Your winter emergency car kit isn’t complete without this item

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Many windshield scrapers come with brush attachments that make it easy to wipe away snow. Getty ImagesAfter living in upstate New York, I’ve come to love many things about winter. Ice skating, building snowmen and buying snow boots distract me from the things I don’t love so much, like shoveling heavy snow and scraping ice off a car windshield. If you live in a cold climate or experienced winter storms, then you know the frustration that comes with the latter, especially when you’re in a rush to work.

Windshield scrapers and snow brushes are some of the best tools for getting the job done, plus, they’re far safer than pouring hot water over the top and probably shattering it. To find the best windshield scrapers and brushes, I spoke with auto glass repair experts and compiled a list of options based on their guidance.

Best overallAstroAI Snow Brush And Ice Scraper For Car Windshield$14.44$16.99AmazonLearn moreBest compactRevHeads Ice Scraper for Car Windshield$undefined$9.99AmazonLearn moreBest extendableAstroAI Ice Scraper For Car Windshield And Extendable Snow Brush$24.29$26.99AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselectedHow to shop for a snow blower before winter arrives — plus, the best optionsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

All of the products below have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon.

$14.44$16.99AmazonNow 15% off$16.99$29.99WalmartNow 43% offWhat to knowWhat we likeComes with a carrying bagBlade has a loopWorks on doors and roofsSomething to noteIsn't extendableThis combination windshield scraper and snow brush is 27 inches long when put together. The plastic scraper is also detachable from the brush and the handle has a nonslip grip to keep your hand steady.

$9.99AmazonWhat to knowWhat we likeHas two sidesSmallHas a foam gripSomething to noteDoesn't have a brushThe RevHeads windshield scraper is small but still effective for ice removal, thanks to its dual-sided blades. One side is a smooth plastic blade for clearing soft snow, while the claw side is best for breaking up stubborn blocks of ice. It has a nonslip grip on the handle and there’s a built-in loop if you want to hang it on a wall when you aren’t using it.

$24.29$26.99AmazonNow 10% off$26.99$29.99WalmartNow 10% offWhat to knowWhat we likeAdjustable lengthBreaks down to three partsBlade has two sidesSomething to noteBest for large carsSimilar to the windshield scraper and brush combination from Astroai above, this one has an extendable handle that allows you to reach across your windshield and even the top of your car. If you have a large car or own a truck, this may be your best option. It detaches into three separate parts, which you can use individually or as two or three pieces together. The brush attachment also spins 360 degrees, making it easier to brush away snow in hard-to-reach areas or angles.

$37.47Lowe'sAnother small one-hand option, this windshield scraper has a 4-inch blade and 10-inch handle. Similar to others on this list, it has two sides: one to help break apart the layer of ice on the windshield and then another to smoothly push it away. It’s also small enough to store in your glove compartment, trunk or under a seat.

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a windshield scraper. Here’s what I kept in mind to pull together this list:

The height and size of your car will partially determine how easy it is to use an ice scraper and snow brush on it. If you have a large truck or SUV, opt for a windshield scraper with an extendable handle so you can clear snow across the top and other hard-to-reach spots.

If you live in a place where snow and freezing temperatures are routinely expected, invest in a windshield scraper with an extendable handle and a brush attachment, since you’re more likely to have an icy windshield. For milder climates, a snow brush may be enough to get the job done.

Both Asch and Patterson strongly recommend against pouring warm or hot water on your car windshield to melt ice. This is because the sudden change in temperature causes thermal stress and often leads to glass cracking and breaking. You should also avoid using hair dryers, ice picks or hammers to scratch away ice, all of which can also crack windshield glass.

Both of our experts recommend using the scraper in an up and down motion rather than a side to side one to avoid scratching the glass.

To help with de-icing your car windshield, Patterson recommends turning on your car around 10 minutes before you plan to drive. “Start your engine and turn on the heater to the maximum setting to absorb excess moisture with hot air,” he says. Then, turn on the air conditioner to help dry the water from the melting ice. Lastly, open the car windows to let cold air come in and further help dry the melting ice.

Before winter begins, you can change your wiper fluid to a formula suited for cold weather, according to Asch. “This winter formula has de-icing properties that can help melt snow and ice on your windshield and prevent your windshield washer system from freezing,” he says. Another option is to put the wiper fluid in a spray bottle and spray that on the ice to help with melting.

Asch also recommends replacing your windshield wipers every six months to ensure they are in working condition and are effective at getting rid of light snow and other debris. Additionally, you should leave your wipers up during the winter to prevent them from sticking to your windshield because of ice.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about several home products and appliances. I’ve also previously written about winter supplies and appliances, including snow blowers and snow shovels.

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Cory FernandezCory Fernandez is a commerce editor for NBC Selected, and an authority on all things food, cooking, kitchen, home, and general lifestyle.