When driving a vehicle in adverse weather conditions, especially in winter, you need to be extremely cautious and careful. An excellent precaution to always take before driving is to remove all traces of ice and snow from the windshield of the car, to increase visibility and consequently the safety for you and your passengers. Follow the simple steps in this guide to properly defrost your car's windshield.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the Ice
Step 1. Start the car engine, turn on the heated rear window and the heating system to heat the car windows
Wait at least 15 minutes for the car interior to warm up.
- Never try to remove the ice from the windshield using water (hot, cold or lukewarm). Hot or lukewarm water risks causing the glass to crack due to thermal shock. If it's very cold, cold water can freeze on the glass, making the problem even worse.
- Make sure there is no ice, snow or other materials blocking the car's exhaust pipe. Remove any obstructions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you have to drive in an area with heavy snow, wait for the ice to melt considerably before proceeding further. Depending on the thickness of the ice layer, it may take more than 15 minutes for it to melt sufficiently.
Step 2. Spray the car windshield with a saline solution
This mixture of water and ice dissolves all traces of ice through a chemical reaction that releases heat. The ions in the salt lower the freezing point of the water, making it more difficult to refreeze. Spray the saline solution on the car windshield without overdoing it, as too much salt could damage the glass.
While regular table salt is sufficient when temperatures are not extreme, in other cases you may prefer to use street thaw salt, which is commonly used to quickly remove ice from sidewalks and reduce the risk of accidents. The salt used for road thawing has a different chemical composition than table salt, which makes it much more efficient at very low temperatures
Step 3. Use an alcohol and water based solution to melt the ice from the glass
Use a ratio of alcohol and water equal to 2: 1 and pour it into a container with a spray dispenser. Spray the mixture created on any car windows that have ice on them.
- You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture if you wish. Adding chemicals is a very similar process to adding salt, and as a result ensures that the freezing point of water is lowered. This liquid solution melts ice faster than plain hot water.
- Unlike saline, the mixture of alcohol and water can be used without risk of damage to your car.
Step 4. Purchase a commercial product to defrost your car windows
Most of these products work very well, but they tend to be very expensive. Most auto parts stores have a section dedicated to winter products, including antifreeze.
Some of the best-selling antifreeze products include the lines of Arexsons, Agip, Castrol, Saratoga, Sonax
Step 5. Use a window cleaner or a soft bristle brush to remove any residue
After applying the chosen mixture to the windshield, remove all liquid and ice residues from the glass.
After 1-2 minutes, your saline or alcohol solution should begin to melt the ice on the glass. Remember that in any case the ice will only partially melt. For a complete removal, and for maximum visibility, you will need to use a special tool
Step 6. Refill your home and car with an ice scraper, brush or broom
Ice scrapers are tools specifically created to remove ice from car windows and are sold at very cheap prices.
- Ice scrapers are small toothed spatulas with handles. They can be purchased at any auto parts and products store.
- You can use a window cleaner to remove ice much like an ice scraper, although window cleaners are less effective than used for this purpose. Icebreakers are made of hard plastic rather than rubber, which makes them much more durable in use.
Method 2 of 2: Take Preventive Measures
Step 1. If the temperature is not too cold (above freezing), you can place a damp, warm towel on the windshield
This approach should only be used at temperatures above freezing otherwise the water will only increase the ice layer on the glass.
- Soak the towel in a saline solution and place it on the windshield overnight. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a liter of water, then dip the towel into the solution obtained. Place the wet towel on the windshield and lock it in place using the wipers.
- The towel can be reused numerous times. After each use, simply store it in a plastic bag adding a small amount of water to keep it moist.
Step 2. When your car windows are clean, spray them with a vinegar-based solution
Mix three parts of vinegar and one part of water, then pour the solution into a container with a spray dispenser.
Be careful not to apply a large amount of vinegar to the car, as it can create stains and blemishes on the windshield glass. In addition, vinegar can cause oxidation or corrosion of the metal parts of your car
Step 3. Add some alcohol to your car's washer water tank
This will prevent the car's washer water system from freezing and stop working properly.
This trick will save you from having to purchase a special washer fluid. Remember that preventing icing on your car windows doesn't have to be an additional cost
Step 4. When not in use, cover your car with a tarp
Make sure you secure it well, using bungee cords or any other tool that prevents it from being accidentally removed.
- If you can, park your car in the garage. Protecting the car from exposure to the elements significantly reduces the work required to remove the ice.
- While this will greatly reduce the build-up of ice on the windshield, you may still notice a slight frostbite. However, it will be a small build-up of ice that will melt very easily by simply using the car heater.
