At Glassworks Auto Glass, those of us who park our cars outdoors during the winter are well aware of the time-consuming task of scraping ice and snow off our windshields. However, many people are unaware that scraping ice with an incorrect scraper can harm the windshield, even though they are not meant to do so.
At Glassworks Auto Glass, our first focus is not just to provide great auto glass repair Tulsa and windshield replacement Tulsa service, but also to ensure that you take proper care of your windshield and auto glass. So here are a few more pointers to help you avoid ice scraper damage to your windshield.
To clear ice and snow, use plastic equipment
Many car owners believe that using a metal tool to remove heavy layers of snow and ice is a good idea. But unfortunately, that is not the case! Even while metal is more durable than plastic and can complete tasks faster, it might harm your windshield.
If you need to clear ice or snow from your windshield, ensure you use plastic tools exclusively. Plastic ice scrapers are particularly developed for this purpose and will not damage your windshield.
Metal tools or any other hard item are just not designed for this function, and if you use them, you risk creating deep etchings in the windshield. These etches can be somewhat so deep that they require the services of a vehicle glass repair professional.
Metal tools or any other hard item are just not designed for this function, and if you use them, you risk creating deep etchings in the windshield. These etches can sometimes be so extensive that they require the services of an auto glass repair Tulsa professional.
You won’t be able to scrape off all of the ice as quickly as you start the car. Because plastic ice scrapers aren’t very powerful, you’ll have to wait 10-15 minutes for the car to thaw. However, you’ll be willing to clear the ice without too much difficulty after that.
When scraping, use pressure
Every car’s windshield has minute rock chips and hairline cracks that are not noticeable to the human eye. However, these fractures/chips may quickly get larger under pressure, which is why it’s critical not to use too much force when scraping your windshield.
Ensure you only use modest power while scraping ice. If you can’t get all of the ice out, turn on your car’s defrost for a few minutes. This will help melt some of the “stubborn” ice, allowing you to extract it more readily.
Taping the surface isn’t a good idea
When removing a heavy coating of ice from their windshield and Glassworks Auto Glass, people often take shortcuts to soften the ice and break it off. However, this is not a smart idea in principle.
One method of removing ice from a windshield is to pound it with a scraper. Unfortunately, it’s never a smart option to strike heavy layers of ice, even if you’d like to work with a plastic instrument.
The windshield contracts and becomes more susceptible on chilly winter days. Use an ice scraper to pound it frequently and hard, severely breaking the windshield.
Remove the ice gently and let your automobile thaw for a few minutes. After that, it will be much simpler. It’s preferable to be a few minutes late than to damage your windshield and needs a windshield replacement Tulsa or windshield repair Tulsa and Glassworks Auto Glass.
Allow your car to warm up
Without even an ice scraper, the safest way to remove ice from your windshield is to use your defrost option. If you’re low on time, this approach might not be the best option. However, if you remember to take a two-minute break outdoors while gearing up to go, your car will be ice-free once you’re able to travel!
Start your car and turn the defroster on a low to medium level to securely melt the ice on every one of your vehicle’s windows. And if you’re in a rush, don’t turn the heat up since the abrupt temperature change inside your vehicle might damage your windshield. Instead, allow 15-20 minutes for your windows to defrost fully, then wipe away any residual moisture with your wipers.
Water and Rubbing Alcohol
True, rubbing alcohol will swiftly melt ice accumulation on your windshield, making it a safe substitute to using an ice scraper when you’re in a hurry. However, bear in mind that rubbing alcohol freezes at temperatures below 5°F, so reserve this approach for another day if you’re battling with sub-zero weather. Here’s how you use rubbing alcohol to melt ice on your windshield:
- Combine two parts of rubbing alcohol and one portion of normal temperature water in a spray container.
- Before you start spraying the liquid, clear any snow off your windshield.
- Directly on the ice accumulation, apply the alcohol-water mixture.
- Enable one to two minutes for the ice to completely melt.
- Wipe the leftover sludgy snow off the windshield using your wiper blades.
Salt & Water
Why not attempt it on your windshield as well? The county puts salt on the road to melt ice, then why not attempt it on your windshield as well? No, you shouldn’t merely dump salt on your windshield and wait for the ice to melt; but, combining salt and water helps speed up the process. However, keep in mind the following: Heavy salt usage on your car’s windshield and Glassworks Auto Glass might harm it, so only use this approach if you’re in a hurry. Here’s how to go about it:
- In a spray bottle, combine one teaspoon of salt with two cups of room temperature water.
- Before applying the solution, clear the snow off your windshield.
- Straight on the ice, sprinkle the saltwater mixture.
- Allow for a few minutes for the ice to melt.
- To finish the task, use your wiper blades.
Glassworks Auto Glass
Unless your windshield has very minimal ice accumulation, this approach will not work. Since a credit card is so thin, it won’t resist the force required to remove heavier ice accumulation. If there is a small covering of frost or ice, though, a credit card will suffice—it will simply take longer than other techniques. To clear ice from your car window with your credit card, take the same method you use with an ice scraper: chip away at it carefully till it’s removed.
You can get the best auto glass services in Tulsa, OK (Oklahoma), and other suburbs, including Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Glenpool, and Coweta at Glassworks Auto Glass.
