Windshield frost is a common concern among vehicle owners, particularly when the colder seasons roll in. More than just a nuisance, this frosty layer on your windshield can also cause multiple problems such as obstructing visibility when driving, damaging your windshield’s surface (particularly if the frost is carelessly scraped off), and reducing the overall lifespan of your windshield and wipers. Thus, it’s crucial to properly defrost your windshield to prevent any safety hazards and ensure that your windshield maintains its structural integrity.
If you find yourself facing windshield frost issues or are in need of windshield repair due to the damage it caused, then consider bringing your car over at Crack Windshield Repair and Window Tinting, one of the top service providers for auto glass repair in Ontario CA. Our team are experts in windshield care and trained to properly defrost your windshield or repair any damage caused by the frost, restoring your windshield to its top condition.
To give you a better understanding on what proper windshield defrosting techniques are, here are some simple tips that you can do on your own to remove frost on your windshield without causing any damage to it.
1. Use Your Car’s Defrost System
Some vehicles are equipped with defrosters that can be used to safely and conveniently remove frost. The way it works is that your car’s ventilation system directs warm air to your windshield through dashboard vents. This melts the ice or frost on your windshield without the need to apply any physical force, which reduces risks of damage on its surface. Your car’s built-in defrost system also allows for an even temperature increase across the windshield and prevents stress points that could lead to cracking.
Before you engage the defrost system, however, let the engine idle for a few minutes first. As the engine warms up, it also heats the air that will be directed toward the windshield. This then allows the defrost system to work more efficiently, thus speeding up the frost removal process.
2. Apply a De-icing Spray
A de-icing spray is a chemical solution that quickly melts frost, ice, or snow from a car’s windshield, windows, and other surfaces. To use it, simply spray it directly onto the frosted windshield and wait for the ice to soften. You can then gently wipe away the ice with a microfiber cloth for a clean finish. If your car doesn’t have a defrost system, then a de-icing spray can be an efficient alternative to melting frost and ice without having to vigorously scrape your windshield.
Before you use a store-bought de-icer, consider checking with your local auto glass repair shop first to ensure that it doesn’t contain chemicals that can potentially degrade your windshield’s protective coatings.
3. Warm Water in a Plastic Bag
Another safe solution to removing windshield frost is by filling a resealable plastic bag with warm water, sealing it tightly, then gliding it across your windshield until it gradually melts the frost. Do make sure to move the bag evenly for consistent heating.
One of the advantages of this method is that it’s relatively easy and cheap to prepare. It also minimizes any need for additional tools and products. Keep in mind that the water should only be warm and not hot as the latter can cause rapid expansion of the glass and increases the risk of cracks.
4. Use a Soft Plastic Scraper
Scraping frost directly from your windshield typically causes damage to its surface because of the scraping tool’s material scratching against your auto glass. To prevent this from happening, you may instead use soft plastic scrapers, as these are specifically designed to prevent damage to windshields. Consider using the scraper after a de-icing spray or the warm water plastic bag method so that the frost is already softened, thus only requiring minimal scraping effort on your part.
5. Park Facing East or Use a Frost Cover
If the sun is up the next day, try parking your car facing east since this allows the morning sun to naturally defrost your windshield. Natural defrosting reduces the need for scraping or chemical solutions. It can also save time and effort on your part, as you simply let the sun do the job for you.
As a precautionary measure in the future, you may also consider placing a frost cover or tarp over your windshield overnight. This helps block frost and ice formation, which preserves the windshield’s surface. Applying an anti-frost or rain-repellent product on your windshield can also be done beforehand to reduce the adherence of ice on your auto glass.
As an additional tip from us here at Crack Windshield Repair and Window Tinting, avoid using metal scrapers and windshield wipers to clear out frost on your windshield. The former will likely scratch your auto glass while the latter can damage your wipers and cause friction that can leave marks on your windshield.
Knowing how to properly defrost your windshield helps you get the job done without damaging your auto glass. The next time you encounter your windshield all frosted up, try the tips above to ensure your windshield’s optimal performance and longevity.
