The usual frosts in the coldest months of the year can become a real headache for many drivers. Leaving aside the risk involved in driving on slippery pavement covered in snow or ice, which sometimes implies the obligation to drive with winter tires or chains, the formation of layers of ice on the windows adds additional difficulty when driving. to start the march.
Removing ice that builds up on your windshield is a painstaking task that requires time and dedication, especially when this icy layer appears first thing in the morning, just when time is most pressing for many drivers. That is why it is advisable to take into account a series of guidelines to save time and effort, but also possible breakdowns.
As much as possible, we must anticipate the arrival of the rigors of winter. On the one hand, it is essential to keep both the windshield and the wiper blades in optimal condition. If the wipers do not clean well, they can create areas on the glass with reduced visibility. It is best to change this accessory once a year to ensure optimal performance and maintain clear vision at all times.
Likewise, we must fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a specific product that contains antifreeze to prevent the water or soapy water from freezing.
There are various homemade techniques, some more effective than others, to prevent ice from settling on the car windshield. One of the most popular tricks is to rub a peeled potato on the surface of the windshield. The starch contained in this tuber creates a thin layer that helps prevent ice from sticking to the glass.
Another homemade method that some drivers have used is based on applying a mixture of water and vinegar to the windshield. The chemical properties of vinegar make it a popular choice, as the acetic acid present in this liquid has a lower freezing point than water, helping to prevent ice from forming on the windshield.
In addition, the application of specific commercial liquids for automobiles is an effective alternative. These products are formulated to quickly dissolve ice and frost without damaging the windshield or affecting the wiper systems.
Now, the most practical, simple and clean thing is to cover the moon with cardboard or a blanket. If we opt for one of these solutions, we must be careful to secure the cardboard or blanket with the arms of the windshield wipers and the front doors to prevent it from moving or coming off during the night.
If we have not taken the necessary precautions and the car windshield appears covered by a layer of ice, we will have to resort to effective methods to remove it. The vehicle rental company Sixt advises following a few steps, which we detail below, to remove ice effectively.
In addition to remembering the steps we must follow to remove ice from the windshield, it is advisable to keep in mind the actions that we should never carry out in this situation. First of all, it is essential to avoid the use of hot water or air at high temperatures, as it can cause damage to the glass, such as breaking, due to thermal shock.
Likewise, we should not operate the windshield wipers when ice is present, since the blades could become stuck, risking damage to both the blades and the system motor.
It is also important to emphasize caution when using substances such as salt to defrost the windshield. Although salt can prevent the formation of ice, applying it directly to the glass can cause scratches and corrode the sheet.
