You accidentally hit “off” instead of “snooze” on the alarm. The shower water took forever to warm up, the shirt you planned to wear is actually still crumpled at the bottom of the dirty clothes pile, you’re out of coffee, and the kids are still in their pajamas when you need to be walking out of the door. As if all of this isn’t enough, it’s also winter, and the South finally decided to express it with a nice layer of frost over your car.
Hopefully you read this post, and you have plenty of options in your arsenal to ensure that ice doesn’t slow you down on your already-late-for-everything day. No matter what your budget, location, or car knowledge, it is possible for your vehicle to be completely defrosted and safe to drive by the time the toddler is hooked into her car seat and the teenager is bugging you for driving lessons. In fact, you can put that kid to work by demonstrating these tips, they’re so easy!
COVER IT UP
On an otherwise dry evening, frost and ice forms from the dew that settles and freezes as temperatures plummet overnight. You can have that dew settle on something else rather than your windows by simply inserting a barrier. You can purchase a commercial tarp or cover for $15-$50 at most vehicle maintenance shops, but they don’t tend to stay stocked down here, so you can try your own as well. Blankets, towels, folded sheets, even newspapers can help keep your windshields free of Frozen! (We can’t say the same about the DVD player in the back.)
WATER
Be careful with this one, folks. If you decide to pour a bucket of water over your windshield to help melt the ice, make sure you’re in the right conditions to do so. For one, don’t use cold water – that might just freeze over the frost and give you a thicker layer of ice to chip through. Don’t use boiling or hot water either – the extreme temperature changes could have a significantly negative impact on the glass. As in, a shattering experience. IF you decide to use water (since it’s easily accessible to everyone), use lukewarm water and very quickly wipe down the windshield after dispensing a bucket over it. And if it’s less than 25F out, just toss this idea altogether and watch the icicles form as the water hits the frigid air.
CONCOCTIONS
Some brilliant people who probably grew up in Minnesota or Michigan invented this spectacular stuff that squirts out of a bottle and literally MELTS ice! You can sometimes buy this inexpensive commercial concoction where you get the rest of your maintenance materials, but you might have better lucky ordering online or having your cousin in Minnesota sending you a bottle. Or you could just make your own by filling a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and adding a few squirts of dish soap (mix well, don’t shake). Also known as hand sanitizer.
SURROUND THE ICE
If you’re anything like me, you’re number one concern when you leave the house is to get to the car as quickly as possible, climb inside, crank the heat, and try not to think to hard about going back in for a pair of gloves. Lucky for you, there is an option to help that defroster move along a little. Turn the heat all the way up, the defroster all the way on (don’t forget the rear defroster if you have it), and place your hand on the top of the window. This could leave a hand print on the glass (which can be cleaned up later with some window cleaner), but the warmth of your hand will act as a second defroster, sending heat through the glass and melting the ice at the top, while the car helps melt from the bottom, doubling the speed and keeping you inside the car.
REMOTE START
If you’ve ever wondered “Why would I ever need to start the car before I’m in it?” this is the answer to that question. If the weatherman is calling for frost, turn the temperature gauges to heat and defrost before you go in for the night. The next morning, you can turn the engine on while you’re still zipping up the kid’s coats and distributing lunch boxes. By the time you get everyone buckled in and ready to go, so is the vehicle.
HOW NOT TO DE-ICE YOUR WINDSHIELD
With Cold or Boiling Water
Cold water could freeze over the top of your windshield, especially if it’s particularly cold out. Boiling water could shatter your windshield from the excessive temperature difference.
With Salt Water
Up North, they use Road Salt to melt ice and snow and make the roads easier to navigate, right? So it would only make sense to use that, right? Wrong. Salt is bad for your car. There’s really no getting around that. It causes corrosion, rust, and creates damage that can only be replaced – not undone. This is why people from the frigid areas of the country tend to keep their nice vehicles cooped up in the garage during their Great White Winters.
With a Credit Card
Often used as an ice scraper for those that can’t find theirs, Credit Cards offer a stiff, flat edge to get under the ice and chip away at it. Not only is this time-consuming, but you could scratch the glass by wearing down the curved edges of the card into a sharper, knife-like blade and cutting into the windshield. Dropping it in drifts of slush and ice is also pretty easy, and would mean you have a long morning of calling to cancel said card and re-order another. You’re going to need that Credit Card to buy a cup of hot cocoa once you’re done freezing your hands off chipping away at ice.
Not Do It
Frost and ice are significant visual blocks. Don’t put yourself and your passengers in danger because you’re in a hurry. Be safe, be responsible, and use one of these easy tips to de-ice your car.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
Clear the grill of any ice or snow to make sure ventilation to the engine prevents overheating
Vinegar could prevent frost from forming
When you frost is coming, lift your windshield wipers off of the windshield and cover them with socks to prevent ice from damaging the rubber
Ask your Service Advisor for advice
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This post was written by Milton Ruben Superstore Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.
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