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Winter will be here before you know it – which means that ice and snow will soon make it difficult to get your car on the road first thing in the morning. For many people, de-icing their windshield is almost as tedious and labor-intensive as shoveling the driveway. At best, all that scraping leaves you feeling exhausted and at worst, it damages the windshield, leaving you in need of auto glass repair. Here are a few simple, low-effort ways to take care of the ice without damaging the glass. 

4 Ways to De-Ice Your Windshield

1. Idle the Engine

Auto Glass RepairThe easiest way to de-ice the windshield is to let the engine idle for five to 10 minutes before you leave the house. This allows the engine to warm up. When the defroster setting is turned on, the engine’s heat will gently melt the ice away. Best of all, the car will be nice and warm when it’s time to leave. Brush away any remaining ice with the windshield wipers.

2. Use a De-Icing Spray

De-icing sprays melt the ice on contact. Make your own using two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water and pour the solution in a spray bottle. Then, spray the de-icing solution on the car windows and let it do its job. If you don’t feel like making your own, commercial de-icing sprays are available at most hardware and automotive supply stores. The solutions are gentle, so you won’t need auto glass repair. 

3. Cover the Windshield

The easiest way to keep your windshield clear is to cover it overnight. Place a tarp or purpose-built cover over the windshield. Use the wiper blades to hold it in place. In the morning, all you need to do is remove the cover and warm up the car. Any ice that collected underneath will melt quickly.

4. Scrape Away the Ice Gently

When temperatures drop, glass becomes brittle and prone to breakage. If you choose to use an ice scraper, do so softly. Too much force can crack or damage the windshield, necessitating auto glass repair. For best results, warm the car up for a few minutes before scraping at the ice. 

 

Winter takes a toll on your windshield and car windows, but the sooner a crack is fixed, the better off you’ll be. If you’ve noticed a crack or ding in your windshield, schedule an auto glass repair appointment with FB Glass in the Greater Rochester, NY, area. Their experienced windshield repair team will take care of everything from minor chip repair to full auto glass replacement. They’ll bill your insurance directly so you’ll get back on the road without hassle. Learn more by visiting their website and call (585) 441-1209 for a free estimate.

 

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