Clearing your windscreen of ice in those early morning starts

How to de-ice your car quickly and safely

The return of frosty weather in West Sussex today (November 22) brings back that perennial problem – how to best de-ice your car.
Clearing that frost on your vehicle is an annoying morning headache that can leave you late for work.
Many drivers heading to the office will need to clear their windscreens before hitting the road.

But what is the best way to quickly and safely de-ice a car? We’ve pulled together this handy list of tips:

1. Do NOT use boiling water

Chucking a bucket of scalding water on your windscreen can cause it to crack through the sudden change in temperature. It is recommended that you use lukewarm water instead.

2. Heat the car from inside

Using your car’s interior de-mister is one of the most effective ways to gradually heat the vehicle and clear its windscreen. Be aware that this can take several minutes, especially if the car is covered in thick snow.

3. Protect the windscreen over night

To prevent ice building up in the first place, try soaking a towel in a saltwater solution and spread it over the windscreen. This should help keep it frost free overnight.

4. Be careful with your wipers

It is only safe to use your wipers to remove excess water after successfully de-icing your windscreen. Switching them on before the ice has thawed could break them.

5. Use a proper windscreen scraper

Make sure your car is equipped with an ice scraper and brush to help scrape away the morning frost. The longer the scraper is, the better reach you will have to clear all your windscreen. Avoid using a credit card, CD or any other object has you could scratch the windscreen.

6. Only use professional de-icing fluids

Don’t be tempted to use a homemade de-icing concoction to clear your windscreen. Some recommend using a vinegar-based solution to melt away ice, but this risks damaging the glass and paint surfaces of your vehicle. Stick to professional products.

7. NEVER drive away before de-icing

Our most important advice of all – do not drive off until all the ice has been cleared from your windscreen. Any reduced visibility could be very dangerous.