The Safetyman Academy Guide To The Gentle Art of De-Icing Your Windscreen

As the frosty season approaches, many of us around the world face the morning ritual of de-icing our car windscreens. It’s tempting to grab the nearest kettle or bank card, but these shortcuts can lead to a cracked windscreen or, worse, a fine.

Don’t worry, though— The Safetyman Academy has some friendly advice and simple tricks to keep your windscreen frost-free without reaching for your wallet to pay off any fines!

A Warm Start: How to De-ice Your Car

1. Check Your Windscreen Wipers: First things first, ensure your wipers are off. If they’re frozen to the windscreen, starting the engine and trying to use them could damage them.

2. Crank Up the Heat: Turn on your ignition and max out the heat. Direct your blowers at the windscreen, and if your car has a heated windscreen option or A/C, switch them on. This keeps the air dry and helps melt the ice efficiently.

3. De-icer and Ice Scraper: Always handy to keep a can of de-icer and a scraper nearby. Scrape off the ice gently, and remember, some ice might be inside the windscreen too.

4. Banish Condensation: Hot air on a cold windscreen can cause condensation inside. To tackle this:

   • Set blowers to full with cold temperature.
   • Switch on the A/C and the heated windscreen.
   • Gradually increase the temperature until your windows are clear.

Remember, address condensation while parked to avoid theft risks. A car left unattended is like a magnet to thieves and an nightmare when your insurance refuse to pay up!

Keeping Condensation at Bay

To prevent condensation on your car windows:

• Clean the windscreen inside and out using a car window cleaner and a microfibre cloth (newspaper works too).
• Wash your car to remove dirt particles that attract moisture.
• Remove damp items from your car.
• Leave windows open for ventilation occasionally.
• Consider a portable dehumidifier overnight.

Ice on the Inside? Here’s What to Do

If you find ice inside your windscreen:

• Turn on your car’s heating.
• Use a heated (but dry) towel, hand warmer, or heat pack to gently rub away the ice.

To prevent this, use a car dehumidifier, remove moist items like wet boots, and regularly clean your windows.

What Not to Do When De-icing

• Boiling Water is a No-No: It can crack your windscreen.
• Avoid Idling: In the UK, an idle engine could lead to a £20 fine.
• Never Leave Your Car Unattended: Especially when the engine is running.

Understanding Windscreen Icing

Your car’s windscreen freezes faster than other parts due to its material properties. Super-cooled water vapour in the air turns into frost and ice as temperatures drop, even slightly below freezing.

Keeping Car Windows Frost-Free Overnight

Preventative measures work best. Using a dehumidifier, regularly cleaning your windows, and ensuring your car is moisture-free are key steps.

Final Thoughts

Taking these measures not only ensures a clear view but also keeps you on the right side of the law. In the UK, poor visibility due to improper de-icing can lead to fines and points on your license, potentially increasing your insurance costs.

So, let’s embrace the chill with these easy, effective methods and enjoy a safe, clear view on all our frosty morning drives!

We are passionate about safety and have some great road safety and driving hazard awareness courses, check them out today www.safetyman.academy

Think Safe, Be Safe, Drive Safe – Safetyman Academy