With the latest winter storm expected to dump snow across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, many could soon be greeted by an iced-over windshield.
A bit of snow on your vehicle is not a big problem, but a solid sheet of ice on your windshield can be a major hassle preventing you from getting where you need to go on time.
If a driver's view of the road is blocked in any way, this can increase the likelihood of a crash.
Visibility is even more important because you may not be able to stop in time. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about one-fourth of all weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement. More than 116,800 people are injured in crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement each year.
Storms can hit the East Coast with snow, impacting millions of people.
Understanding the wind chill index is important.
Patient scrapers will eventually win out over a wintry mix to get their windshield clean for a safer drive. It's possible to cause bigger problems if you shorten the time you clear your windshield. A common household quick fix is to use a mix of water and vinegar.
According to the Farmers' Almanac, putting the solution on the frozen windshield won't help and it could even hurt your vehicle. Snopes.com says that the ice removal tip on the internet arises annually.
Some people apply a solution to their windshield the night before and then wipe it off. It doesn't hurt to do that, butAAA advises against leaving the solution on the windshield. That is because its freezing point is not much below that of water and there is a chance that it will cause micro pitting of the glass. These are small craters in the windshield that are caused by wear and tear from the sand and debris that lands on it. Visibility issues and a weakened windshield can be caused by them.
Did your area make the list?
It's a fact that pouring hot water on your car will speed up the process.
Since this can cause the glass to crack or shatter due to the sudden change in temperature, do not pour hot water onto your windshield.
The best way to de-ice is with heat and time. To adjust the air flow to recirculate, start the vehicle's engine and set the heater to warm up. The temperature control needs to be set to full heat. As the air warms, use a scraper, squeegee or soft brush to clean the ice.
The best way to use a scraper is to use a plastic one, as it will not scratch your windshield. Light to moderate pressure can be used when you want to hit or tap the glass.
If you use the scraper on the other parts of your car, it could scratch the paint on your car. When removing ice from your car windows, try not to touch the edge of the window as it could cause damage. If you are using a brush, make sure to keep it above the vehicle's body to not scratch the paint.
If you are dealing with frost or ice, you don't need to start your car if you clean it up. Josh Sadlier, an editor at car research site Edmunds, said that even with thick ice, your vehicle's defrost should have done most of the work in 10 minutes or so.
She said that once the ice starts to melt, drivers can begin clearing it off, which would move the process along.
Jeff Bartlett, managing editor for autos at Consumer Reports, said that the tried and true solution has less risk. He said that being creative brings risk, as some products may damage the wipers or paint.
If you want to defog your car windows, you can use the vehicle's fan and air conditioner, but not the defrost, according to ConsumerReports.com.
Sadlier said that using your car's defroster and scraper to deice your windshield has been a reliable tandem for many years.
To see out the back, turn on your heated rear windshield. If you own a vehicle, you probably won&t read this.
If you are expecting ice or snow, it is a good idea to remove the blades from the glass or put something between them. It's easier to remove ice and snow when they don't freeze to the glass.
If you can't park in a garage or have a sheltered parking area, you can cover your windshield to keep it clean.
You can purchase a cover for your car, which protects your car and is held in place by magnets or straps, such as those recommended by Popular Mechanics. They start at $10 and can go up to $30.
A large towel, sheet or tarp can be used as a windshield cover. Hold it in place with the help of the blades, weights or magnets. It is possible to make it easier to remove the cover by soaking it in a solution of salt and water. The cover can be kept in a plastic bag or container.
If there is a lot of snow, it will be difficult to remove the windshield cover.
You can spray on ice and frost to protect your car. Some ice prevention products contain ethylene glycol, which is poisonous to pets if swallowed, and they can be pricey.
If you are mobile, replace your windshield fluid with winter deicing fluid. If you expect snow and ice this season, replace your wipers with heavy-duty winter ones.
Sadlier said that these methods should make dealing with frost and ice less frustrating.
You can follow Mike Snider on social media.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY. You need to be patient, but not with the liquid.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
