How do I stop my windshield from getting icy?

November 16, 2022 6:41 PM

I leave for work before the sun comes up. While it rarely snows where I live, it's cold enough in the winter that my car's windshield is usually icy. I need to scrape it, and also sit and wait for the defroster to do its thing on the interior. What could I do to make the de-icing process go faster, or not have to happen at all? Parking in a garage is not an option.
posted by The corpse in the library to Grab Bag (22 answers total)

I haven't tried this, but there are windshield covers that could help, at least for the front.
posted by pinochiette at 6:43 PM on November 16, 2022 [7 favorites]

The windshield covers are classier but you can also put a large piece of cardboard across the windshield overnight and any frost/ice will accumulate on that rather than the windshield.
posted by raccoon409 at 6:48 PM on November 16, 2022 [4 favorites]

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Automobile Association (AA) both recommend against using hot water on a windshield, which can crack or shatter glass due to the sudden change in temperature.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:48 PM on November 16, 2022 [29 favorites]

There's de-icing spray - usually found in cold climate auto stores.
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:50 PM on November 16, 2022 [3 favorites]

I've found that the interior defrosting goes much more quickly if a bunch of exhaled water isn't left covering that surface to become ice overnight in the first place. I therefore try to be diligent about running the defroster at least during the final drive through my neighborhood to dry it off.

The windshield covers do indeed work, as long as you have a tool to chip the edges free. Then you just have the problem of where to put an ice-laden sheet of fabric. (I drape it over the fence ice-up.)
posted by teremala at 6:51 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

The classic answer in my area is to get an autostart installed, and then let the car run long enough for the defroster to do its magic. Depending on how low your temps get, that can also be easier on the vehicle for not trying to drive when everything is very cold.
posted by past unusual at 6:53 PM on November 16, 2022 [5 favorites]

You can also make your own deicer with rubbing alcohol and water.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 7:08 PM on November 16, 2022 [3 favorites]

Flip the sun visors down to redirect as much air as possible back at the windshield. Run defrost+AC+heat.
posted by SillyShepherd at 7:28 PM on November 16, 2022 [3 favorites]

I have cracked a windshield by pouring lukewarm water on it. If you use this method, cool water is recommended.
I have used cardboard when the forecast calls for icing.

If you are just dealing with frost, there are ready-made de-icer sprays. You can also make your own with two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water.

I usually start the vehicle, then spray de-icer and scrape with a wide brass blade. By the time I have finished all the windows, the heat from the defroster is usually starting to come on.
posted by tronec at 7:30 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

The brass blade is so much superior to plastic ones!
posted by advicepig at 7:48 PM on November 16, 2022 [5 favorites]

Just pour (hot) water across it and use the wipers to clear it all off.
Don't do this - it's likely to crack the windscreen. If you use cold water, turn the wipers on first or immediately to avoid the water you just poured over the windscreen freezing and making things worse.
posted by dg at 7:59 PM on November 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

I have a windshield cover and it works great. You could also use an old bath towel if you live in a thefty area, just close the towels ends in the car doors.
posted by workerant at 8:32 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

Yeah, a blanket, and BTW magnets are your friend here or maybe bungee cords depending on environment. So are kids in lieu of remote start, send their ass out into the cold to clear off snow and start the car for a few minutes to get a bit warm. Nth alcohol and not hot water.

This is a great time for a tarp with grommets in the corners. Toss it over the car, bungee the corners down to four bricks.
posted by zengargoyle at 8:46 PM on November 16, 2022

Parking anywhere the windshield can't "see" the sky helps a lot, even if it's just under a tree.
posted by fritley at 9:23 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

A neighbor uses a piece of old carpet on top of both the front and rear windows. She just takes it off and drives away.
posted by Bottlecap at 10:29 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

A reflective windshield cover like this works even better because it maximises the amount of sunlight to melt ice off it entirely as soon as possible, plus it doesn't get soaked so you can just brush it off and put it in the trunk, then put it on again at your destination because de-snowing the windshield is a bore.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 10:38 PM on November 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

Normal windscreen covers were not great for me, too fiddley… now I use a heavy rubber mat like you would put in the trunk of your car. It’s great and never blows away. Put on top of your wipers.
posted by pairofshades at 3:14 AM on November 17, 2022

If you are getting frost INSIDE the windshield, keep the windows cracked on a few clear days to reduce the humidity trapped inside.
posted by metasarah at 7:54 AM on November 17, 2022

A scraper with a brass blade will not scratch the windshield, and the short blade works really well.

Rain-X and similar products make rain bead up and roll off; I suspect it would facilitate scraping; I should try this.

The alcohol-based de-icing liquids seem to work, but I wonder if repeated use would be bad for the paint. I think you're talking about hoarfrost from moisture in the air condensing on the windshield, and de-icing liquid seems like overkill.

I have cracked a winshield by using the defroster for too long on a very cold morning. I went out early, started the car, defrost on high, then went to make breakfast.

My car's ventilation system has an automatic defrost that blows cold air. I hate this, but if your car has it, too, you can get a 12V, cig lighter defroster to speed things up (and keep from freezing to death). But be super-vigilant to avoid cracking the windshield.
posted by theora55 at 9:56 AM on November 17, 2022

Cleanliness and window treatment prevent the frost and other wintery accumulations from intensely sticking and speeds wintery accumulation's removal.
1) Super clean your windshield with Windex or Invisible Glass. Wipe off with a microfiber towel or Bounty. Don't cheap out.
2) apply a windshield treatment (Rain-x, Aquapel, or good old car wax. The windshield treatment can be applied on the side and back glass too. The glass treatment

extra credit step between 1 and 2 is to get a clay bar kit (clay bar, spray lubricant and microfiber towel) to make the glass really smooth and remove embedded contaminants.

There are some windshield washer fluids (this or these) that do a better job of removing frost compared to the good old blue stuff in a jug.
posted by dlwr300 at 1:25 PM on November 17, 2022

Windshield cover. Mine has straps that go around the mirrors and flaps that tuck inside the doors. It also came with covers for the mirrors. I have no idea what brand it is, but I got it from Sam's last year.
posted by kathrynm at 5:42 PM on November 18, 2022

When this was relevant for me, I used to throw a big beach towel over the windshield and then just pull it off when it was time to go. Worked great.
posted by spindrifter at 5:15 AM on November 19, 2022