De-Ice Windows Safely
It’s that time of year when you walk outside, and your vehicle is covered in ice. While you might be in a hurry, de-icing your windshield safely can save you money in the long run. To help you avoid auto glass damage, the experts at Paragon Auto Glass have these de-icing tips for you.
Tip #1: Defrost your windshield with your vehicle’s defrost setting
The safest way to defrost your auto glass is from the inside out. Using your vehicle’s built-in defrost setting will allow your glass to slowly defrost and prevent cracking. DO NOT crank the defroster up to the highest setting right away! This can stress your windshield because of the drastic temperature shift. This is similar to putting a very cold dish in the oven. The drastic temperature can cause breakage or cracking. If your windshield already has cracks, a quick change in temperature can lead to more damage. In most cases, you should run your defroster for 15 to 20 minutes on a low to medium setting, and let the ice melt gradually from your windshield. If you have a crack, we can repair it before it leads to further damage in the winter.
Tip #2: Use your plastic scraper to remove ice
If you don’t have 15 to 20 minutes to wait for the defroster, your windshield scraper is the most efficient way to remove ice from your windshield. However, DO NOT use any other material to scrape your glass! Harder materials can scratch or chip your auto glass. Always keep a plastic windshield scraper in your car during the winter.
Tip #3: Use water to de-ice your windshield (ROOM temperature only)
If you are in a hurry, you don’t have time to defrost your windshield, AND you don’t have your plastic scraper, the last thing you can do is to pour ROOM TEMPERATURE water on your windshield. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. Doing so can result in cracks. Room temperature water can slowly raise the temperature of your glass. As the frost melts, use your windshield wipers or a cloth to clear the windshield. Salt is another way to melt ice, so adding a little table salt into your ROOM TEMPERATURE water can speed up the process.
If you have a crack to repair or need a windshield replacement, we are here to help 24 hours a day. Windshield repairs can be done the day you call us. In some cases, a windshield replacement can be done the day you call OR in some cases, the next day. If you’re not sure if your auto glass can be repaired, text us a photo of your damage.
513-901-0422
