How to effectively remove snow and deice Your car’s windshield?

 

1. Prepare in Advance

Tip: Before starting your car, make sure the windshield wipers are turned off. If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, immediately turning them on after igniting the engine can damage the wiper motor or tear the rubber.

Tip:
When not using your car, and it’s parked outdoors, lift the wiper arms so the blades do not touch the windshield surface, preventing them from freezing to the glass.

2. Choosing the Right Equipment

Tip: Invest in an ice scraper and a brush. Choose a scraper with a plastic or, preferably, copper blade to avoid damaging the windshield.

Deicer Spray or Solution:
 Buy a commercially available deicer or make one yourself using a mixture of water and alcohol (1 part water to 2 parts alcohol). There are many guides online on how to make this.

Suitable Washer Fluid: In winter, use a winter washer fluid that does not freeze. Freezing of the reservoir with summer fluid can crack it, and ice in the washer hoses can block the nozzles and paralyze the windshield washing system.
If you’re late and have summer fluid in the tank while temperatures are well below zero, you can add a special winter fluid concentrate. Add it to the washer fluid tank and wait a few hours for the ice to melt.

3. Defrosting Process

Start the engine: Turn on the warm air blower and direct the stream to the windows. Turn on the front and rear window heaters. Turn on the air conditioning to remove moisture, preventing the car from fogging up.

Snow Removal:
 Use a brush with soft bristles to remove snow from the car, starting from the top. Please remember the lights (be careful, as they are delicate). An unswept car reduces visibility and can be a hazard to other road users. If this doesn’t convince you, perhaps receiving a fine and penalty points from the police will encourage you not to skip this task.

Scraping Windows:
 While waiting for the car interior to warm up, use an ice scraper (as mentioned – preferably with a copper blade) or a windshield deicer.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not use hot water: Using too warm water can cause rapid expansion and contraction of the glass, leading to its cracking.
Don’t wait until the last minute: Prepare for winter and equip yourself with the necessary products for a quick and efficient process of removing snow and ice from the car.

5. Advanced Technology

Stationary heating in the car: Also known as Webasto, it is a system that allows warming the interior of the car and defrosting windows without starting the engine. It works by heating the coolant, providing thermal comfort, and facilitating engine start on cold days. There are two versions: dry, using warm air to heat the cabin, and wet, based on a liquid pump. Stationary heating can be controlled manually, by a timer, remote control, or even a smartphone app. Installation of this system is possible in most cars, both older and newer models. Imagine this scenario. You set in the app on your phone that from Monday to Friday at 7:15, Webasto turns on in the car. At 7:35, you enter a warmed-up car where it’s cozy, and there’s no trace of ice and snow on the windows. The only downside is the considerable cost.

6. Safety

Above all: Never leave the car unattended during defrosting.

7. Moisture Inside the Car and Fogging Windows

Causes of moisture: Moisture in the car often comes from wet shoes and clothes but can also result from vehicle neglect, design errors, damaged seals, wet mats, a worn-out cabin filter, heating problems, or water accumulation in the spare wheel well.

Start with cleaning:
 Begin by thoroughly cleaning the interior of the car. Air out the vehicle, and vacuum it thoroughly, not forgetting to remove covers and mats. Wash and dry soaked upholstery using a washing vacuum. You can apply a product on the windows that limits fogging.

Additional Tips:
 Regularly check and replace the cabin filter. Remove leaves and other debris that accumulate at the air inlets near the dashboard. Ensure that any leaks in the heating system are quickly repaired. Keep items such as cat litter socks or silica gel packets in the car to absorb excess moisture and prevent window fogging. After using the car, briefly air it out by opening the doors and windows, but remember to close them again.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy good visibility on your winter journeys with OXIMO wipers!