You may not pay much mind to your car’s windshield. However, the windshield plays an important role for your automobile. It supports the roof on your car, helps to prevent you from flying out in an auto accident, and helps you to properly see the road and what is going on outside of your vehicle. If your windshield is damaged, it may not be able to function as it should. Properly defrosting your windshield can help you to maintain the integrity of the windshield. Here is what you need to know about defrosting your windshield.
Reasons Why It Is So Important to Properly Defrost Your Windshield
It is so important that you properly defrost your windshield because you can damage your windshield if you fail to properly defrost it. The most common way that a windshield can be damaged is by being scratched. Many people are in such a hurry to remove the ice that they grab some type of tool or knife to scrape away the ice. Metal scrapers or items with sharp edges can scratch your windshield, which can impair your vision while you are driving.
Another problem that can occur with improper frost and ice removal is cracking on your windshield. Pouring hot water over an icy windshield can cause the glass to contract quickly. This can cause your windshield to crack or even shatter.
How You Can Properly Defrost Your Windshield
When it comes to defrosting your windshield, the best way to defrost your windshield is to simply give yourself time and be patient. Turn on your car’s defroster and allow it to slowly melt the ice, using your windshield wipers to wipe away ice as it slowly melts away.
For those who are in a hurry, there are two alternatives to waiting for ice to melt from a windshield. One option is to use commercially sold sprays that melt ice, or make your own. Simply mix one part isopropyl alcohol with two parts room temperature water and spray it on your windshield. The alcohol mixture helps to melt ice. The second option is to use a plastic ice scraper. Lightly scrape away ice without digging into your windshield. Pushing the plastic scraper into your windshield can cause scratching or etching, so be sure you are only scraping away the surface of ice and stop once you reach the windshield itself.
Properly defrosting your windshield can help to prevent damage from occurring to your windshield. Unfortunately, if damage has already occurred, you may need to bring your car to an auto repair shop to have your windshield replaced. When you are in need of a reputable car repair shop that you can depend on for all of your automotive repair needs, turn to us at Morgan Automotive Repair with locations in Manteca, Stockton and Tracey. Call us now to schedule an appointment.