Here’s how to defrost your car window without stress: 10 tips

10 tips

Defrosting your car window doesn’t have to be a hassle: with these tips, you’ll be done in no time. Here they come!

1. Scrape, but efficiently
The classic ice scraper remains a winner. Choose one with a sturdy handle and multiple edges. Don’t use CD cases or bank cards-unless you’re looking for an excuse to buy new ones.

2. Preheating with your car
Start your engine and turn on the heater. Do not use maximum blower setting, because then the heated air will cool down before it reaches your window. By the way, don’t run your engine endlessly; that’s not only bad for the environment, but also a waste of your fuel. With an EV, you can turn the heater’s ventilation speed to hurricane mode right away, though, because it has no engine to warm up first and produces warm air almost immediately.

3. Use a de-icing spray
The chemical wizard among de-icing agents. Spray a layer on your window, wait a few seconds, and watch the ice disappear like snow in the sun. Tip: A mix of water and some alcohol works great, too.

4. Make your own anti-freeze spray
Mix two parts alcohol, one part water and a dash of dish soap in a plant sprayer. Cheap, fast and you’ll feel like a scientist in your own laboratory.

5. Boiling water? Don’t do it!
You may think that a splash of hot water will fix things. True, but so does your car window … it can spontaneously crack. Lukewarm water is fine, boiling water is for a cup of tea.

6. Cover your window
A simple solution: use an old blanket, newspaper or special anti-ice mat. No cardboard, which sticks with moisture.

7. Put your windshield wipers up
Want to avoid your windshield wipers freezing up? Turn them up before it freezes. Saves you frustration and prevents damage.

8. Use a plastic bag with warm water
Fill a sealable bag with lukewarm water and wipe over your window. The ice will melt and you’ll have dry hands. Note: Again, do not use boiling water.

9. Hair dryer? Only with extension cord
A tad unusual, but it can be done: grab a hair dryer! Be sure to use a low setting and keep your distance from the glass, or you’ll end up with a crack in your window.

10. Prevention is better than cure
Park your car under a carport, in a garage or under a tree if necessary. This will prevent a layer of ice. No shelter? Invest in a good car window film.

Suffering from fogged up windows? Then read: Never fogged up windows again? Here’s how you do it