The Dos and Don'ts of Defrosting Windshields in the Winter

Defrosting or deicing a windshield during the winter can become a time-consuming hassle. At worst, if you do it wrong, you can damage your windshield and severely compromise its integrity. Here are some things you should and shouldn't do when you're defrosting your windshield during the winter months.

Don’t Use Windshield Wipers

Make sure you have your windshield wipers turned off before you defrost your car. The wiper motor will try to fight against the ice and develop a lot of wear and tear. You can also blow the wiper motor's fuse this way.

If you have wipers upright and frozen to the windshield, do not force or pry them free. Let them thaw out at their own pace. Trying to force the wiper blades from the glass can damage the blades.

Most windshield wipers allow you to pull them away from the windshield so that they don't freeze to it. Do this before you expect snow or freezing rain to begin.

Do Invest in an Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

As you defrost your car, it's a good idea to remove as much excess snow and ice from the windshield as you can. An ice scraper and snow brush are excellent tools for this process and you should keep them readily available in the car.

Use the snow brush first to remove the built-up snow that's sitting above the ice. When choosing an ice scraper, go for one with a plastic blade. A metal-bladed scraper can damage the windshield.

You can find combination tools that have a brush at one end and a scraper at the other. You can also look for versions that have a telescoping handle that will help you reach across your windshield without you having to lean over the icy car.

Don’t Use Warm, Hot, or Boiling Water

You can use water as part of a windshield defrosting technique, but you should never use hot water for this purpose. It may seem counterintuitive on the surface, but that hot water you assume will thaw the snow and ice will, instead, cause damage to your windshield.

The rapid temperature change caused by the hot water can lead to small cracks developing on your windshield. In some extreme cases, that difference in temperature can cause your windshield glass to shatter.

Your car's auto glass will contract from the cold. When you come along and pour hot water onto the glass, the glass rapidly expands. Next, since the car still sits in that cold environment, the glass will contract again. Those quick changes to the glass will cause damage, even if you can't see it.

Tepid or lukewarm water can work for defrosting or deicing your windshield, but you also want to make sure you're not using cold water. Cooler water can freeze, which will only leave you with more ice to deal with in the end. In most cases, water isn't the best answer, even if you're using tepid water.

Do Use a Deicer Spray or Solution

You can purchase deicer in any place that sells car products. A deicer works to melt ice but also provides a protective covering over your windshield that helps to prevent ice from fully forming. You can also make your own deicing solution by mixing water and rubbing alcohol.

Your mix should comprise 1 part water for every 2 parts rubbing alcohol (1/3 water and 2/3 alcohol). Put the solution into a spray bottle and use it as necessary. When spraying your homemade deicer, start at the tops of the windshield. With other products, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

You might have to defrost or deice your vehicle every time you need to use it. If you prepare ahead of time, you can turn this into a quick and hassle-free process. Make this process a routine so that it doesn't slow you down, make you late, or interfere with you getting on with your day.

Make sure you have the tools and products on hand that you will routinely use. For example, have your brush, scraper, and deicing solution ready to go when you're ready to go.

If possible, try to park your car in a garage or other space that will prevent or lessen the amount of snow and ice that might build up on your windshield. Use your deicer on your windshield the night before so that it can help keep the ice buildup to a minimum.

Do Seek Windshield Repair or Replacement Sooner Rather Than Later

If you notice any windshield damage leading into or during the winter, have the damage repaired as soon as possible. The winter cold can cause any windshield damage to grow worse. This is especially true if you use improper methods to defrost your windshield. For your windshield or other auto glass repair needs, no matter the season, contact MS Glass Outlet.