How can you quickly defrost the windshield?

In the colder time you can of course use an ice scraper, but not everyone feels like it. Cold, wet fingers – you can’t prevent them even with an advanced ice scraper. In what ways can you quickly defrost your windshield? We looked at a number of options.

Prevent the windshield from freezing

One of the easiest alternatives is to prevent the windshield from freezing. You have less chance of this under a carport or in a garage, for example. Not everyone will be able to park the car there in the winter. Then you can alternatively cover the windscreen with a special cardboard or an anti-freeze blanket. This prevents you from having to defrost the windscreen. Do not use newspaper, as it can stick to the glass. You have less of that.

Another tip that cannot prevent the windows from freezing, but which makes cleaning easier, is to treat the window with methylated spirits or gloss spray. This creates a layer on the window where dirt adheres less well. And with that, you will see that the ice releases faster!

defrost spray

What also goes very quickly is defrosting spray. It is easily available in aerosol cans that you can get in many places. You spray that windscreen defroster or de-icer on the windscreen and you can quickly drive away with clear windows.

You can also make this yourself by mixing ⅔ cleaning vinegar with ⅓ water. You do that in a plant sprayer. The operation is about the same.

Not just quickly defrost the windscreen

When de-icing the windshield, remember that you need to clean more than just the windshield. You should also clear the side windows and door mirrors from snow and ice. You must have a good and complete view. Otherwise you still run the risk of a fine.

Do not pour hot water over the windshield

You see it less but still happen: people who quickly defrost the windscreen by pouring hot water over it. This is effective, but it is bad for the glass itself. That can burst and then you are further from home. You can try it with cold water. That is often warm enough to get the job done, especially in moderate frost. But it is often better to spend a little more time cleaning the windows and clearing the ice completely.

Preheat the car

You can preheat electric cars, even remotely. Sometimes you can set this with a timer in the car, otherwise often with the app of your car. In the latter case, you have to think about it in time. This is especially useful when you are at the charging station. After all: the electricity to warm up the car then comes from the charging station. You get into a nice and warm car and the windows are free of snow and ice. Otherwise, the heating can cost you quite a bit in terms of range. By the way, this is not just reserved for electric cars. There are also options for cars with a combustion engine to choose this parking heater as an accessory or to retrofit it.

Remember to detach the windshield wipers

If you clean the windshield well, this is unnecessary, but remember to lift the wipers from the window. Then check if they are loose. If they are still attached to the windshield, they can damage them or you can even do more damage to the wipers if they are still stuck to the frosted glass.