info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
We’re back in the times of frosty mornings. Which means frosty windscreens for drivers first thing in the morning (and sometimes for the commute home if the weather is really cold). If you’re anything like me that means digging out the half broken scraper and covering your hands with ice scrapings to the point of frostbite! No, I’m not that bad, but you get the picture. There are lots of products available to help with defrosting your car so there’s no excuse not to be prepared. Especially as not doing it properly can be dangerous and can also land you with a fine and points on your licence. So today I’ll look at some tips and techniques for the best way to defrost your car.
When the temperature drops overnight, any water or moisture left on the windscreen may freeze. Or if the weather is cold enough there will be an air or ground frost. This is where the air cools significantly and water vapour condenses on surfaces. So in the case of your windscreen, the glass will have reached a temperature of below zero, allowing frost to form.
If this happens, your windscreen wipers may well freeze to the glass of the windscreen. A handy tip before you defrost your car is to gently loosen the wipers from the glass. Before you turn on the car, make sure your windscreen wipers aren’t on (or set to auto). If you engage the wipers while they are frozen to the windscreen you can damage the rubber blades, or worse you can strain the wiper motor, which, over time could mean you need a replacement.
If they seems particularly frozen, a quick squirt of de-icer will soon loosen them. And besides, it’s often easier to defrost the whole windscreen without the wipers in the way. Don’t forget, that applies to back and front screens.
Before even starting on the windscreen get the car running. By heating up the inside you can make the issue of dealing with the outside much quicker and easier. Once the car is running get the heating going, and USE YOUR AIR CON SYSTEM. This isn’t only for the warmer summer months. Your air con system removes moisture from the air, particularly useful when the inside screen is misted up.
Most cars have heated rear windows. Many have heated front screens and mirrors. If so, get these all going, set to MAX if you can. And if you have the luxury of heated seats, get them on the go. Nothing better than a warm seat after spending time in the cold defrosting your vehicle.
IMPORTANT – Always stay with your car. The number of vehicles that are stolen during the winter months rapidly increases due to unattended vehicles. (there is even a name for it – “Frosting”). Don’t be tempted to lock the car and nip in while it heats up. Start scraping the side windows or removing any snow while you wait for the insides to heat up.
While everything is heating internally you can start on the outside. The most effective way is to use De-Icer and a quality scrapper. These are available quite cheaply from supermarkets, DIY stores and car specialists.
DO NOT use boiling water. This is a surefire route to a cracked windscreen. If the glass expands rapidly due to heating from the water it will also rapidly cool. Even the smallest of cracks or imperfections will become weak points. Don’t even use lukewarm water, this will have the same effect. Some people use cold water. I wouldn’t advise this as if the windscreen is particularly cold the water may freeze on contact. You’ve just made your job worse!
Ensure that the entire screen (or as much of it as possible) is cleared. Not only is it safer, you can actually be fined for driving with an obscured windscreen. Is £100 fine and 3 points worth a few minutes extra effort?
By the time you’ve defrosted all of the outside windows you’ll probably find that the inside has warmed up and the windscreen interior has been demisted. (If it’s taking longer than expected your air-con system may not be working effectively and you should get it checked out). If there is still moisture on the glass don’t be tempted to wipe it with your hand. You’ll leave smearing which can hamper your view, especially whilst driving in the dark. If you need to, use a lint-free cloth.
When you’re happy that you have clear visibility you are now safe to drive off. Many modern vehicles have remote heating capabilities and in the case of Electric Vehicles a pre-heat function. This works while the vehicle is plugged in and eliminates the frosty morning scrape!
Finally, there are all manner of hacks available on social media – you know, the TikToker using half a potato on the inside of the window to avoid it misting up. All you’re doing there is making your car smell starchy and smearing your windscreen. As a general rule, if a hack seems too good to be true – it probably is.
No, we’re fairly confident this is the safest, quickest and the best way to defrost your car on a frosty morning!
