Getting stuck in the snow while driving can be quite frustrating. This is especially if you do not own a 4×4. You could use some traction mats to get yourself out of a sticky situation, but those don’t usually help if you’re deep in the mud. You need the best portable and collapsible snow shovel that you can easily use to dig your car tires out.
We have prepared a list of the best collapsible snow shovels available on the market. This list contains options that can be used in case of an emergency, no matter the weather condition. The good news is that most of them can be stored in the car throughout the year as they do not take up much space.
Best Collapsible Snow Shovel for Your Car Trunk
- Best Overall: LIFELINE Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
- Best Value for Money: Overmont Folding Emergency Snow Shovel
- Best Compact: Behandy Collapsible Shovel for Car Snow
- Best Retractable: SubZero 17211 Auto Emergency Snow Shovel
- Best Extendable: COFIT Retractable Snow Shovel
The Best Retractable Folding Snow Shovel for Your Car
1. Best overall: LIFELINE Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel
The LIFELINE Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel is designed to collapse into 3 pieces that fit easily in your car trunk. It adjusts from 21” to 26” to 32”. This means that it can fold into something that can fit in a backpack.
The shovel weighs just 1.3 pounds and boasts a high-quality light aluminum construction. It’s easy to carry and use when shoveling snow. You never know what weather conditions you’re likely to experience. Therefore, this is a must-have.
The shovel is available in 6 colors which include red, blue, gold, matte black, olive, and orange. The metal is powder coated to ensure the color stays bright and vivid throughout its use.
The good news is that you can also use it for other purposes other than digging snow. This includes digging gravel, digging sand, and digging dirt.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Portable
- Colorful
- Collapsible
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Uncomfortable handle
- Not ideal for icy snow
What customers are saying
“This is a very nice little piece of gear. It’s sturdy yet still lightweight. Breaks down into three pieces so it’s easy to fit in any trunk. And what I really appreciate is the width of the blade. You can actually get a hunk of snow out with each shovel full. The cost was more than fair. Seems pretty well built. I like it very much. I recommend it.”
“Amazing for Quebec icy winters. Has helped myself and my friend dig their cats out of ice on the street from the snow plow. Also used to shovel out cars from fluffy snow. Great for digging out a spot to park your car. Extremely sturdy and collapsible. Have had this for 5 years and it’s still like new! Amazing product. Recommend to all my friends.”
2. Best Value for Money: Overmont Folding Emergency Snow Shovel
This Overmont folding emergency snow shovel comes with an extra ice scraper that can come in handy when removing snow from your windshield. It weighs 1.42 pounds and adjusts from 26 inches to 32 inches.
This is one of the best and most durable collapsible snow shovels available on the market. The shovel surface measures 11 x 8 inches. It carries substantial snow with each scoop and is easy to use. It’s the best product for a car, RV, SUV, or snowmobile.
It can be broken into 3 pieces that easily fit inside the attached pouch, making it easy to store in your trunk. When you need it, simply attach the pieces together and use your shovel to remove snow, sand, mud, or dirt.
The aluminum is anodized to make sure the color stays durable even when exposed to the elements. It does not fade no matter how long it’s used.
Pros
- Includes ice scraper
- Includes pouch for storage
- Easy to carry and store
- Lightweight and heavy duty
- Long-lasting finish
Cons
- Might be too short for some
What customers are saying
“I like the fact that the shovel comes apart and fits nicely in a supplied canvas carrying case, this helps when storing the shovel in your car’s trunk. If you plan on using the shovel for camping or emergencies on the road I recommend this shovel.”
“Great shovel for snow camping – just the right size for building a campsite in the snow. It’s small enough to hack through icy crusts and still picks up enough volume to clear an area reasonably fast. I recommend this shovel.”
3. Best Compact: Behandy Collapsible Shovel for Car Snow
Behandy is a unique collapsible car snow shovel compact E tool that boasts a military design and build. It’s very compact and very easy to use. When extended, it measures 18.5 inches. It also weighs 1.6 lbs, making it lightweight enough.
You can use it for shoveling snow when your car is stuck or when you need to clear your driveway. You can also use it to scoop ashes out of a fire pit and move logs around. It features a pickaxe that measures 4.6 inches for digging deep into the snow.
The shovel is serrated on the side of the blade to allow users to cut branches when they need to. In short, it performs several functions. It can be used as a snow shovel, sand shovel, tactical shovel, gardening shovel, pickaxe, hoe or saw, or a camp shovel.
The tool is designed to meet the survival needs of different people in different situations. The manufacturer includes a lifetime warranty with each purchase.
Pros
- More compact than other options
- Military design
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to fold up
- Includes a carrying case
Cons
- Rusts in salted snow
- Small in size
What customers are saying
“This is the 3rd “army” shovel I have purchased AND the best! I was expecting the typical thin metal and cheap welds, but I was very surprised. This is a high-quality piece of equipment. The shovel feature is expected, but the backhoe and pick were a true bonus. A great buy…you won’t be disappointed.”
“I love the fact that this is a very sturdy/durable lightweight shovel that can be used around the house in your garden or stored in your car for camping and hiking trips. For the low price point, you can’t beat this smart tool, which also has a glass breaker feature!”
4. Best Retractable: SubZero 17211 Auto Emergency Snow Shovel
The SubZero is one of the best collapsible snow shovels because it extends a bit further than other conventional shovels. It comes with a shovel head 9.5 inches wide and extends up to 37 inches for a long reach. This means that you get more leverage while shoveling.
It also features a D-shaped handle that provides a soft grip. Unlike the other shovels, your hands won’t get tired from having to hold at an uncomfortable position. It’s made out of lightweight and durable plastic that makes it easy to carry and move around.
The SubZero is exactly what you need to get out of a tricky snow situation. The telescopic handle provides an extra reach while the wide blade comes with enough room for snow. It can fit in the trunk of your car or on the floor. The product weighs just 1.2 pounds.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Extends up to 37 inches
- Scoops more snow
- Comfortable telescopic handle
- Durable and compact
Cons
- Not sturdy for icy snow
- Available in one color
What customers are saying
“This shovel is great. I’m living in Buffalo and today alone I have used it 3 times; to make a parking space for myself, and get two other cars out of the snow. It takes up very little space in the trunk compared to the regular snow shovel I previously had in the back seat. It may not be as solid as regular snow shovels, but it has been doing the same job as one so far.”
“Great little lightweight shovel to carry in the car to help you get out of those tough spots in the bad winter weather, especially after they plow & you have to shovel between your car & the guy next to you. Shipped fast, good quality, good price & like the brighter color so you can find it easily. The fact you can expand the length of it is a major reason to buy this. Great little product. Thank you.”
5. Best Extendable: COFIT Retractable Snow Shovel
The COFIT Retractable snow shovel detaches into 4 pieces. It can reach a maximum length of 43 inches (110 cm), making it one of the longest and best folding collapsible snow shovels for a car.
The manufacturer provides different length options for people of different heights. This means that you get to pick the shovel that works for you. The longest options do not bend while working thanks to the superior aluminum alloy construction.
The COFIT shovel weighs 1.63 lbs (740g) which is about a third of the weight of a similar size steel shovel. It is lightweight, compact, sharp, and effective. When detached, each piece measures less than 15 inches, making the snow shovel portable enough to store in your car trunk.
This product is ideal for snowy weather, outdoor, and garden use. It disassembles easily and quickly and can be put into a backpack. The manufacturer includes a storage bag with the purchase.
Pros
- Perfect length for snow shoveling
- Has a variety of lengths
- Includes storage bag
- Easy to assemble and store
Cons
- Might break when shoveling heavy snow
What customers are saying
“The length and shape of the shovel is perfect for snow or crust ice. I quickly cleared the front, back, and sides. I can’t imagine a better shovel design. When I was done, I drove the car back up on the road and never needed the two when it arrived. The shovel fits right back into the plastic waterproof bag so the car stays clean. I’m going to buy these as gifts. Highly recommended.”
“A brilliant bit of kit, strong and easy to put together. Just what I needed to get the snow off the paths, I love that it folds into parts and that it can be stored in its own bag. I’m thinking about putting it in my camper van or buying a second for that. Highly recommended.”
Final Note
When looking for the best collapsible folding snow shovel to keep in your car, pay attention to the material, how efficient it is, how comfortable it is, and if it comes with any accessories. The best shovels are designed to be light but to carry enough snow without bending or braking.
Aluminum can be more durable than plastic, but it isn’t necessarily stronger. You can also choose a more efficient version that uses electricity. However, it may not be collapsible. Ergonomic designs are also popular among many manufacturers as they make handling the snow shovel easier.
To get more value for your money, check whether the product comes with accessories such as a storage bag, ice scraper, or snow brush. These allow you to remove snow in areas where the snow shovel won’t work.
Most importantly, ensure that the shovel does not cause back aches. It should have a taller design, a rotating handle, and a comfortable grip. One of the best ways to confirm these details is by reading reviews on Amazon and similar stores. Happy shopping!
