How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield Safely

Woman clearing ice from car
If you’re in a hurry on a cold morning, it can be frustrating having to wait for your car windshield to defrost. Quick fixes may seem appealing, but they may end up causing more damage to your vehicle in the long term.

Here’s how to safely remove ice from your windshield.

How to remove ice from your windshield safely – 3 steps

1. Direct warm air at your windshield

Turn your car’s engine on and direct the warm air blower towards your windshield from the inside. Do the same for the rear window.

  • You can use the aircon feature – it will help to remove moisture from the air.
  • Stay with your car when your engine is on so to prevent risk of theft.
  • Never use your hands to wipe your windshield glass – you’ll only leave smears.
  • You can use a soft chamois sponge to clean your windshield without leaving marks.

2. Remove the snow or ice from your windshield

Use an ice scraper, rubber squeegee or soft bristle brush to gently remove the snow or ice from your windshield.

  • You can do this whilst your car’s engine is running.
  • If you don’t have any of these things, you can slosh warm water over your windshield.
  • Never use boiling water, as this will crack the glass. Do not use salt or salt water to melt the ice on your windshield, either.
  • If you have rubbing alcohol at home, you can combine this with water in a spray bottle to make a DIY de-icer mix.
  • Don’t use items like a credit card to de-scrape ice, either. You may damage the glass.

3. Drive off when the glass is clear

Only start driving once you have full visibility. Anything less than this will compromise your safety as well as putting other road users at risk.

Upgrade to a winter-ready vehicle with My Car Credit

While a newer vehicle can’t prevent ice on your windshield, the upgraded heating system can make it quicker to remove as well as keeping you more comfortable when the temperatures drop.

Check your car finance eligibility and upgrade to a safe, secure new car for winter today.

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