How to De-Ice Your Car's Windshield
Waking up in the morning to find your windshield covered in ice is a time-consuming -- and cold -- delay. Here are some ways you can keep from getting frozen out.
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You Will Need
- Tarp or sheet
- Bungee cords or straps with weights
- Ice and frost prevention spray
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Dish soap
Steps
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Step 1
Cover windshield
Cover your windshield with a tarp or a sheet that's been folded to size. Strap the cover down with bungee cords or straps with weights. Remove the cover when you need to drive, and any snow and ice accumulation with come off with it.
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Only use this method if you live in an area with lighter snowfall. The combination of a lot of snow and the weights will be a burden.
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Step 2
Use a spray
Use an ice- and frost-prevention spray. Available at auto parts and hardware stores, these products are used before a storm. Spray the product on your windows before you go in for the night. Should there be a storm overnight, your windshield wipers will easily push away any accumulated ice in the morning.
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Step 3
Make your own spray
Make your own ice-prevention spray. Mix three parts white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on your car windows before you go in at night to prevent ice buildup.
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Step 4
Get rid of existing ice
Mix one part water to two parts 70 percent isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle for a homemade de-icing spray. Spray your iced-over windows with the solution and the ice will peel right off.
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Fill your washer fluid reservoir with solution of half 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and half windshield washer fluid to keep your wiper lines from freezing in the winter.
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Step 5
Use alcohol and dish soap
Fill a spray bottle with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and add a few drops of dish soap as an ice loosener. Spray the solution liberally over the windshield for easy scraping.
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The last Ice Age began to recede about 20,000 years ago.
