How to Defrost Your Windshield in the Winter (Top 3 Ways)

Winter is here along the east coast. As a responsible driver in North Carolina, you will need to drive in this cold weather at some point, and most mornings you could wake up to a frozen windshield. Not only is this a safety issue due to poor visibility, but this also adds precious time to your commute. Here at Transparency Auto Glass, we care about your windshield, safety, and of course your time. Waiting for the heat blasting from your vehicles heating system wastes time, fuel, and affects the environment. In this article, we will take a look at the top 3 ways that we recommend for defrosting your windshield on a cold morning. Let’s get started!

1. Use Warm Water

This is a simple and most effective go-to method to properly defrosting your windshield that entails pouring water over your windshield starting at the top of the glass. Don’t be fooled by myths though, the water should be lukewarm, and NOT boiling hot.

How to:

Divide the windshield into left and right. Pour the warm water at the top of the glass and allow the water to run down using the whole half along the top of the windshield. Pull the melted ice/snow outward toward you if necessary. If needed, divide each half into top and bottom. Use a clean cloth or glove to help with the process.

Tip:

Use warm water and not boiling hot water. Boiling water can refreeze quicker than tepid water. But more importantly, sudden temperature changes can damage the glass. Especially if there is an existing crack or chip. The water will get inside the glass and expand, rendering the windshield permanently weakened and in need of a costly replacement.

2. De-icing Spray

You can find de-icing products in most service stations or parts accessory stores. These sprays have chemicals in them to break down the ice, and are very effective at clearing the glass in an instant. If you don’t fancy chemicals, then there are also great ways of making your own de-icing spray. Simply mix 1/3 water with 2/3 rubbing alcohol. The freezing point of rubbing alcohol is -128°C, which makes it an effective method for clearing frozen windscreens.

How to:

Spray the chosen mix onto the windshield starting from the top. You’ll find the ice or snow will melt to a mush, Pull the melted ice/snow outward toward you. If you need, divide each half into top and bottom. Again, use a clean cloth or glove to help with the process.

Tip:

You can also use a mix of 2/3 white vinegar to 1/3 water mix to properly defrost your windshield. This solution should be applied to your windshield the night before. This method prevents icing and will give you a quick getaway in the morning.

3. Use a Plastic Scraper or Card

You can buy purpose-made ice scrapers from most service stations or parts accessory stores. Some of these are made of plastic and are durable, but not ideal as contact with the glass can potentially scratch or damage it. A bankcard is the last option we would recommend, it is not ideal but it can work if you have no other alternative. This should be an emergency method only as you risk scratching the glass and of course, ruining your bankcard. This is also a painstaking method requiring effort on your part.

How to:

Use the long side of a card to scrape horizontally starting from the middle going out. Scrape gently. Do not use a quick back and forth motion use long, purposeful movements. Only use the card to get the tough bit done, and then finish by hand with gloves or a cloth as the less contact with your card on the glass the better. With a purpose made scraper repeat as above.

Tip:

Use a card that does not have a barcode or is used in a machine as you risk rendering the card useless. You can find scrapers with rubberized scrapers ensuring minimal damage and woolen mittens for extra comfort while defrosting the windshield.

More Helpful Tips

• Don’t use your hands to wipe away anything. Your hands have oil on them and will stain and leave a greasy film on the glass making it harder to clean.
• You can cover the windshield with an old bed sheet or similar before going to bed. This means simply removing it in the morning. Remove gently.
• Cover your side mirrors with plastic bags and rubber bands holding them in place.
• Pull your windshield wipers away from the glass so they won’t get stuck and you won’t damage the rubber when separating them from the glass.

Follow the tips above for easy, cold winter morning motoring. Your windshield is a vital and expensive part of your car and should be taken care of. Having served Raleigh, and its surrounding areas since 2012, we care about your car and safety.

If you need any more advice or have any questions related to auto glass, do not hesitate to contact us. You can easily reach us by filling out our contact form or by calling us at (919) 793-7776.