Guide To De-Icing a Vehicle

Winter is a time of cold, snowy days and tricky icy roads, so when we leave the house in the mornings, the last thing you want to see is an ice-covered window screen. bin

Especially if this happens regularly as it can be difficult to keep up with de-icing duties every time they are needed. In this article, we look at some easy steps and motor trade tips that will help remove those pesky ice layers quickly so that driving becomes much easier!

Regardless of whether you own a new and used vehicle, no one enjoys this chilly seasonal task, but it is necessary to avoid accidents and ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and don’t invalidate your private or motor trade motor insurance policy.

While it may be tempting to just quickly scrape off the ice as best you can and hit the road, taking a few extra minutes to properly de-ice your vehicle could save you time and hassle in the long run.

Here are a few easy steps to properly de-ice your windscreen.

Step 1: Use a Scrapper
First, scrape off any loose ice with a good scraper or credit card could help if you are at a loose end. Remove as much of the ice as possible, it’s important that you use caution so not to damage your vehicle in anyway. Be very careful to avoid scratching and cracking or shattering any of the glass or mirrors, be as gentle as possible getting the job done.

Step 2: Hot Water
Once the bulk of the ice has been scraped away, you can begin pouring warm water onto any remaining ice. The hot water will liquefy ice and make it much easier to remove, be sure to avoid any further contact with any vehicle glass at this stage to prevent injury, glass re-freezing or smearing, this will make the whole process much quicker, although you will need to make sure there are no cracks or chips before pouring.  Make sure the glass is as clean and clear as possible before you proceed to the next step. 

Step 3: Wipe Remaining Water
Next, begin wiping away the water with a squeegee or cloth like you did with your ice scraper in the previous step. This way you will ensure that any smaller pieces of ice are removed, and the windows and mirrors are completely clear for a safe journey ahead.

Step 4: Double Check
If there is still any ice remaining, repeat these steps as necessary. It is important to de-ice your car every time you drive in the winter to ensure your safety as well as the safety of other road users around you. It may take a little time to complete the task, but it is important so you can use your vehicle windows and mirrors properly.

Disposing of Excess Ice
Once you have completed the process, you may see ice around you, these are hazardous should be disposed of properly. If they are left inside your vehicle or on the pavement they can create a hazard for pedestrians, drivers, and passengers, possibly damaging the interior of your car, something you may never have considered when buying your vehicle from a motor trade showroom or dealer.

Warnings and Precautions

1. Never use really sharp objects to remove ice from your windscreen, windows and mirrors, you may end up harming yourself and the vehicle by causing damage.

2. Never pour hot water onto the windscreen when it is completely iced over, this can cause too much pressure on the glass, which could lead to shattering or cracking if you are not careful.

3. Ice shards that are created from this process can become projectile objects which can cause serious injuries or blindness to you or anyone around you.

4. If your car has frozen and it is not safe for you to drive it call a road recovery service. Vehicles that restrict the driver’s vision are extremely dangerous as well as illegal, it is vital that you take every safety precaution when on the road to avoid accidents, plus your insurance policy might not always cover you.

Hopefully, these simple steps will help when you next need to de-ice your vehicle in order to drive safely and effectively, avoiding any potential accidents while on the road.

De-icing your car is a very important part of winter driving, be sure to do it every time that you get behind the wheel during any freezing weather.