Approaching the winter season it is important to be aware of the crucial steps required to de-ice your windshield effectively. If you cannot see out your windshield, it is not safe to drive. U.K law states that you must be able to see out your windows and also have your number plate clearly visible and legible. The following article gives clear instructions on the most effective ways to de-ice your windshields.
Step 1: Start your car and put on the "defrost" setting on the temperature gauge. Wait at least fifteen minutes for the glass to warm up. Never attempt to try to defrost the windshield using water, hot, cold, or warm. Using warm or hot water can cause the glass to break due to thermal shock due to temperature change. In very cold climates, cold water can also freeze on the windshield, making your troubles even worse. Whilst your car is warming up, make sure no ice, snow, or other materials are blocking the vehicle tailpipe. Remove any blockage to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Step 2: Spray your car with a saltwater solution. This will dissolve the ice via chemical reaction rather than melting it with heat. The ions in salt also lower the freezing point of water, making it difficult for water to refreeze. Apply the saltwater sparingly to your windshield since heavy salt exposure may cause damage to the glass. Although normal table salt will suffice, using road salt will ensure better results due to its differing chemical composition that makes it more effective at freezing temperatures.
Step 3: Apply an alcohol and water solution to melt the ice. Make a 2:1 rubbing alcohol to water solution and fill a spray bottle with it. Spray the solution onto all desired windows.