How to Properly De-ice Your Windscreen

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How to Properly De-ice Your Windscreen

As winter approaches, it won’t be long until de-icing the car will be a daily occurrence.

Having to spend time in the cold mornings removing snow or ice from our cars’ windscreens can be an irritating process, but by following the correct steps you can make it much easier. 

At The Windscreen Company, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to clear your windscreen most effectively. 

1.Check your wipers

01 Check your wipers

The very first step is to check the condition of your wipers before you begin.

You need to check they haven’t frozen to the glass overnight. If you switch them on when they are frozen, they may break or cause damage to the windscreen.  

If your wipers are stuck, then spray a de-icing solution onto the blades and this should release them.

2. Start the engine 

02 Start engine

Next, switch on your engine and activate the car’s defroster if it has one. This will encourage warm air onto the windscreen and will help to slowly melt any snow or ice. At this stage, you can also turn on your air conditioning – this will help prevent the glass from misting up inside the car.  

3. Remove snow

03 Remove snow

This step will only be necessary in events of heavy snowfall and if your car has been covered. 

Spend some time clearing all the snow off your car, this can be done by hand but you might want to use a brush for the grille. 

4. Scrape the ice away

04 Scrape ice away

Now, using a scraper and de-icer, clear ice away from your windscreen and all of the car’s windows. Make sure to gently scrape when clearing the glass, too much pressure might cause accidental damage. 

If you are using a de-icer as well as a scraper, make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember, your car’s engine will also be helping get rid of any remaining snow or ice at the same time. 

5. You’re good to go!

Wait until all snow and ice have melted before setting off. Only start driving when your windscreen is fully clear, as any lack of vision can be dangerous when behind the wheel. 

What not to do when de-icing your car

If you follow the steps above, you should have no problem clearing your windscreen.

However, it’s important to note that there are also several things you shouldn’t attempt.

These include:

  • Using boiling water – pouring a hot kettle over windscreen glass to clear ice can actually cause it to crack.
  • Rushing the process – Don’t rush or drive off before the windscreen is fully cleared.
  • Using a cloth on the inside – Using a cloth on interior windows to clear them can cause streaks to form.
  • Leave your car running for too long – This is bad for the environment and an inefficient use of fuel. Some people switch their engine on for up to an hour to try and clear a windscreen, but this is never recommended. 

If your windscreen has suffered any damage, The Windscreen Company is here to help. For more than 25 years, we’ve provided leading windscreen repairs and replacements across the South East and West Midlands. To find out more, contact our team today. 

 

 

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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