If you own a vehicle, you know the harsh winter weather leaves your ride in need of some extra TLC. To keep it in pristine condition and maintain visibility on the road, you’ll need to de-ice your windshield whenever it freezes over. Use the following guide to keep the glass clear without having to call for windshield repairs.

Do:

Gather the right equipment.

First, you’ll need a de-icer spray from a local auto supply store—one that’s specially designed for car windshields. You’ll also need a plastic scraping tool for removing thin ice without scratching the glass.

Choose the right parking spot.

If you park your car inside a garage, or even under a shelter, such as a carport, far less ice will form on your windshield. This will make the de-icing process move a lot faster when you’re trying to make it to work on time the next morning.

Don’t:

Pour hot water on the windshield.

While you might assume the best way to melt a layer of ice is to give your windshield a hot bath, this well-intentioned method could have disappointing consequences. As your cold windshield makes contact with the hot water and then the cold air once again, the extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the glass to crack, resulting in worsened visibility and costly windshield repairs.

Use metal tools.

If you do use a scraper to remove the ice from your windshield, never use a razor or a metal object to do so. These can easily scratch or even chip the cold, brittle glass, especially if you’re in a rush to finish the job.

If something does go wrong during the de-icing process, and you need to arrange for windshield repairs, get in touch with GlassPro, Inc. of the Cincinnati, OH, area. With their convenient mobile services and expert auto glass skills, you can rest assured you’ll be back on the road as soon as possible. For more information on their services, visit the website. You can also call (513) 874-6559 to schedule an appointment for windshield repairs.