Safety on the road goes through a series of factors to take care of in detail. One of them is the condition and maintenance of the car: it must always be ready to be able to drive with the greatest possible confidence. The weather aspect is also very important: large storms, snowfall or the accumulation of ice on the vehicle complicate its handling. To avoid any type of accident caused by ice, it must be removed from the vehicle before starting off.
Surely, you will wonder how to remove ice from the car windshield and it will reassure you to know that there are different methods and effective products to achieve it, such as alcohol or deicer. If you want to discover how to remove ice from the car and also learn some tips to prevent this problem from recurring, at OneHOWTO we recommend that you continue reading this practical article.
Ice scraper for car
When it comes to a light layer of ice , using a car ice scraper is a very practical alternative. The best tool for scratching a vehicle is a squeegee or scraper suitable for glass: you can buy it at specialized car accessory stores. You will need to have some patience to remove all the ice from the windshield and other windows so that you can drive without so much risk, but little by little you will get there.
However, if you don’t have a squeegee and you need to remove ice from your car urgently, you can use other objects to scratch it, such as an old plastic ID, a CD case or a canceled or worthless credit card ( or any other as long as it is plastic). Avoid the use of tools that damage the glass of the car such as metal instruments.
If the layer of ice and snow is somewhat thick or very thick, we recommend you start with another method that you will see below and then, for a better result, you can use the scrapers.
De-icing spray
One of the best methods to remove ice from the windshield is the application of a deicer spray . With this product, you will be able to eliminate all the accumulated ice in your car before starting it and driving.
In the automobile market (specialized stores, gas stations or even in large supermarkets) you will find a spray to remove ice from the car very easily. Most of these products can be used on any surface, that is, on glass, paint, rubber and vehicle plastics. Thus, this liquid will also allow you to defrost other parts of the car such as the brake calipers or the lock.
You don’t need to apply a large amount of windshield de-icer , as a small dose will suffice. At OneHOWTO we recommend that you use de-icers that are not too aggressive for the environment, since there are varieties with this characteristic that are just as effective.
Car heaters and air vents
Vehicle heating and air vents are also good allies if you are wondering how to remove ice from car windows . Follow these steps to get it:
- Start the engine and turn on the heater.
- When the hot air starts to come out, redirect the vents as far as possible towards the windshield area.
- Roll down the car windows slightly.
- Minutes later, the layer of ice accumulated on the windshield will reduce and it will be easier for you to remove it with a scraper or other product.
Using the heater and aerators to remove ice from the car is a good resource if you know how to use it safely. In cases where frost is present on the windows and you are in a closed location, do not leave the engine running for a long time because the concentration of carbon monoxide will be very dangerous to your health.
Alcohol to remove ice from the car
Removing ice from the car window with methylated spirits is a good solution because this liquid freezes at a lower point than water. Therefore, when the ice layer is light, spraying alcohol on the windshield is an effective method.
If the ice layer is thicker, go straight to using a scraper. Use the alcohol and water mixture to remove ice only when the accumulation is reduced.
Removes fogging from the interior of the car
Apart from removing the ice from the car, it is very important to remove the fog from the interior caused by the cold. If you opt for this alternative, follow these steps:
- The hot air from the heater will make it easier for the inside of the glass to defog.
- Speed ??up the process by rubbing with a rag.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean the glass completely and leave it sparkling.
With this method, if there is any ice left on the windshield, it will either just melt or be much easier for you to remove. In this way you will also be able to see better if you are missing any part to clean better on the outside of the windshield, because before driving you will have to make sure of it.
How to prevent ice on car windshield
All of the above methods work to remove ice from the car , but you can also take some of the following measures to prevent ice on the car windshield :
- Lay a thick, unused blanket on top of the windshield surface. Do the same on the rear window and on the windows so that they are protected from frost.
- Other alternatives to blankets include thick cardboard, tarps, and multiple layers of newsprint.
- Apply a mixture of water and vinegar on the windshield when you park the car and there is a forecast of night frost. It is a home remedy that, despite being very simple, is not without its effectiveness. The mixture should contain 75% vinegar and 25% water.
