Quick Tips for De-Icing Your Windshield
Removing ice from the windshield is crucial for driving your car safely. During winter, visibility is already low, and ice accumulated on the window obstructs your vision further. Here we have shared a few tips for de-icing your windshield in a safe manner.
Avoid These Things
- Never pour hot water on a windshield covered with snow. The temperature shock can cause the windshield to crack.
- Never use any torch to melt ice on the windshield. It can damage your windshield permanently, leading to costly replacement.
- Never use a metal scraper to clear off ice from the windshield. There are more chances of scratches on the windshield that can affect the clarity of vision through the windshield.
Tips for De-Icing Your Windshield
Warm-Up Your Car
Start the engine and let it run idle. If your car has an automatic climate control system, set it to defrost mode. Some modern vehicles have an optional electrically heated windshield that can melt the ice from the windshield. If your car does not have that option, turn on the blower to full mode.
Buy or Prepare a De-Icing Solution
Spraying de-icing solution is an effective way to clear snow, frost, or ice accumulated on the windshield. There are several commercial de-icing sprays available on the market. Ask any auto shop owner about the popular de-icing spray. Make sure you purchase de-icing spray for the windshield and not for a car’s metal surface. Alternatively, you can prepare the saltwater de-icing solution at home.
Saltwater Solution
The saltwater solution is effective in de-icing your windshield. Pour water in a spray bottle and then add two scoops of common salt in it. Shake the bottle to allow the salt to dissolve completely. Alternatively, you can also use rock salt to prepare a saltwater solution. Spray the saltwater solution on the windshield covered with ice. Since the freezing temperature of the saltwater solution is lower than freshwater, you will see the ice melting when it comes in contact with the saltwater solution.
Isopropyl Alcohol Solution
Isopropyl alcohol solution also makes a good de-icing solution. Mix seven parts isopropyl alcohol with one or two parts water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the solution. Spray the solution on windshield and watch the ice melt away. Isopropyl alcohol’s freezing temperature (89 degrees below zero) is much lower than water’s freezing point. Hence, an isopropyl solution speeds up the melting process of ice.
Use Wipers or Soft Squeegee
The de-icing solution will start melting the ice, but you have to wait awhile to see the ice melt completely. If you want faster results, run the wipers when the ice starts melting. This will clear the ice from the windshield. Alternatively, you can also use a soft squeegee to remove ice from the windshield.
Prevent Icing of Windows
If you don’t have a covered space to park your car, prepare a solution that has three parts of vinegar and one part of water. Spray this solution every night on the windshield.
Whenever you want to de-ice the windshield, follow the tips given above for faster and better results.
