Tips for Defrosting Windshield Glass Safely and Quickly

Although we hate to say it, winter is just around the corner. While there are some aspects of winter that we can all enjoy, it’s safe to say that no one enjoys having to clear snow and ice off their car. If you have to avoid unnecessary expenses, you need to ensure windshield defrosting is done right. 

With some extra care and advice, you can clear your windshield in no time and avoid costly damage. Let’s discuss the best way to save time and money by defrosting windshield glass properly. 

4 Tips for Quickly and Safely Defrosting Windshield Glass

No matter how quickly you work, there’s no avoiding the bitter cold air when you need to clear snow and ice from your vehicle. If you try to cut corners, you can easily end up with cracked glass. However, these tips can help speed up the process when defrosting windshield glass:

1. Start Your Vehicle and Turn on the Heater

While it might seem obvious, many people attempt defrosting windshield glass without starting up their car. Adding a little warmth to your windshield will help speed things up a bit. Start your engine and turn your heater to defrost on the maximum temperature settings. Airflow should be directed towards your windshield. Even if you’re not driving your vehicle yet, the air should start to warm up in about five minutes and start to melt the ice on your windshield. 

The good thing about taking this step is that you can start your vehicle and then go inside to finish getting ready while defrosting windshield glass. Even better, if you have a remote starter you can turn on your car from the warmth of your home. Whatever you do, don’t add hot water to your windshield. This can cause your glass to crack, requiring costly repairs. 

2. Turn on Your Air Conditioner

This may seem like a ridiculous suggestion, but turning on your AC can help with defrosting your windshield. Running your AC will help remove moisture from the air, preventing the windows from fogging up. Since outside air has less moisture, you can also turn the air recirculation off. Taking this step in defrosting windshield glass can help speed up the process so you can get on the road as soon as the ice is cleared without waiting for the windshield fog to disappear. 

3. Remove Snow 

If there is a lot of snow on your windshield, remove it first. Since snow can create a heavy load on your window, you’ll want to gently remove it with a soft brush immediately. Work in sections to get the best results. You should be able to remove most of the snow, revealing the ice layer that covers your windshield. 

4. Carefully Scrape Ice Using Defrosting Windshield Spray

Once you’ve moved down to the ice layer of your windshield, it’s time to put a little muscle into your efforts. The easiest way to physically remove ice is to spray your windshield with a safe defroster spray which you can find online or in an automotive store. Cover the entire glass area then wait a few minutes while the defrosting windshield spray does its magic. You should then be able to use a plastic ice-scraper to gently break the ice and remove patches from your windshield. 

You should never use a metal ice scraper or other objects not created specifically for windshield use. Using anything else may scratch your windshield and damage the glass. Once you’ve completed this final step, you should have a nice, clean view from your front seat. All that is left is to jump in your warm vehicle and carefully drive to your destination. 

Contact Avenue Glass to Prepare Your Windshield for Cold Weather

Avenue Auto Glass strives to be the team you can turn to for all your windshield and auto glass questions. If you want to prepare for winter in advance, we’re here to help you find the right products and practices to keep your auto glass safe. We are also available to help with all your windshield repairs. Contact our Vancouver windshield repair experts today to discuss your needs. We’ll help you find the best plan for defrosting windshield glass to keep your investment safe.