Michigan Residents Urged to Stop Kicking 'Snow Boogers' in Gas Station Lots

Business owners fed up with having to clean up icy wheel well buildup left behind by customers

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:31pm

As the winter season drags on in Michigan, a common problem has emerged - the buildup of ice and snow in vehicle wheel wells, commonly referred to as "Snow Boogers". While the urge to kick these chunks off is strong, business owners are pleading with residents to refrain from doing so in gas station parking lots, as they are left to clean up the mess. The article highlights the frustration of one Jackson, Michigan store owner who says the problem is only getting worse.

Why it matters

The buildup of "Snow Boogers" in wheel wells is a nuisance that Michigan residents have dealt with for years. However, the habit of kicking them off in gas station parking lots has become a point of contention for local business owners who are tired of having to clean up the resulting mess. This highlights a larger issue of community etiquette and personal responsibility during the winter months.

The details

According to the article, the most common place for Michigan residents to clear the icy buildup from their wheel wells is gas station parking lots. This has led to an accumulation of "Snow Boogers" that business owners, like Mark Potts of Bob's Country Store in Jackson, have to regularly clean up. Potts expressed his frustration with the problem, saying "Stop. The. Madness." and lamenting that "the more concrete people see, the more they want to leave their Snow Boogers for us to clean up!"

  • The article was published on January 31, 2026, during the heart of the Michigan winter season.

The players

Mark Potts

The owner, operator, and Head of Snow Booger removal at Bob's Country Store in Jackson, Michigan, who expressed frustration with customers kicking off icy buildup in his gas station parking lot.

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What they’re saying

“Stop. The. Madness." Potts uttered, an instant tone of irritation in his voice.”

— Mark Potts, Owner and Operator, Bob's Country Store

“It seems like the more concrete people see, the more they want to leave their Snow Boogers for us to clean up!”

— Mark Potts, Owner and Operator, Bob's Country Store

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific next steps, as the focus is on the current issue of residents kicking off "Snow Boogers" in gas station parking lots.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater community awareness and personal responsibility when it comes to dealing with the winter weather challenges faced by Michigan residents. Business owners are asking that people refrain from leaving their icy wheel well buildup for others to clean up, and instead take care of it on their own property.