An apparatus and method for melting snow and/or ice on a vehicle comprises a precipitation sensor, a surface temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a heater, and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory unit to store a cut off surface temperature Tc, and a set of program modules. The programmable controller further comprises a processor to execute the set of program modules. A heater control module, executed by the processor, is configured to deactivate a heater based on a surface temperature being greater than the cut off surface temperature. Further, heater control module is configured to activate the heater based on an ambient temperature being lower than freezing point of water and precipitation being present outside the vehicle, thereby melting snow and/or ice on the vehicle. The snow melts off because of heat generated by the heater upon activation.