How To Prevent An Icy Windshield | Winter Hacks to Keep Your Windshield Clear of Ice
Vinegar Spray
Each night, spray your windshield with a solution of vinegar. Mix three parts vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle. Take the mixture outside and spray it liberally on your windshield, side windows, and rear window. Then wipe down each window with an old rag or squeegee. If you forget to do this the night before, no worries. The solution dissolves on contact so spray your windows and get a little help from the windshield wipers. Never use scalding hot water as your windshield is sensitive to quick changes in temperature. Hot water combined with excessive pressure on the glass from scraping could crack your windshield.
Rubbing Alcohol
Mixing two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water into a spray bottle will also work.
Salt Water
If you have no vinegar or rubbing alcohol, hopefully, you have some salt. A saltwater solution will have the same effect. The science behind all three of these is that they freeze at a lower temperature than normal water.
Onion
The idea of using a root vegetable may sound strange, but rubbing half an onion over your car windows and windshield at night will stop frost from forming in the morning. Cut the onion lengthwise and apply it the night before. The oil from the onion line the glass with a coating that works wonders.
Windshield Cover
To truly prevent any snow, ice, or frost on your windshield you can cover it up nicely with its own little blanket. These covers are easy to put on and take off in a matter of seconds. They are quick to store away when not in use, and will easily fit into your trunk and glove box. Find one that fits your vehicle and clearing off your windows will be a breeze.
No Windshield Cover, No Problem
If you don’t have a windshield cover, other items will work. Car mats work well and are normally easy to find and readily available. Although they won’t cover the entire windshield, they will cover a large portion. Any type of carpet remnants will work as well as old tablecloths and shower curtains.
Park Facing East
Whenever you can, make sure to park your car facing east and let mother nature clear your windshield. Since the sun rises in the east, it will naturally defrost your windshield and you won’t be stuck scraping ice in the freezing cold. With this trick, you should be able to use your windshield wipers to do the not-so-heavy-lifting for you.
Keep these in mind for your daily battle with snow, ice, and frost. Don’t clear a tiny space with your credit card, then drive off like a tank-commander with only a tiny hole cleared. Spending a few minutes will save you a lot of time and keep you, and others, a little safer on the roads.
If you're in need of a windshield repair or replacement, contact Auto Glass Express at 651-494-9252 or request a quote.
Related posts:
The Best Way To Remove Ice From Your Windshield
Winter Windshield Care Tips You Need To Know
Winter Advisory Windshield Tips
How To Keep Ice Off Your Windshield Wipers
FAQs
Create a De-Icer Solution – A mixture of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water can be placed in a spray bottle and applied to your vehicle each night when you get home. This mixture has a lower freezing point than water and will keep your car ice-free overnight.
How to prevent ice from windshield? ›
Create a De-Icer Solution – A mixture of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water can be placed in a spray bottle and applied to your vehicle each night when you get home. This mixture has a lower freezing point than water and will keep your car ice-free overnight.
How to protect a car windshield? ›
By keeping a safe distance, avoiding high-speed driving, installing a windshield protection film, using a windshield cover, and repairing chips and cracks immediately, you can keep your windshield in excellent condition and prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Can I put a blanket on my windshield to keep ice off? ›
If it's a really wet snow and temperatures are projected to drop below zero, skip this tip—it may result in a frozen blanket to your windshield. However, if the temperatures are freezing, but with no snow, then throw a blanket over your windshield to keep it from frosting over during the night.
What causes ice on windshields? ›
When skies are clear, the heat we gain during the day can escape quickly into the atmosphere, so our cool down overnight is maximized. As our temperatures drop down to the dew point — or in this case, the freezing point — we create moisture at the surface.
Is it OK to pour hot water on icy windshield? ›
Never pour hot or warm water on your windshield to defrost it, as this can also cause the glass to crack. Pouring cold water is also a bad idea, as it can freeze on the glass and make matters worse. Once the ice has started to melt you can begin removing it with a scraper and brush.
What is the fastest way to get ice off windshield? ›
Use a De-Icer Spray
Mix three parts vinegar and one part water or two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water in a spray bottle. Turn on your car so the defroster can start warming up the inside of the vehicle. Spray your windshield with the solution and wait 15 to 30 seconds while the ice softens and melts.
Can you put salt on your windshield for ice? ›
Put salt on ice, and it immediately creates a thin layer of liquid water. As the water spreads across the surface, it contacts more ice, which creates more water. This chain reaction works to makes a saltwater de-icing solution that quickly and effectively melts ice on your windshield.
What should you not put on a windshield? ›
Ammonia Cleaners
However, ammonia leaves streaks behind, and while not damaging, they can obstruct your ability to see clearly out the glass, which is a safety concern. In addition, ammonia is harmful to window tints.
What product protects the windshield? ›
ShatterX is a wipe soaked in non-toxic liquid Silica you can easily apply to your windshield to protect it from small rock chips and cracks. 1 YEAR APPLICATION.
A quality Glass Treatment or Glass Coating guarantees better clarity, water repellency, and a cleaner, more durable windshield to keep you safe, protect your vehicle, and improve your time spent behind the wheel.
Will rubbing alcohol prevent ice on windshield? ›
You can create your own de-icer that has a lower freezing point than water by mixing two parts 70% isopropyl alcohol, one-part water, and some dishwashing soap. With this solution, you will prevent melted ice and snow from refreezing on your windshield.
What melts ice on windshield fast? ›
Mix three parts vinegar and one part water or two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water in a spray bottle. Turn on your car so the defroster can start warming up the inside of the vehicle. Spray your windshield with the solution and wait 15 to 30 seconds while the ice softens and melts.
Does Rainx help with ice? ›
Melts snow and ice buildup fairly quickly, even at subzero temperatures.
Vinegar Spray