How To Defrost A Car
Every driver needs to defrost their vehicle from time to time - perhaps more often than we’d like thanks to living in the UK - but it’s probably not a task you’ve given much thought to in the past.
Knowing how to defrost a windscreen is something you must learn to do in style, regardless of whether it’s a new or used car. Understanding the dos and don’ts will allow you to complete the process with ease while eradicating the threat of unnecessary damage before you’ve left the driveway.
Defrosting A Windscreen - The Don’ts
Think spending a few minutes on defrosting the car is frustrating? Imagine how annoyed you’ll be if poor practices mean you need to call out an expert. Before we go into how to defrost car windows, we’re going to first go through how not to do it. Here are some things to avoid;
- Leaving your keys in the ignition while having a shower or breakfast. Your car may overheat if the radiator is frozen and there’s also the risk of someone stealing your vehicle.
- Using a DVD case or a ruler as a de-icer. Unlike a dedicated scraper, the edges of these materials could cause scratches or streaks down the windscreen.
- Pouring boiling water from the kettle over your windscreen. Yes, it defrosts the windscreen quickly, but it may also cause cracks in your windscreen that you’ll need to repair.
- Running the wipers when they are frozen in a bid to remove ice and snow from the windscreen. It can scratch the windscreen and damage the wipers themselves.
Taking the quick fix might work once or twice, but problems will occur at some stage. Our experts can help with servicing and repairs. But we’d rather you keep your windscreen in good health by following the right process.
How To Defrost Windscreen Wipers & Windscreens
Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid, it’s time to think about the quickest and most effective ways to de-ice frosty car windows. Here’s how:
- Check that the window wipers are not turned on so that you can avoid the damages as mentioned above.
- Turn the engine on before switching on the warm air blower and rear windscreen heater. Meanwhile, the aircon system will remove moisture from the air.
- Remove snow with a brush from the roof or bonnet before using a scraper and de-icer can to clear the glass windows and windscreen.
- If necessary, spray your windscreen water or de-icer to help speed up the process. Check that your headlights and other external lights are unobstructed.
- Drive away, but only when all of the frosts have gone.
Of course, if the roads are still icy, take extra care while driving. Adding a few minutes onto your journey is far better than having a crash, which is more likely in icy conditions. Cliche alert, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Have you got a question about defrosting your vehicle?
Our expert teams are on hand to help with any questions you may have!