew clear around my car?
A parked car leaves snow underneath and around it. Our guide on moving your car before a visit explains what to expect. If you leave early every day, ask about priority early-morning clearing when you request your quote.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
Get my free quote