How to Prevent Icy Windshield

Have you often faced the frustration of having a thick layer of ice or snow on your windshield in the morning when planning to travel? Then this article is for you.

Accumulated ice or snow on the windshield is dangerous because it will directly affect your visibility. While you can remove a bit of snow with your windshield wiper, a sheet of ice cannot be removed in the same manner.

However, you must remove it each morning during cold winter months to ensure complete visibility on the road, which is essential for a safe driving and traveling experience.

Following our tips will make defrosting your windshield manageable with minimum effort.

4 Tips for Removing Ice Without Windshield Ice Scraper

When you do not want to clean your windshield of ice and snow only with the help of a windshield ice scraper and risk damaging your windshield, you should follow these tips:

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Before you start your car, you must check your windshield wipers to ensure that the freezing temperatures have not stuck to the windshield. If they are stuck and you start the car directly, you risk damaging them.

Start Your Car

If your car has a defroster, start the engine and then the defroster. The defroster generates heat to melt the ice from your windshield and side mirrors. Usually, it takes your car 10-20 minutes to complete its deicing process.

This is one option for deicing your windshield that will reduce the need for windshield replacement or repair.

Use a Squeegee, Ice Scraper, and Brush

Use a soft bristle brush, a plastic scraper, or a rubber squeegee to remove snow or ice from your windscreen. Do not use a metal scraper or a windshield ice scraper; use it gently to avoid damaging your windshield and wiper blades.

You can even use a heated windshield scraper. After you plug it into your car, such a windshield ice scraper will make it easy to free the windshield from ice and snow.

These scrapers have thin teeth that can break thin layers of ice. They might also have an in-built squeegee to help you clean the windshield without scratching it.

Also, after removing the snow or ice, use the soft-bristled brush to remove the extra water.

Use a Windshield De-Icer Spray

One strategy that will help you remove ice from the windshield faster is using a de-icer spray. You can make a de-ice spray by mixing warm water and salt. Then, spray it on your windshield, but do not overdo it, as it can cause damage.

To remove the remaining ice and snow, you can even make a de-icer spray mix with alcohol, water, and dishwashing soap. Here, you will have to mix two parts of 70% isopropyl alcohol, one part of water, and some dishwashing soap. You can even substitute the alcohol with three parts vinegar.

This solution works because vinegar has a lower freezing point than water. Thus, its effectiveness will increase if you apply it to your windshield the night before you expect ice to form because vinegar’s acetic acid lowers the freezing point of water.

However, vinegar—and alcohol-based de-icing sprays eventually break the protective layer of your car’s windshield. To minimize these effects, ensure that you wash and wax your vehicle regularly.

Windshield De-Icing Mistakes You Must Avoid

You should be careful about your de-icing methods to minimize the need for windshield repair and replacement. Some of the mistakes that you should avoid are:

• Do not use hot water to defrost your windshield because it will lead to a sudden temperature change that can crack it, requiring you to repair or replace it.
• Your vehicle’s glass surfaces will take around 15 minutes to defrost. Do not rush this process; drive only after all the snow, ice, and mist have been cleared. This will help you ensure your safety.
• Do not wipe the inside of your windshield with a piece of cloth. Doing so will leave marks that will impact visibility in the long run.
• Your wipers and their rubber are not strong enough to wipe off solid ice. Moreover, if they are frozen, using them in that state might damage their motor.

Protect Your Windshield from Ice

A windshield is a protective element in your vehicle that helps uphold its structural integrity and protects you and your loved ones on the road.

If you live where your windshield will be covered in ice or snow, you need to learn how to use windshield ice scrapers, de-icing sprays, and your vehicle’s defrosting features. This will help you reduce the need for windshield repair and replacement.

However, normal wear and tear are unavoidable even when you are doing everything right, and this means that you will need an auto glass expert to take care of all your needs. NuVision AutoGlass is an expert who helps with your windshield replacement and repair needs. They also accept major insurance providers and offer proactive customer support.