Winter is right around the corner, and although it might not technically be snowy season yet, we’ve definitely been feeling the freeze in Canada for quite some time now. The snowfall and below freezing days are far from being over, and for the next few months, you’ll have to deal with your fair share of frosted windshields. Lucky for you, we’ve decided to divulge all the tips and tricks you need to know to defrost your car windshield in a timely manner this winter.

Defogging From the Inside

When people think about defrosting their car windshield, they often associate that task with manually scraping off bits of ice and/or pouring a solution on their windshield to melt it away. While this is definitely an important part of defrosting your car windshield, it is also essential that you defog your windows from the inside to ensure you can see clearly through your windshield.

Here are a few methods you can use to defog from inside your car:

•     Crank the heat: Hot air holds more moisture than cold air, so having your heat on will help absorb excess moisture on your windshield.
•     Activate the A/C system: As nonsensical as this may sound, turning on you’re A/C system can actually help dry the air in your car and on your windows.
•    Turn off the air recirculation: Just like the cold air coming from you’re A/C system, the cold air from outside helps dry the saturated air.

Defrosting From the Outside

Once your windshield has been sufficiently defogged from the inside, it’s time to tackle what’s on the outside of the window – the frost! There are two ways to get rid of the frost on a car windshield: scraping or using a liquid solution.

1. The Scraping Method

Manually scraping off the frost on your windshield with an ice scraper and soft brush from your local home goods store is a surefire way to get it off quickly, though it can be physically demanding at times. Use the plastic ice scraper to remove thicker patches of ice and the soft brush to loosen and break apart thinner layers of frost.

2. The De-Icing Fluid Method

If you simply can’t bring yourself to scrape off the frost on your windshield manually, there’s also a liquid solution you can use to get it off. At most supermarkets and filling stations, you can find specially made de-icing fluid that will do the trick. If you’d rather save some money, you can also make your own de-icing fluid by mixing together 1/3 part water and 2/3 part isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Simply spray either the store-bought or homemade solution on your windshield and voila, the ice will disappear instantly!

To ensure all the frost on your windshield has been thoroughly removed, you’ll probably also want to make use of your wipers and fluid to get rid of the remaining ice and ice shavings after you’ve completed the majority of the defrosting.

Defrosting Don’ts

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and if you’re not prepared for the cold and snowy weather, you might be tempted to try out some alternative methods to get rid of the frost on your windshield. Here are some defrosting don’ts that you shouldn’t risk attempting:

•     Pour hot water on a frozen windshield: While this may seem like a good idea, in theory, the reality of pouring hot water on a frozen windshield more often than not results in a cracked windshield!
•     Use a hairdryer: If you’re short on time in the morning using a hairdryer to speed up the defrosting process might be an enticing option, but it’s a big no-no. Just like with hot water, the extreme temperature change could cause your windshield to shatter.
•    Use a makeshift scraper: Trying to use a metal alternative (i.e. a spatula, metal scraper, etc.) when you don’t have a plastic scraper handy is never a good idea. Chances are you’ll end up scratching your windshield and having to get it repaired.

Armed with these defrosting tips and tricks, you’ll be well equipped to deal with the worst of the worst winter storms this season. And if your windshield doesn’t make it through the winter in one piece, Brampton Auto Glass can help with that! At Brampton Auto Glass, we specialize in windshield repairs and windshield replacements, and our certified auto glass installers can fix even the most challenging auto glass cases. Contact us today to get a free quote!