Freezing temperatures are hitting New Jersey. Forecasts have temperatures dropping to the teens this week, with extreme wind chills making it feel even colder. Frigid weather plus precipitation can lead to ice accumulation and may cause a hazard if it builds up on a car windshield.
Experts from the American Automobile Association, or AAA, and car dealerships offer advice online on how to quickly and efficiently remove ice from a windshield.
For those in rush, here is what experts say are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to removing ice.
How not to remove ice from a windshield
Experts say there are specific ways that are not acceptable to remove ice from a windshield.
It is imperative never to use hot or warm water when deicing a windshield, AAA said. The drastic change in temperature will likely cause the glass to crack, the association said.
Another method to avoid is pouring vinegar on the windshield, the Farmer’s Almanac said. This way may not be very effective, and it may damage the vehicle’s chrome and paint.
Methods to remove ice from a windshield
A scraper is still an effective way to remove ice from your windshield.
If an ice scraper is handy, AAA said, that is the best method for removing ice. Before using the scraper, start the car engine and turn the defroster on to its maximum setting for this method to be most effective, experts say.
Before starting the car, make sure the windshield wipers are off or else they may get stuck on the windshield due to the freezing temperatures, said Performance Honda in Fairfield.
If no scraper is available, a squeegee or a soft brush can do the trick. When using these tools, it is important to use light to moderate pressure.
Another recommended method is to apply a mixture of water, isopropyl alcohol and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, AAA said. This homemade deicer can be put in a spray bottle. The solution should be applied directly to the windshield.
Commercial deicer sprays are also effective. These products can be found at hardware stores and others.
If there is no rush or the tools aren’t ready, sometimes the defroster in a vehicle is all it takes. Even if the ice is thick, a car’s defroster can remove it in about 10 minutes, said Josh Sadlier, an editor at the car research site Edmunds.
The defroster may cause fog on the windshield after removing the ice. Dealing with foggy windshields requires different methods. The best way to defog a cold windshield is to put the heat on the maximum setting, because hot air can hold more moisture, and then turn on the air conditioner, which will pull the moisture from the air.
Preventing windshield ice
An obvious solution to avoid ice accumulation is to put the vehicle in a garage or under a carport.
Windshield covers are another viable option to make sure a windshield doesn’t freeze. Popular Mechanics gives options that can be found online that are held down with wiper blades, magnets or straps.
Some ice and frost “shield” sprays can be used on vehicles, AAA said. But be aware that some of the products contain ethylene glycol, which is poisonous to pets.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to get ice off a car windshield, methods to avoid