Keep the powder and slippery stuff off your driveway this year with these top-rated products.
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This article was updated in February 2023.
The days are shorter, and the coats get heavier. Yep, it’s winter. Time to break out the shovels! For many of us, winter means snow and ice—two things our cars really hate on driveways. An ice-free driveway is safer for both vehicles and people, looks better, and will make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
Our Top Picks
- Snow and Ice Melter Polar Ice $43 AT AMAZON Read More $43 AT AMAZON
- Single Stage Snow Blower Snow Joe $256 AT AMAZON Read More $256 AT AMAZON
- All-Natural Winter Traction Ecotraction Pro $43 AT AMAZON Read More $43 AT AMAZON
- Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel Snow Joe $40 AT AMAZON Read More $40 AT AMAZON
- Cordless Electric Snow Shovel Greenworks $259 AT AMAZON Read More $259 AT AMAZON
- 2-stage Snow Thrower YardMax $930 AT WALMART Read More $930 AT WALMART
- Ice Chopper Snow Joe $18 AT AMAZON Read More $18 AT AMAZON
- Yooper Scooper Snow Scoop $217 AT AMAZON Read More $217 AT AMAZON
- Rock Salt Morton $20 AT AMAZON Read More $20 AT AMAZON
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Considerations for Clearing Your Driveway of Ice and Snow
How do you keep your driveway, walks, and stairs safe and surefooted? It really depends on how large an area you need to clear, and how you want to do it. Environmental concerns are a consideration for some; pet paws are a worry for others. Damage to cars, concrete, and gutters can be a side effect of some ice melters. No matter your concerns, keep your driveway snow-free and safe this winter with one or more of these top-rated products.
Polar Ice Snow and Ice Melter
$43 AT AMAZON
Magnesium chloride is a bit more expensive than other snow-melting solutions, but we think the benefits justify that price hike. This stuff works all the way to minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t damage your concrete. Best of all, it’s harmless against your pet’s paws. This 15-pound bucket even comes with its own handy scoop.
Snow Joe Single Stage Snow Blower
$256 AT AMAZON $159 AT HOME DEPOT $295 AT QVC
Here’s a traditional snowblower—and a nice and quiet one, to boot. This electric Snow Thrower from Snow Joe should get the job done; it’s capable of moving 800 pounds of snow per minute. While it’s powerful, easy to maintain, and quiet, it’s also corded, so its range can be limited. We do recommend picking up a cold-weather extension cord to maximize your range.
Ecotraction Pro All-Natural Winter Traction
$43 AT AMAZON
If you live somewhere with extreme cold or endless snow, try this Winter Traction formula. In this bag, you’ll get 40 pounds of volcanic material that embeds itself in the ice on your drive to provide some level of grip. This product is environmentally friendly and safe for people, plants, and pets. Also, it won’t damage your driveway or vehicle—a perk we car folk certainly appreciate.
Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
$40 AT AMAZON $119 AT HOME DEPOT $32 AT TRACTOR SUPPLY CO
If sprinkling rocks on your driveway ain’t your cup of tea, it’s time to get out the old-fashioned snow shovel. Except this one doesn’t break your back. This shovel from Snow Joe features a spring-loaded handle to absorb impact and make it easier to scoop a full load of fresh powder.
Greenworks Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Now 21% off $259 AT AMAZON
It might not be the ideal tool for clearing the entire driveway every single time, but this lightweight cordless electric snow shovel will do the trick on quick jobs, small pathways, and stairs. Greenworks claims it’ll clear snow up to six inches deep. Run time is rated at just 30 minutes, but it’s easy to store, start, and use. This kit comes with the blower, a battery, and a charger.
YardMax 2-stage Snow Thrower
Now 15% off $930 AT WALMART
Those with long or otherwise expansive driveways should opt for a 2-stage snow thrower. This one from YardMax, with its push-button electric start and headlight, is less expensive than more well-known brands and does the job just as well.
Snow Joe Ice Chopper
Now 10% off $18 AT AMAZON $24 AT HOME DEPOT $20 AT TRACTOR SUPPLY CO
Sometimes the ice is so thick, it needs some persuasion to break apart. Enter the trusty ice chopper. But don’t worry about absorbing repeated shocks; this chopper comes with a spring-loaded handle so your arms don’t take a beating. The blade is seven inches wide and perfect for chopping, scraping, and dicing through the toughest ice sheets.
Snow Scoop Yooper Scooper
$217 AT AMAZON
Affectionately known as the Yooper Scooper, this snow scoop is renowned in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 24-inch scoop eliminates bending over and lifting; just push and pull the snow away. The galvanized steel is durable, and the reinforced cutting edge will get down to the concrete.
Morton Rock Salt
Now 32% off $20 AT AMAZON
One of the quickest ways to prevent snow and ice accumulation on your driveway is good old rock salt. This is the cheap way to go about it, but it does have some drawbacks. It’ll melt ice and snow only above 5 degrees Fahrenheit, it can damage your driveway and corrode your vehicle, and the melted water can refreeze if the salt gets brushed away. But if you’re looking for a quick, economical way to chase away ice, give this a shot.
From: Autoweek
Collin Morgan Associate Commerce Editor Collin Morgan is an Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors. Jon Langston Senior Commerce Editor Deputy Editor for Hearst Autos, Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more.
Keyword: How to Keep Your Driveway Snow- and Ice-Free This Winter