When cold weather comes to town, anyone who drives to work early in the morning should add an extra few minutes to the beginning of their commute to remove ice that’s formed on their windshield overnight. Learning how to defrost your windshield correctly will help you prevent accidental cracks or chips. To avoid windshield replacement in winter, use the following three tips.

How to Defrost a Windshield

1. Let the Car Warm Up

Let your car defrost the old fashioned way by letting it run and warm up in the morning. Start the engine, set the heater to defrost, turn the temperature up, and allow the airflow to recirculate. Never pour hot water onto your car to clear ice from the windshield. The quick change in temperature may cause the glass to crack, leaving you to arrange windshield replacement with an auto glass service.

2. Use an Ice Scraper & Brush

If you want to hurry along the deicing process while your car is warming, use a plastic scraper, rubber squeegee, or soft-bristled brush to remove snowy and icy buildup. Don’t use metal scrapers. Metal may chip and scratch auto glass. Avoid hammering on the ice with any sharp implement for the same reason.

3. Make a Deicing Spray

Use a simple solution of water and rubbing alcohol to aid defrosting in the morning and reduce the amount of elbow grease needed to remove ice. Combine two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water in a spray bottle. Frost will instantly disappear when you spritz the mixture on glass.

If your auto glass suffers damage because of a deicing mistake or a winter collision, rely on Precision Collision & Auto Glass in Frankfort, MI. Their car repair experts handle auto glass or windshield replacement promptly and efficiently and will also apply Aquapel Glass Treatment to improve visibility in rain, snow, and sleet. Find out more about this auto body shop online, or call (231) 352-7948 for a free estimate for collision repairs or windshield replacement.