Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield is never a good way to start the day, especially when running late for work or an important appointment. If parking in a garage or other covered area during winter is not feasible, take heart: there are a few economical and simple ways to prevent ice from forming in the first place, allowing you to be on your way in no time with no fussing, cussing or fanfare involved!
Mix together three parts white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture over your windshield in the evening when there is no ice on it and it will prevent ice from forming overnight so you wake up to an ice-free windshield. Be sure to spray all the windows of the vehicle, not just the windshield, and apply it each night.
Mix together two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray over the windshield in the evening when it is ice-free to prevent ice from forming overnight. The mixture will also instantly remove ice from a windshield and can be used in a pinch if your windshield is icy in the morning after an unexpected drop in temperature. Use this mixture to wipe down the inside of your windshield to also prevent the glass from fogging up.
Add 5 tbsp. rubbing alcohol to your windshield washer fluid to prevent the lines from freezing up and to instantly clear off any ice that may have formed. Use your windshield washer solution as usual and, after you apply it to the windshield, it will prevent ice from forming while you are driving.
Finally, place an old blanket or a piece of cardboard over the windshield at night covering the glass completely. Be sure to tuck the ends of the blanket or cardboard inside the doors to hold it in place. In the morning simply remove the covering from the windshield. Consider covering the other windows also.
