BA Appliance Repair Service in Cincinnati ~ (513) 233-8209: How To De-Ice Your Windsheild

With the cold winter weather upon the Cincinnati area, waking to an ice covered car is eventually going to happen. Here are a few do’s and dont’s of windshield ice removal for your car:

First, the DONT’S:

DON’T pour hot water on your windshield to melt the ice. The ice will melt but glass can shatter from extreme temperature change.

DON’T tap the ice off the windshield with a hammer, screw driver, ice pick or other heavy tool you have handy. An impact hole or large crack can result.

DON’T scrape the ice off the windshield with a anything metal as in a key, a spatula, a utility knife or any other metal tool. The metal can scratch or cut grooves in the glass.

DON’T use an open flame to melt the ice. You could injure yourself and your car.

Now for the DO’S:

How to De-Ice Your Windshield in Cincinnati

DO start car and use the defrost feature in your car. Wait at least five minutes for the car to warm up. When the ice begins to melt, DO use a PLASTIC ice scraper and a soft plastic bristle brush to clear the ice.

This is the best way to de-ice your windshield without injury to yourself or damage to your vehicle. So check the weather before going to bed and when bad weather is in the forecast, allow yourself a good 10 minutes more to get ready in the morning. A broken windshield is never a good way to start your day.

There are de-icing products and suggested recipes for clearing the windshield. If using one of these products or a homemade de-icer, be sure to squeegee the windshield before driving off. Some products can freeze and obstruct your visibility.

Other De-Icing Tips:

Clear ice and snow from your vehicle’s tailpipe to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning inside the vehicle.

Purchase a good lock de-icer. This product is like ant-freeze for your car door locks. Be sure not to keep it in your car. If your locks are frozen over, you won’t be able to get to the de-icer to unfreeze then.

*some information referenced from Glass Doctor