What is the right way to quickly de-ice your windscreen?
How can you prepare for frost on the windscreen?
If the weather forecast predicts a freezing night, a few common simple steps can help limit frost formation on the vehicle’s windows. To save yourself a tedious de-icing session in the early hours of the morning, here are a few tips to follow:
- park the vehicle away from the wind, rain and snow ;
- cover the windscreen with cardboard, a thick sheet or any other type of protection capable of absorbing moisture and preventing condensation;
- for optimum protection, use an anti-icing sheet that can cover the entire windscreen surface without sticking.
Tip: Various old-fashioned tricks are known to prevent frost from forming on windows. These are often solutions that use natural products. For example, a mixture of white vinegar (1/2) and water (1/2) can be sprayed onto the glass surfaces. Rubbing an onion or a potato on the windscreen the night before is also a proven method.
What should be done to de-ice a windscreen?
How do you de-ice the inside of a windscreen?
When the temperature is sub-zero, the water vapour in the air freezes on the outside, but also inside of the vehicle’s cabin on the glass surfaces. In the latter case, the following steps should be taken:
- start the vehicle;
- switch on the defrosting function on the rear window;
- switch on the interior heater using the “outside air” function;
- turn the fans towards the windows.
Good to know: According to the Highway Code, you must be able to see, and all ice and snow should be clear from the windows before setting off. You must also ensure the mirrors are clear and windows thoroughly defrosted.
What is the best solution for de-icing the outside of the windscreen?
The best way to de-ice an exterior windscreen is to use a window scraper or a de-icing spray. With a windscreen scraper, all you need is a little elbow grease to de-ice a glass surface quickly. For an effective result, it is advisable to use light strokes and not neglect any part of the windscreen. To avoid unnecessary fatigue, the use of a de-icing spray is an effective alternative. In this case, spraying the product about 20 centimetres from the windows is recommended. Then you can easily remove the frost residue with a scraper or cloth.
What should I not do to de-ice a windscreen?
To safely de-ice a windscreen and without damage it, several bad habits should be avoided. In particular, it is not advisable to pour hot water on the windshield. The thermal shock could cause the glass surface to crack or even break. Using the windscreen wipers to remove ice should also be avoided as this could cause irreparable damage to the windscreen.
For people who have to leave their vehicles parked outside, preventive measures can limit frost formation on the windscreen when taken. If necessary, various methods can be used (window scraper, de-icing spray, etc.) to remove frost from the windshield quickly.
