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| Not Actual Photo Of My Car |
First, I used an Ice-Scraper to remove the majority of the ice from the windscreen and then removed any loose deposits from my bonnet to prevent any ice being blown back up onto the windscreen when I drive off. Then I used my handy Holts De-Icer Spray that cost a mere €1.70 which melted the rest of the ice while I watched.
While my neighbours were throwing buckets of boiling water over their windows, I wouldn't recommend this. Glass can crack when exposed to rapid changes in temperature. If you’re going to use this method, stay with the kettle until you think the water is lukewarm and switch it off. However, there is still a danger that it will cause a crack.
Following on from this, I checked that the wipers weren't stuck to the windscreen as it could cause damage to the blades and the motor when I turn them on. Wipers are delicate and they’re only designed to remove water/rain so avoid using them to clear remaining ice or frost.Next, I checked all the other windows and mirrors of the car, inside and out. I then turned the car on and activated the air conditioning, making sure that the vents were aimed towards the windows. Air conditioning is great for defrosting your windows quickly and prevents them from misting up.
Note: Don’t leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition. Thieves are very opportunistic and they could be on the lookout for such situations like this on cold mornings.
I know it’s hard, but try and get up a few minutes early on frosty mornings so you’re not in a rush or tempted to risk driving with frosty windows.
Some friendly advice,
Niall
May I add a benefit of buckets of water vs de-icer?
ReplyDeleteDe-icer works by melting the ice (obviously). Less obvious is that the liquid on the screen is now much colder because of the latent heat of fusion. Look it up on Wiki. The colder glass has two effects. First when you get into the car, the glass may be so cold that your breath freezes onto the inside. Second, on the outside, when the de-icer chemical evaporates as you drive, you have a sub zero windscreen that is very prone to icing again.
I have used first a bucket of lukewarm water and sponge. This ensures the glass is above freezing, and washes off yesterdays road muck. Then another bucket of warmer water. The two stage process removes risk of glass craking under thermal shock.
The result is a clean screen, that is warm enough to prevent re-icing. It also ensures that when the car heater warms up your wet feet and carpets, there is no condensation on the glass.
Oh and course. If you have plenty of water, you can clean all of the windows, mirrors and lights in a few seconds. This make the journey more pleasant and safer.