What to Do When the Windshield is Frozen?
2 Answers
Solutions for a frozen windshield: 1. Remove snow from the glass and car body, enter the vehicle, turn on the heater, and set it to the windshield defrost mode to effectively melt ice on the windshield and wipers; 2. Use a specialized de-icing spray designed for frozen windows and wipers. Avoid turning on the wipers as they may also be frozen to the windshield. Forcing them to operate could damage the rubber blades or even burn out the wiper motor. Do not pour hot water on the glass as uneven heating may cause the glass to crack, and avoid pouring water on the wipers to prevent deformation.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I encounter windshield icing several times every winter. The simplest solution is to use a dedicated car ice scraper, being careful not to apply excessive force that might scratch the glass surface. Additionally, there are de-icing sprays available on the market that can loosen the ice within minutes after application, which is very convenient. Remember not to pour hot water directly on the ice, as the drastic temperature difference can easily cause the glass to crack. After starting the car, immediately turn on the heater and switch to defrost mode, setting the fan speed higher and using the defrost button to help the ice gradually melt. Prevention is quite straightforward: cover the windshield with an old blanket or a dedicated car cover before parking, or try to park in a garage or under an eave to save a lot of trouble. Another handy tip is to check if the wipers are frozen before driving; move them a bit to ensure they're not stuck, and avoid turning them on immediately after starting the car to prevent damaging the motor.
