If you’ve used the internet lately, you’ve seen fake “car hacks” disguised as advice. These images recommend that you
Pour antifreeze into the fuel tank to keep your gas from freezing…
Put nails in your tires for extra traction in snowy weather….
The savvy vehicle owner knows that these are jokes. A more innocent owner may not catch the cruel humor of these “car hacks.”
Don’t worry, if you did happen to pour boiling hot water across an iced windshield, the friendly Taylor Auto Glass technicians are here to fix it. However, we prefer that you don’t make this mistake in the first place. With a few more weeks of winter, you’re guaranteed to have more frosty windshields. Here’s the best way to remove frost and ice from your windshield:
Start the engine, turn on your defroster, and be patient.
The frost will magically melt away.
But we understand that it isn’t always practical to be patient. Maybe you’re rushing to work or school, maybe there’s an emergency, or maybe you’re just really craving a taco. Whatever the case, there are faster ways to remove frost from your windshield.
1. Scrape it away
Put your wallet back in your pocket; don’t sacrifice your credit card to scrape ice off the windshield. And put the razor away, too! It will only scratch your windshield and ruin your visibility. Buy an ice scraper and be gentle; chip the ice away slowly and be careful not to damage the glass.
2. Add a pinch of salt
You bring out the big guns when your walkway ices: a canister of salt. You can apply this to your windshield as well but only sparingly. This can be a risky alternative for your windshield because of the way that salt dries, in crystals. If you use too much salt, it can cause micro-abrasions in the glass and weaken the overall structure of your windshield. The safest way to use this method is to create a saltwater solution by mixing water with a pinch of salt in a spray bottle. Then you can spray the frost away.
3. De-icer
If you’re nervous about a homemade solution, buy commercial de-icer. This way, you don’t have to worry about creating the perfect potion. It’s already made. Just point, spray, and wipe the ice away.
4. Be proactive
Park your vehicle in the garage. Protecting your vehicle from the elements is the best way to avoid external damage and weather-wear. It’s also the best way to get to work without waiting for the defroster to work its magic. If you don’t have a garage, use a tarp. Cover your windshield, secure the tarp with bungee cords or rope, and enjoy unveiling your trusty (and not frosty) vehicle in the morning.
If you’d rather scratch intricate designs into your windshield with your beard-shaving-razor, we’ll fix it, but we don’t recommend it! We offer windshield repairs on-site, so we can come to you, or in our shop in Greensboro. But it’s best for everyone if you just use an ice scraper and treat your windshield with a little well-deserved respect.
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