Cold weather impacts vehicle safety in many ways. Tires deflate because of falling air pressure and roads are slick. Waking up to a snow-encrusted vehicle is another common wintertime issue. However, while you may want to get on the road as soon as possible, there is a right and wrong way to treat your ice-covered windshield. The guide below explains best practices for clearing your auto glass without causing cracks or chips.

What to Do About Icy Windshields?

Take Preventive Measures

While parking your car in a garage or beneath a carport is the best method of protecting it from the elements, it’s not always an option. Instead, opt for a car cover and make a DIY solution. 

One of the easiest involves mixing three parts white vinegar and one part water and spraying it over your auto glass, including your windshields and side mirrors. Then, wipe them down with a clean rag. This should prevent it from icing over in the first place. Another, more unusual option is to rub the surface down with a cut onion. The oil from this vegetable creates a barrier between the glass and the cold.

De-Icing Solutions

Some people try to speed up the de-icing process by pouring hot water on their windshield. But this risks cracking the auto glass. Instead, use the same vinegar-and-water mixture described earlier or make a new one, combining a few spoonfuls of salt and about three cups of water together until the solution is cloudy. This will work in the same way it does on roads, lowering the ice’s freezing point to cause it to melt. If you use an ice scraper, be careful not to apply too much force because it could chip or crack your windshield. Turn your car on to start melting the ice before you scrape or use a rubber spatula instead.

Work with the friendly, experienced team at Capital Auto Glass in Lincoln, NE, to maintain a safer, more functional vehicle. The auto glass experts provide a wide range of services, including windshield repairs and replacements. Call (402) 421-6653 today with questions or learn more about their offerings online.