Top 5 Best Portable Snow Shovels for Your Car In 2023

At least 34 people have died as a result of a historic winter storm that hit Buffalo, New York. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with driving bans remaining in place and many grocery stores closed. A further 7.3 inches of snow fell on Monday, bringing the total for the season to over 100 inches.

Among the fatalities, three people were found dead in their vehicles, four died without heat in their homes, three died from cardiac events related to shoveling or other snow-clearing and three died after emergency services were delayed. The storm has been described as “the worst storm probably in our lifetime”, even for an area accustomed to high snowfall off the Great Lakes. Source:

When winter weather hits, having a reliable snow shovel can help you keep your car mobile. The best snow shovels for your car are portable and easy to store in your trunk or back seat and are made from materials like aluminum or carbon steel.

They are collapsible or detachable for compact storage and may have features like integrated pickaxes or serrated blades to help clear away ice. Look for shovels with handles that are easy to grip and may have ergonomic shapes, padding, or a combination of both.

Some shovels may also have additional tools like pickaxes to break up ice or dual functionality as a snow brush and squeegee. Consider options with longer poles for greater reach under your car and the ability to shorten the pole for better leverage around tires. Plastic is also a budget-friendly and lightweight material option for car snow shovels.

5 Best Portable Snow Shovels for Your Car

1. Yukon Charlie’s Collapsible Shovel

This portable shovel is made of aluminum and features adjustable blade angles to make it easy to remove snow from tough spots, like around tires. It has a slip-proof handle and can be collapsed to a compact size for easy storage in your trunk or back seat.

Pros of Yukon Charlie’s Collapsible Shovel:

1. Adjustable blade angles: The adjustable blade angles of this shovel make it easy to remove snow from tough spots, like around tires.
2. Compact size: When collapsed, the shovel has a compact size that is easy to store in your trunk or back seat.
3. Slip-proof handle: The T-shaped handle has a slip-proof design for comfortable use during long shoveling sessions.

Cons of Yukon Charlie’s Collapsible Shovel:

1. Size limitations: The overall length of the shovel is quite short, so it may not be suitable for shoveling large areas like driveways or sidewalks.
2. Price: Some users may find the price of this shovel to be on the higher side compared to other options on the market.

2. Fridlife Folding Snow Shovel

This aluminum shovel is also portable and can be collapsed to a compact size for easy storage. It has a T-shaped handle for comfortable use and can be detached into two pieces for added storage options.

Pros of Fridlife Folding Snow Shovel:

1. Compact size: This shovel can be collapsed to a compact size for easy storage in your trunk or back seat.
2. Detachable design: The shovel can be detached into two separate pieces, giving you more storage options when you’re tight on space.
3. Comfortable handle: The T-shaped handle of the shovel is comfortable to use during long shoveling sessions.

Cons of Fridlife Folding Snow Shovel:

1. Size limitations: The overall length of the shovel is not as adjustable as some other options, so it may not be suitable for shoveling large areas like driveways or sidewalks.
2. Limited blade angle options: The blade of this shovel does not have adjustable angles like some other options, which may make it more difficult to remove snow from certain areas.

3. ORIENTOOLS Collapsible Snow Shovel

This multipurpose shovel has an extra-large D-shaped handle that can be used vertically or horizontally for leverage, and folds into the body of the shovel for compact storage. It has a twisting design that can be locked in a 90-degree position for use as a scoop and ribs on the blade for added strength.

Pros of ORIENTOOLS Collapsible Snow Shovel:

1. Extra-large handle: The shovel has an extra-large D-shaped handle that can be used vertically or horizontally for optimal leverage.
2. Compact size: The shovel can be collapsed to a compact size for easy storage in your trunk or back seat.
3. Multi-purpose design: The main joint connecting the handle to the blade has a twisting design that can be locked in a 90-degree position, allowing you to use the shovel as a scoop for digging your car out of extra heavy or deep snow.

Cons of ORIENTOOLS Collapsible Snow Shovel:

1. Durability: Some users have reported issues with the durability of this shovel, with the handle or blade breaking after limited use.
2. Limited blade angle options: The blade of this shovel does not have adjustable angles like some other options, which may make it more difficult to remove snow from certain areas.

4. Stalwart Oversized Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper:

This snow shovel has a dual function as a snow brush and ice scraper, making it a convenient tool to have in your car. It has a large, ergonomic handle for easy grip and can be collapsed for easy storage.

Pros of Stalwart Oversized Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper:

1. Dual function: This snow shovel has a dual function as a snow brush and ice scraper, making it a convenient tool to have in your car.
2. Large, ergonomic handle: The handle of the shovel is large and ergonomic, making it easy to grip and use.
3. Compact size: The shovel has a folding design for easy storage in your trunk or back seat.

Cons of Stalwart Oversized Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper:

1. Limited shoveling capabilities: As a dual-function snow brush and ice scraper, this shovel is not designed for heavy-duty shoveling tasks and may not be as effective at clearing large amounts of snow.
2. Durability: Some users have reported issues with the durability of this shovel, with the handle or blade breaking after limited use.

5. Snow Joe SJBLZD Telescoping Snow Shovel

This portable shovel has a telescoping handle that can be adjusted to the desired length and locked in place for added stability. It has a durable, rust-resistant blade and a comfortable, ergonomic handle.

Pros of Snow Joe SJBLZD Telescoping Snow Shovel:

1. Adjustable handle: The handle of this shovel is telescoping and can be adjusted to the desired length and locked in place for added stability.
2. Durable and rust-resistant blade: The blade of the shovel is made from a durable, rust-resistant material that is built to last.
3. Comfortable, ergonomic handle: The handle of the shovel is ergonomic and comfortable to grip, making it easier to use for longer periods of time.

Cons of Snow Joe SJBLZD Telescoping Snow Shovel:

1. Size limitations: The overall length of the shovel is not as adjustable as some other options, so it may not be suitable for shoveling large areas like driveways or sidewalks.
2. Price: Some users may find the price of this shovel to be on the higher side compared to other options on the market.

Buying guide for best portable snow shovels for your car

When shopping for a portable snow shovel for your car, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best option for your needs:

1. Size: Consider the size of your available storage space and choose a shovel that will fit comfortably in that space. You’ll also want to think about the size of the shovel in relation to the tasks you’ll be using it for.
2. Material: Snow shovels can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon steel, and plastic. Consider the strength and durability of the material, as well as its weight, when making your decision.
3. Portability: Look for a shovel that is collapsible or detachable for compact storage in your trunk or back seat.
4. Handle design: Consider shovels with handles that are easy to grip, either due to an ergonomic shape or padding, or a combination of both.
5. Additional features: Some shovels may have additional features like integrated pickaxes or serrated blades to help clear away ice, or dual functionality as a snow brush and squeegee.
6. Price: Determine your budget and look for a shovel that fits within that range. Keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for, so a higher-priced shovel may offer better quality and durability.
7. Warranty: Check to see if the shovel comes with a warranty and consider the length and terms of the coverage.
8. Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high-quality shovels.

By considering these factors, you can find the best portable snow shovel for your car and your specific needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best portable snow shovel for your car, there are a few key factors to consider. Size and material are important for finding a shovel that will fit comfortably in your car and be durable enough to handle the job. Look for a shovel that is collapsible or detachable for easy storage, and consider options with comfortable, easy-to-grip handles.

Additional features like integrated pickaxes or dual functionality as a snow brush and squeegee can also be helpful. Determine your budget and look for a shovel that fits within that range, while also considering the warranty and brand reputation. By considering these factors, you can find the best portable snow shovel for your car and your specific needs.