11/12/2022
When you're in a rush on a frosty morning, the last thing you need is an iced-over windscreen. But there are some methods of defrosting a windscreen that could damage your car? Here are some simple steps that can help clear your windscreen quickly and safely.
Best way to defrost a car windscreen
1. Firstly Check your wipers - make sure your wipers aren't on before you switch the car on. If wipers are frozen to the glass, the wiper motor could be damaged or the rubber could tear off if they start wiping.
Switch off windscreen wipers
2. Switch on the engine - turn on the warm air blower on the windscreen.
Switch on the rear windscreen heater and heated mirrors, if you have them. Turn on the air-con. It's not just for summer – it'll remove moisture from the air to stop the car misting up. Don’t use your hands to wipe misted-up windows – you'll leave greasy smears and a diamond ring could scratch the glass. Use a lint-free absorbent cloth if necessary. Ensure you stay with your car the whole time while the engine's running.
3. Sweep off the snow. Clear all the snow off the car. A soft brush is good for clearing the front grille (otherwise there is risk of the engine overheating). Make sure lights are clean and working.
4. Scrape while you wait. Use a scraper and de-icer on the outside of your car while you wait for the inside to warm up.
5. Get the all-clear. Don't drive off until all of the glass is clear.
If Car won't start in the cold? We'll always endeavour to try come to your rescue.
**IMPORTANT**
Don't use hot or lukewarm water on glass windscreens
If you use hot water on an iced-over car, you run the real risk of damaging your windscreen. Most people know not to use boiling water on their windscreen you run the risk a cracking windscreen. AVOID even lukewarm water as glass expands quickly when hot or even warm water touches it. But it'll contract quickly too as it cools down in the cold air. That flexing can make the glass crack even if you're using lukewarm water – especially if it had small chips or cracks. The risk isn't worth it as it could land you in a worse situation than when you started.
Beware a refreeze - on very cold days, the water could turn to ice before you know it - and warm water freezes faster than cold water. If it refreezes, it'll create a layer of ice on your windscreen (and on your driveway if you've spilled any!)
Worse still, it'll build up on the wipers and freeze them to the glass, risking damage to the wiper motor or ripping off the rubber if you switch them on.
Clearing snow off car windscreen -
driving safely means making sure that your line of vision is clear & free of ALL obstructions.
If you have a garage, use it in winter because it'll stop your car from getting iced-up.
If you don't have a garage, park your car on your driveway close to the house. The heat from your house can help to stop ice forming.
Put a shield across your windscreen to stop it getting icy - a piece of cardboard also works well for this.
PLEASE keep your car safe from thieves
It can be tempting to leave the car to defrost while you retreat to the warmth of the house. But you're skating on thin ice if you do.
Thieves see frosty mornings as a Christmas gift, looking out for defrosting cars that have been left unattended with the engine on.
BEWARE, you'll get the cold shoulder from your car insurance company if your car's stolen that way. You won't be covered if it's nicked because you left your keys in it unattended.
To keep your car safe, wrap up warm and stay with it the whole time. If you need to go back indoors, switch off and lock the car.
Please make sure your car battery is well maintained and that you've got the right anti-freeze levels in your radiator and you've got screen wash.
