Winter hits, and your windows fog up or freeze over that frustrating 15 minutes that wrecks your morning commute and tempts you to bash buttons at random. If you’ve been told to match inside temperature to outside or splash hot water on the glass, here’s why those tricks might not work ... and what does.
First, a big no-no: never use hot or boiling water to melt ice on your windscreen. The AA warns this can cause the laminated glass to crack due to rapid temperature changes. Even warm water is risky because it can freeze again faster than cold, forming dangerous ice patches.
The smart way to defrost your windows:
-
Start your engine and turn on your car’s heating system. The best procedure is to:
-
Turn the heater fan to high.
-
Direct warm air at the windscreen and front windows.
-
Switch on rear window defrosters and heated side mirrors if you have them.
-
Turn on the air conditioning as well. The AC dehumidifies the air inside, reducing mist and fog.
-
-
Turn off the recirculation mode. This sucks in moisture-heavy air from inside the cabin. Instead, pull fresh, dry air from outside to help clear the glass.
-
Clear snow and ice from the exterior with a proper ice scraper and a soft brush—not your hands or metal objects, which might scratch the paint or glass.
-
Use a safe de-icer spray or a homemade mix (e.g., three parts water, one part rubbing alcohol) to help soften stubborn frost before scraping.
-
Be patient and stay in the car while the engine warms up and the glass heats evenly. Rushing with scraping or hitting random buttons can harm your car or cause smears that block your view.
Quick tips to keep your windows clear:
-
Park facing east so the morning sun naturally defrosts your car.
-
Use windscreen covers, or lay a blanket or cardboard on the glass overnight.
-
Prop up your wipers in freezing weather to prevent them from freezing to the glass.
-
Keep an emergency scraper and spray in your glovebox.
Defrosting your windows is crucial for your safety. Clear vision lets you spot hazards and avoid accidents on icy roads.
Follow these tips for fast, effective defrosting. It’s smart, safe, and way less frustrating than random button mashing.