De-icing your windshield is possibly one of the most annoying parts of winter (and it always seems to be at its worst when you’re running late, too!).
If you’re like most drivers, you want to know how to de-ice your windshield quickly and effectively—without ruining your windshield in the process. Fortunately, our glass experts have some tips for you.
Keep reading to find out!
Tip #1: Prevent ice accumulation.
The best way to avoid this dreaded winter chore? Keep ice from forming in the first place!
Here are a few options:
- Park your car inside a garage (the best method).
- Park your car under a covered carport. Though a carport isn’t as good as a garage, this will prevent some ice accumulation.
- Cover your windshield with a dedicated windshield cover or, in a pinch, with a tarp, large towel, or old sheet. The cover should go under your windshield wipers. (Note that windshield covers are most effective when the forecast doesn’t include heavy snowfall or high winds: heavy snow makes it hard to remove the cover, and high winds can whip the cover around, making it less effective.)
- Cover your mirrors with side mirror covers or, in a pinch, plastic bags secured with ties.
- Park with your windshield facing east. If you normally head out after the sun has risen, this can be helpful. By parking with your windshield facing east, the sun’s rays warm up your car—melting some of the snow and ice in the process.
Tip #2: Stay prepared for ice.
Having the right tools makes all the difference when it comes to de-icing your vehicle. The most important tools to have include a plastic scraper (not metal–you don’t want to scratch the glass), brush, and winter washer fluid. Keep these tools in your car at all times: you never know when you’ll need to de-ice or remove snow!
In addition, when the forecast shows winter temperatures ahead, it’s a good idea to lift the windshield wiper arms from the glass. Depending on your wipers, you can either fold the arms up or place something (towels, etc.) between the arms and the windshield. This prevents the windshield wipers from freezing to the glass.
Tip #3: Ignore de-icing “hacks.”
Online, you can find all manner of de-icing “hacks” that promise to get you on the road ASAP. Some of these hacks involve hot water, DIY de-icing solutions, and even hammers! Let’s go over why these hacks are just asking for a windshield repair or replacement.
Why shouldn’t you use water? Using hot or warm water to melt the snow and ice off your windshield can result in the glass cracking. That’s because rapid temperature changes of glass can cause “stress cracks.”
What about vinegar or salt water solutions? Unfortunately, we can’t recommend either of these. Vinegar’s acidity can wear away wax, eat away at the finish of your car, and deteriorate the rubber of your windshield wipers. Similarly, a salt water solution is also hard on your car (and can accelerate rust if you get it on the metal).
How about hammers? This one is pretty self-explanatory, but we never recommend using blunt force of any kind to break the ice on your windshield. It’s easy to accidentally chip, crack, or even break your windshield with a hammer!
If you come across a de-icing hack online, it’s best to ignore it. As they say, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Tip #4: Let your car warm up slowly.
Our tried-and-true method to remove ice from your windshield is to let your car sit idle with the defroster running. Make sure you turn the heat up slowly, rather than blasting your windshield with hot air. (As we mentioned above, rapid temperature changes aren’t good for glass.)
With the defroster running, scrape ice away with your plastic scraper and brush. Use the scraper gently and only on the glass, so you don’t scratch your paint. Use the brush on the other areas of your car, like the hood and doors.
Tip #5: Use a de-icer spray.
For those mornings when you needed to be out the door 10 minutes ago, you can use a de-icer spray while your car idles.
Don’t use a vinegar or salt water solution to de-ice your car. Instead, opt for a commercial de-icer, sold at car supply stores and many grocery stores. (Note that the main ingredient in many de-icers is ethylene glycol. This ingredient is toxic to pets, so keep it out of their reach!)
We’re Here for You
We hope these tips help you de-ice your windshield stress-free this winter!
However, if winter comes with a crack or chip, we’re here to help. Call us today or get a free quote for windshield repair or replacement.
Jack’s Glass has excelled in glass repair, replacement and design for 80 years. Jack’s Glass provides repair and replacement for auto glass, as well as custom shower solutions, tub enclosures and many other residential glass items. We also do custom glasswork for businesses, and proudly serve Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with locations in Elsmere and Covington.
