Learning About Auto Services

When it starts to get chilly out, you may wake up and find the windshield over your car is iced over. If you are in a hurry, you may be tempted to pour some warm or hot water on the ice to get it to melt fast and be on your way. But what you may not realize is that if you do this, you can cause the glass on your windshield to crack or break due to the sudden temperature change. So what is the best way to de-ice a windshield? Read on to learn a few different ways. 

Make Your Own De-Icing Spray

There are many de-icing sprays that you can buy to help remove ice from your car. But you can make one that contains almost the same ingredients and works just as well for a fraction of the cost. Most de-icing sprays are made with isopropyl alcohol. Mix one part isopropyl alcohol with two parts room temperature water in a spray bottle. The next time your windshield has ice on it, spray this mixture on your windshield and let it sit. The alcohol starts to quickly melt away the ice without damaging your windshield. 

Use Your Car's Defroster

Another way to de-ice your car is to use your car's defroster. Your car's defroster was designed specifically to complete this task. It blows air on the front and back windshield to steadily warm up the windshield and melt the ice away. This gradual heating process protects your glass from a sudden temperature change that can cause damage. However, be aware that this is one of the slowest ways to de-ice your car, which is why people try to avoid it. Additionally, if you have an unfilled crack or chip in your windshield, you should avoid this method. This heat can cause the crack or chip to spread. 

Carefully Scrape Away Ice

The last way that you can de-ice your car's windshield is to use a plastic ice scraping tool to carefully scrape ice away from the windshield. Never use a metal scrapper, as it can scratch your glass. When using a scraper, apply only a small amount of pressure as you scrape away ice. Do not apply too much force or you can also leave scratches behind. Scraping works best when it is used in conjunction with either a de-icing spray or your car's defroster. 

If you did not follow directions and instead, poured hot water on your windshield, you might have damaged the windshield. If the windshield is simply cracked, bring it to an auto glass repair shop. They may be able to fill in the crack and repair it. But if your windshield shatters, you need a new one. During the winter months, plan to leave a bit earlier in the morning, so you can take the time to properly de-ice your windshield and protect it from cracking or breaking.

Contact a company like Newton Tire Company for more information and assistance.