How to de-ice your car and windscreen this winter effectively.

Winter brings frosty mornings and dusting of snow on the streets, but it also brings something very frustrating on your part: de-icing your car and windscreen. Clearing ice off the vehicle is pretty time-consuming and brings a level of stress to many car owners before getting back on the roads. We will be telling you in this guide how to quickly and safely de-ice your car and windscreen and get back onto the road with minimal hassle.

Why is de-icing important?

Driving on frozen water or ice strewn across your windshield is not just a nuisance but is also hazardous. A lack of visibility could lead to accidents; even in most places, driving with an obstructed windshield is not allowed. Regular windshield de-icing ensures one has a good view of the road, and prevention of potential fines and accidents too.

Tools You’ll Need
Let’s get to the ways, starting with what you’ll want to have readily available for winter morning use:

• Ice scraper: A good ice scraper is necessary to break up or scrape off the ice.
  -De-icer spray: An industrial de-icer is formulated to melt ice fast, which saves you so much time and effort.
• Soft-bristled brush: Removes snow and weak ice from the car without scratching the paint.
• Defroster: Your car’s built-in defroster is important for melting ice formed on the windscreen from within.

Best Ways to De-ice your car

1. Start with the defroster                           

   Switch your car on and use the defroster on the windscreen. Adjust the heat to be powerful and blow toward the windscreen and side windows. This will warm the glass so that the ice melts slowly. Patience, it can take a few minutes, but it makes it easier to scrape and does not damage the windscreen.

2. Use a commercial de-icer spray

Commercial de-icer sprays are also widely available in most supermarkets and car stores. You just spray this solution on icy portions of the car and watch how ice melts away in a few minutes. Then again if you can’t find de-icer spray anywhere, just mix water with rubbing alcohol.

3. Scrape the Ice                 

   As soon as the de-icer spray and defroster start thawing the ice, scrape it away with an ice scraper. Be sure to start at the top edge of the windscreen and scrape down its full height. Be smooth but firm to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the paint on your car.

4. Clean Snow with a Soft Brush

 If there is a layer of snow on the car, use a soft-bristled brush to sweep it off carefully. Do not use any metal tools or sharp-edged scrapers on the body of the car because these can dig marks into the paint. Always clear off snow from your roof, windows, mirrors, and lights to ensure maximum visibility and safety.

5. Avoid Hot Water

As tempting as it may be to pour hot water over your frozen windscreen, never do so because sudden temperature change might just crack the glass. Use safe de-icing methods to warm up the glass gradually.

Avoid Ice Build-Up

But preventing ice build-up is just as important as removing it. Here’s how you can take a few preventative measures so you won’t waste time when winter mornings come:

• Park in a garage or covered area to avoid covering frost and snow on your car. – Frost guard, or even an old towel applied overnight prevents ice from forming on your windscreen. – Apply a protective coating to your windscreen—many de-icers also work as preventative sprays, making it harder for ice to form and stick to the glass. Stay Safe on the Road Winter driving has its own snags and de-icing the car is only a partial piece of the road to staying safe. Make sure to keep your car prepared for this cold weather by checking on your tyres, good condition of your wiper blades, and enough anti-freeze in your car. Final Thoughts There is no need winter de-icing has to be a chore. With the right tools and know-how, you can clear ice quickly and efficiently. You thus will have full visibility for the safe take-off. Be gentle in scraping ice off-take precautions against shortcuts like hot water. Better still, take those preventive measures so your morning is a piece of cake and not full of nightmares. Safe driving!