How to Safely Defrost Your Car Windscreen
You could be damaging your windscreen without even knowing it. Read on for more tips
Let’s admit it, we all know defrosting a frozen windscreen can be a frustrating task on a cold winter morning. That layer of frost or ice prevents us from seeing practically anything and then ultimately delaying our journey. But did you know when trying to scrape the ice off, you could actually be damaging the glass? Below are some tips for safely and effectively defrosting your car windscreen during the winter months.
Prepare Ahead of Time
The easiest way to deal with a frosty windscreen is to prevent it from freezing over in the first place. If you know temperatures are dropping below freezing overnight, invest in a good windscreen cover, you buy from places like Halfords and Amazon. This insulates your windscreen and prevents frost forming. Foldable windscreen covers are inexpensive, easy to store in your boot and quick to set up each evening.
If you fancy going the DIY route, you can mix up a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray this over your windscreen the night before a freeze to prevent frost and ice from building up. The vinegar lowers the freezing point of water, stopping it from crystallising on the glass.
Use Your Defrosters
Turn your windscreen defroster on full blast before you start scraping. This applies warm air to the glass and melts the ice from underneath. Run your car's fan on the highest heating setting and activate the heated windscreen function if you have one. Opening windows ever so slightly can also help force warm air onto the glass. You will find that a new vehicle, especially an EV car will defrost much quicker than your traditional petrol or diesel car.
Never Use Hot Water
It may be tempting to speed up the defrosting process by pouring hot water on the windscreen straight from the kettle (we’ve all done it), but this can actually crack the glass due to thermal shock. The sudden change from extreme cold to hot causes the glass to expand. Instead, use lukewarm water and move it slowly across the screen to avoid cracking. Even better, skip the water altogether and rely on defrosters and scrapers.
Scrape Gently and Stop if It Won't Budge
Use a plastic ice scraper, never a knife or other metal tool which could scratch the glass. Hold the scraper at a 45 degree angle and gently scrape back and forth until the ice begins to peel off. If it won't budge after a few tries, stop scraping to avoid damaging the windscreen and turn your defroster back on. The ice may need more time to melt from underneath before scraping is effective.
Pay Attention to Wiper Blades
Don't force frozen wiper blades to move or you could tear the rubber. Gently free them from the windscreen with your scraper. Give them a few back and forth sweeps once the glass is defrosted to limber them up before using. Consider covering wiper blades with sleeves or a towel if they freeze over frequently.
Defog the Interior Too
As the windscreen warms up it will start to fog on the inside from humidity. Make sure your defroster is blowing air towards the side windows and keep wiping the glass with a cloth. Activate your car's air conditioning along with the heating to help dry out the interior faster.
Give It Time Before Driving
Don't rush off right after clearing the windscreen. This gives condensation a chance to dissipate and ensures ice doesn't reform before you leave. Check that all windows are fully defrosted before put leaving.
Stay With Your Vehicle if Stranded
In rare cases where your windscreen simply will not defrost, don't abandon the vehicle. Stay inside with the engine running so you can stay warm and continue trying to clear the glass. Open a window a crack to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use your mobile phone to call for assistance if needed. Don't attempt to drive with zero visibility.
Prevention is the Best Policy
Don't get caught off guard and put steps in place to prevent frozen windscreens before the harsh winter hits. Park in a garage if possible, use a windscreen cover and top up your antifreeze and wiper fluids. Keep an ice scraper inside the car so it's always on hand, the glove compartment is the best place for it.
Follow these tips for safe and effective windscreen defrosting all UK winter long.
Want to know how to get your car ready this winter? Read our latest guide.