How to De-ice Your Windshield

A windshield coated with ice and snow shouldn't set you back more than a few minutes when you need to hit the road.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• De-icing Solution
• Ice Scraper Or A Credit Card

1. Turn on the car. Put the defroster on the hottest setting and turn on the air conditioner (many modern cars automatically engage the air conditioner when you turn on the defroster).

2. Set the defroster fan to low.

3. Brush snow off the windshield.

4. Spray de-icing solution on the windshield. (You can make your own de-icing solution--a mixture of half water and half vinegar.)

5. Scrape the ice off the outside of the windshield using an ice scraper or, in a pinch, a credit card.

Tips & Warnings

• Pouring hot water on an icy windshield can crack the glass.

[mrharvey]

on 2/6/2009 Very good tips! Thanks!

[jull14]

on 2/5/2009 Great information!

[BigDiamonds]

on 2/2/2009 "how to break all your credit cards trying to get ice off of a windshield"

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/2/2009 I didn't know about vinegar, thanks!

[kittalbot]

on 1/30/2009 I don't recommend using a credit card, unless you no longer use it. I have broken numerous cards doing this. Use a membership card or something you don't really care about losing.