Blog Post
6 Ways to De-Ice Your Windshield Without Damaging Your Glass
Admin • Dec 08, 2021
As fall weather wraps up and winter weather rolls in, you will soon have to clean ice and snow from your windshield. Not removing ice correctly can result in you needing a new windshield. Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and a few essential tools, this is a task you can perform safely and without fear of scratching your glass. Discover a few tips to help you.
1. Turn On Your Defrost After a Few Minutes of Heat
With ice or snow, your first reaction is to probably melt it off your windshield as fast as you can. But unfortunately, immediately turning your defrost on high can create a drastic temperature shift between the hot air and the cold glass. These extreme temperature changes can crack or even shatter your windshield glass, even with just a small chip or ding.
The best way to protect your windshield is to start your car and turn on your heat for a few minutes before turning on your defrost. Preheating your vehicle allows your heat to begin to warm up the inside of your windshield first, keeping your defroster from creating temperature extremes.
2. Use Cool or Room Temperature Water
While pouring hot water over the ice on your windshield may melt ice faster, this is a great way to crack your windshield. This practice produces sudden temperature changes.
If you need to pour water over your windshield or de-ice your doors, use cool or room temperature water. Both of these will be just as effective and will not cause sudden temperature changes that could result in damage.
3. Use a Commercial De-Icer
Numerous de-icer products are available on the market that you can simply spray on your windshield to melt the ice. Unfortunately, the de-icer needs to be somewhere you can get to it.
De-icer will not do you any good if it is in a car with frozen locks. Consider keeping an extra can or two in your house or even at work. Some in an alternate location will give you quick access to the de-icer and your icy car.
4. Use Homemade De-Icer
If you do not want to purchase a commercial de-icer or do not have any on hand, you can quickly mix some using common ingredients in your home. You will need:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Dish soap
- Water
Seventy percent isopropyl alcohol is simply common rubbing alcohol. If you do not have any at home, you can find it at any drug or grocery store for a low price.
Place two parts alcohol with one part water and a couple drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Mix well and spray it on your icy windshield. This mixture will not damage your vehicle or your glass and can be mixed for pennies on the dollar compared to commercial products.
5. Use the Right Tools
When faced with ice and snow, you might want to remove it with anything you have on hand, but unfortunately, many items can potentially scratch your windshield.
Never use metal scrapers, ice picks, sticks, or branches to clear your glass. Only use plastic scrapers, rubber squeegees, or soft bristle brushes designed for the job.
6. Prevent It
When possible, protect your windshield from ice and snow accumulation. Prevent ice by parking in a covered space or covering your windshield before the weather begins.
If you damage your windshield glass this winter or any other time of the year, Perfection Auto Glass can repair or replace it. You don't have to make time to come to us; we will come to you. Give us a call
and schedule an appointment.
Whether it has been damaged due to a rock chip, crack, or any other reason, getting your windshield replaced is essential for your safety and the overall aesthetics of your vehicle.
Windshields have become more than just a protective barrier against the elements. Explore innovations in automotive windshield technology.
Like many other parts of your car, your windshield can wear over time and eventually need a replacement. Read this blog to learn when to replace it.