How to Defrost Car Windows in Winter?

[LeGiselle]

Methods to defrost car windows in winter: 1. Use the car's defogging function to remove frost. After starting the car, turn on the air conditioning defogging function to blow away the frost on the windows; 2. Purchase a defogging spray. Spray the defogging agent on the inner surface of the window to prevent frost formation. One application of the defogging spray can prevent fogging for ten days; 3. If the frost is not too heavy, open the window slightly to allow air convection inside the car, which will also disperse the frost; 4. If frost forms while parked, rinse with warm water or start the car and turn on the hot air conditioning to blow on the windows for a while; 5. If frost forms while driving, wipe it off with a clean cloth or newspaper. When starting the car, slightly lower the two front windows to reduce the interior temperature. Once the car warms up, switch the mode to internal circulation, adjust the blower to hot air, and direct it to blow on the windows.

[SanRosalie]

The most annoying thing in winter is frost on the car windows. I always start the car ten minutes early and turn on the heater. Remember to adjust the air vents to the defrost mode—the symbol is usually a fan-shaped icon. Also, don’t forget to press the rear window heating button; watching the frost lines slowly disappear is oddly satisfying. For frost outside, use a dedicated ice scraper with a plastic blade to avoid damaging the glass. If you’re in a hurry, pour lukewarm water (not hot water, as it may crack the glass) on the windshield and use the scraper—it’ll speed things up by half. Before parking, it’s important to open the windows to release interior moisture; otherwise, frost may form on the inside of the glass the next day, which is even more troublesome. On sunny days, take a moment to lift the wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass.

[WalkerLee]

Defrosting enthusiasts suggest that keeping a foldable snow brush in the trunk is very practical. When getting in the car, first turn on the maximum fan speed and highest temperature to blow directly at the windshield, and don’t forget to activate the rearview mirror heating function. If you encounter stubborn ice, don’t scrape it hard—buy a bottle of de-icer spray and apply it a few times for an easy solution. Toss a dehumidifier box in the car to absorb moisture, and covering the windshield with an old bedsheet the night before can save a lot of trouble. Don’t try to scrape the glass with a card—your bank card will be ruined in no time. If you find the wipers frozen, never force them to start as it can burn out the motor; pouring some windshield washer fluid to thaw them is safer.

[DiNicole]

Northern Driver's Practical Tips: If the ice is thick, turn on the air conditioning compressor (AC button) for dehumidification—it works three times faster than using the heater alone. Avoid recirculation mode to prevent moisture buildup. Use a homemade de-icer (three parts water to one part alcohol) in a spray bottle to melt ice quickly. When the windshield fogs up, crack opposite windows slightly for excellent ventilation. A 12V car defogger plugged into the cigarette lighter can clear the glass in three minutes. Anti-fog towels keep windows clear for half a day. If wipers don’t return during defrosting, they might be frozen—never force them.

[MiaAnn]

Prevention is more important than defrosting. Ventilate the car by opening the doors for three minutes before parking to dissipate hot and humid air inside, which can reduce frost formation by 70%. Using a dedicated windshield cover is the most hassle-free solution—just remove it in the morning and drive off. Avoid placing water cups or wet towels on the dashboard, as their continuous evaporation can cause frost to form on the interior. Covering side mirrors with plastic bags works exceptionally well. If you run out of de-icer, pouring room-temperature water from a scraped packaging box can also do the trick. In case of a fully frozen car, don’t panic—first clear the windshield in front of the driver’s seat to ensure visibility, and the heater will gradually melt ice in other areas once you start driving.