Winter is that time of the year when the temperature drops below normal levels. And it’s here again! In temperate regions, besides the need to stay warm, people have to deal with their vehicles being frozen. Driving a frost covered car around is not safe. Some countries have adequate legislation to stem the tide of individuals using cars with frozen windshields.

Many are unaware they can defrost their cars without having to scrub off the ice or clean their windshield manually. Even better, all these methods are safe and can be achieved under half an hour. Yes, it’s that fast. In this article, you will learn how to get your frozen car rolling and the shortest possible time.

Before we go into how to defrost your car, some understanding of the reason behind this problem would be helpful. A car’s windshield is sensitive to temperature changes, and it shows. This can be explained by a heat difference between the interior of the car and its exterior. The upholstery within a car ensures the temperature within is always higher than that outside. The cold metallic surface of the car’s outer body adds to the distinct change in temperature. With this sharp difference in temperature, molecules which are warmed within the vehicle on getting to the windshield are converted into the vapor form. The process which is termed condensation leaves moisture all over the windshield. This situation isn’t limited to the winter season. Car owners also experienced this problem during spring and summer.

Car manufacturing firms have found ways for owners to defrost their vehicles without expending energy through any manual effort. It involves the use of a car defroster which is incorporated into most modern cars. There are vents within a car which form part of its air conditioning and the heating system. The defroster uses this arrangement in delivering heat to the exterior.

To begin, you will need to turn on your car and let the engine warm up. Coolant in the car gets heated up propelling the heated liquid towards a radiator-like component which spurs the blower fan to action. The result is the latter expels hot air through the vent defrosting the windshield. The wipers attached to the windshield of your car can complete the exercise by wiping the moisture formed. The only problem with this approach is the amount of time spent warming up the car engine. But this can be ignored since it doesn’t take a lot of time to achieve.

For the rear windshield, there’s not much of a problem. Resistive conductors can be seen lining the glass. Each supported by accessory elements on the inside of the windshield. The conductors allow electricity flow through them generating heat as well. This is often sufficient when defrosting the ice on this particular windshield.

Another method which could help with the defrosting of your windshield and quickly as well involve the use of some heated content. Rice is one substance often used for this method.

Place portable bags of the uncooked cereal in a heater without any moisture content. Ensure you tightly seal the bags before heating the rice. The heating process shouldn’t take more than a minute.

Bring the heated bags near the inner surface of your windshield. This should melt the ice on the outside.

Utilize the windshield wipers of your car to remove the resulting moisture. It is important you spread out the application of this heat to avoid straining your windshield glass.

Another method worth contemplating if you’re serious about defrosting your car’s windshield involves the use of chemicals which are known to melt the ice. De-icers, as they are often called, are sold in stores. The good thing about this category of chemicals is that they can be made at home.

Most of the ingredients needed for the production of this solution are readily available. Isopropyl alcohol and dish soap with a wide range of applications are the main constituents of this product. Both these materials when mixed are known to melt ice.

To make the best use of the mixture, consider using a spray can to apply the solution to your car windshield. To hasten the melting process, use more of the De-icer mixture. No need to be afraid, the solution wouldn’t affect the integrity of your car’s windshield. However, be informed that rubbing alcohol might wear off the paint of your car so reduce any contact the chemical has with the body of your car.

Afterwards, have your windshield wipers clear out the moisture.

Another method you can use to de-ice your windshield requires the use of vinegar. Yes, it’s that sour tasting fluid, many have come to hate. But it has its uses. Besides being an integral part of the popular solution, Apple Cider Vinegar, this liquid is often used to defrost a car’s windshield which is a familiar occurrence during the winter period.

Get some vinegar solution enough to tackle your car’s windshield.

Mix 3 parts of the foul tasting liquid with a portion of water.

Use a spray can to apply the solution to the windshield. You should observe the ice melting and moisture flowing downwards.

Your next step should involve putting your wipers to good use.

Another method which can help defrost your windshield is warm water.

It is common knowledge that heated water will increase the temperature of ice. This makes the use of hot water effective in defrosting the windshield of your car. But avoid using boiling water. Apparently, while this will do the job faster, it increases the probability of your windshield cracking! And you don’t want that, right?

While all these methods can be of immense help towards defrosting your car, it’s crucial you don’t use brute force when applying any of them. Your windshield is made of glass which regardless of how tough it is, remains prone to damage.

Finally, before you make the most of any of these methods it’s important you avoid every possible pitfall. Yes, defrosting is beneficial but the safety of your car is also important.

Billy Miller
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