Remedies for Icy Car Windows

Finding your windshield covered with ice when you're late for work, can ruin your entire day. While you can't control the whims of Mother Nature, though, you can arm yourself with some strategies that take the chill out of ice removal. Keep your credit cards in a wallet, where they belong, instead of scrubbing them across your windshield. There are other, simpler methods that can make de-icing a snap.

Techniques

  • Water repellents such as Rain-X, or Aquapel, work nicely to prevent icy buildup on car windows. The same ingredients in these products that repel rain, will prevent ice from sticking to your windshield. Doing this won't melt the ice away, but will allow you to brush it off easily.

    For a homemade solution, add equal amounts of water and vinegar to a spray bottle, and apply to the windows. This mixture melts ice quickly. If no vinegar can be found, substitute this ingredient with the same amount of rubbing alcohol for a similar effect. Either blend will not only melt the ice, but will also help to keep the ice from re-attaching to the windshield.

    One of the simplest ways to keep ice from accumulating, is to lay some type of shield over the window as you go in for the night. The same screen that's placed against the inner window to block sunlight in summer, can be set across the front for winter protection. Take the fasteners on the ends, and close them in the doors, to create a tight barrier against the elements.

    Avoid hitting the glass with hot water, as the sudden temperature change will crack the glass. Likewise, refrain from using your automobile's heater against the glass. This may produce similar effects.

    If snow has recently fallen, and you see a buildup on your car, take a moment to go outside and knock it off. The snow could freeze solid during the night, and become a lot of trouble the next day. Better to take care of it before that happens.