Dos And Don'ts For Defrosting Your Windshield This Winter

Nothing is more frustrating than defrosting a car in winter when you are in a hurry. And, there are many ways you can damage it while defrosting, but driving with snow is not an option, as it is unsafe as well as illegal. We have curated this blog to help you defrost your car without damaging your windscreen. Here are some dos and don’ts that will make the process easier and effective for you.

Dos

Switch on The Car Heater

The first thing that you should do in the morning is switch on the car heater. This will help defrost the snow from your windscreen, but keep the car heater on for at least 10-20 minutes. After some time, clean the remaining snow from the windshield with the help of an ice scraper and snow brush. Note that defrosting will also help melt the layers of the ice from the car’s body.

Use a Deicer

Deicer spray is used to melt snow and ice from the windscreen; however, it is not the only thing they do. It also prevents ice from forming on the glass, so invest in a top-quality deicer. And the best thing is you can buy it from any local automotive store or online retailer. You can also make it at home with alcohol, water and dishwasher soup if you don’t want to spend money on it. Once you spray the deicer on your windscreen, ice and snow will start melting. Then use the ice-scraper to remove the ice from the windscreen.

Pour Lukewarm Water

We know you don’t want to go to an auto repair shop for cracked windshield repair, especially in winter. So, don’t dare use hot water on the windshield, instead use lukewarm water that also, not on the glass but on the door and handles. This is because direct contact with warm and cold water can damage the windshield, causing further problems for you in the winter season.

Don’ts

Refrain From Using Windshield Wipers 

Don’t use wipers while defrosting your car and for the obvious reason. Wipers will fight against the ice, damaging the motor and the windshield. Moreover, if the wiper blades are in an upright position and freeze to the glass, don’t try to free them. Instead, let the snow and ice melt itself and release the wiper from the glass.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Defrosting is not a one-day job; you have to do it every day in winter. So, to make it a hassle-free process during winter, prepare before time. For example, keep all the tools and products that you require for deforesting handy so that whenever you are ready to go, they are ready to operate.

Don’t Use Metal Scrapers

The majority of people who run to seek windshield replacement and repair shops in winter are those who have either used the wrong tools, such as a metal scraper or the wrong technique for defrosting snow from the glass. Metal scrapers put scratches on the glass, increasing your expenses later. So, don’t use them, instead use plastic scrapers to remove snow from the windshield.

How to Defrost Your Windshield?

So, we have told you what to do and what not to do while defrosting your windshield. Here are some tips for those who are defrosting their windshield for the first time (This may include some dos and don’ts from the above list, so you can refer to them if you think it is needed).

1. Start Your Engine

As we have already discussed, the first thing that you should do to defrost a car is to turn on the engine and then activate the defroster if you have one. After this, allow the defroster to work and wait for at least 10-20 minutes.

2. Use an Ice Scraper or Soft Brush to Clean The Snow

Use a plastic ice scraper or soft brush to remove the snow from the windshield. However, you should use the scraper gently on the glass, otherwise, it can accidentally damage the windshield.

3. Use a De-icer Spray or Alcohol-Water Solution 

Consider using a de-icer spray on the car to remove the snow faster from the windshield. But before using, carefully read the instructions to avoid any potential damage due to overuse. You can also make a de-icer spray at home by mixing two parts of isopropyl alcohol (70%) with one part of water and dishwashing soap.

Conclusion

So, these are some dos and don’ts of windshield defrosting that you should keep in mind while defrosting your windshield. Along with this, we have also included some steps on how to defrost your windshield, which can be especially helpful if you are doing it for the first time. These tips will help defrost your windscreen and ensure you are having a safe journey by keeping your windshield clean during winter. And also, helps you save money on costly windshield replacement.