How to Remove Ice From Your Windshield

You walk outside to discover a sheet of ice blanketing your
windshield, and you're already late for work. Here's how to clear
things up quickly and get on your way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• De-icing Solutions
• Waterproof Gloves
• Plastic Spatulas
• Ice Scrapers

1. Start your car's engine.

2. Turn the heat level to high and the defroster fan level to low. This low setting is extremely important'you don't want to crack the windshield by heating it too quickly.

3. Apply a deicing solution to your windshield, using a spray bottle. Home remedies include the following mixtures: 50 percent water and 50 percent ethyl alcohol, or 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar.

4. Scrape the ice from your windshield, using shallow downward strokes to avoid scratching the glass. A plastic spatula or credit card can do the trick if you don't have an ice scraper.

5. Work your way to the center of the windshield. If the ice coating is particularly thick, start by scratching a small square in one corner and then work your way across the windshield.

Tips & Warnings

• A plastic spatula or credit card can do the trick if you don't have an ice scraper.
• Change your windshield wiper blades at least twice a year if they ever get iced.
• If the ice coating is particularly thick, start by scratching a small square in one corner and then work your way outward.
• Don't put hot water on your windshield in an attempt to melt the ice. The resulting temperature difference can crack your windshield.
• Turning your car's heated defroster on high can also crack your windshield for the same reason.

[nanomatrix]

on 7/8/2007 I have had a window break from defrosting too fast. Also never break ice off wipers by lifting them or dropping them on the windshield. Moderately cool windshield fluid from a container that is designed for icy conditions may be helpful.

on 12/16/2005 The reason some windshields crack is because of the uneven heating. When you decide not to clear a large area of ice at the bottom of your windshield, that area remains very cold. With the defroster on high, it clears out the snow/ice above, but leaves the snow/ice on the wiper area. Generally defrosters don't hit this area. Plus as is a scientific fact, hot air rises. Since one area is fairly warm and right next to it is frozen, they expanded at different rates and crack. A porthole is no way to drive to work. It's not safe, and can have negative side effects.

on 11/22/2005 My windshield cracked by defrosting too quickly. I live in the South, so we aren't used to snow and all this crazy de-icing stuff. Last time it snowed, the snow settled at the bottom near the wipers (after I cleared a space to see through), and I drove to work with defrost on high. The next day, the snow had melted away and I had a big crack all the way across my windshield, exactly where the snow had been. :(

on 11/22/2005 Do not use an aluminum can. It will scratch the windshield.

on 11/22/2005 I'm not telling you to go out and do this tomorrow morning, but I have used warm (not hot) water to melt off my windshield and side windows almost every morning since I was old enough to reach above the car hood. I have never had any problems. My grandfather used to do the same thing, except he used boiling water from a large pot on his stove. Neither of us ever had any problem with breaking glass! (I'm not telling you to go out and do this, however, if you don't want to.)