Top 5 Car De-Icing Myths

Impatient drivers trying to remove ice from windshields often discover creative ways to break the glass. Top five vehicle de-icing myths:

1. Pouring hot water on the vehicle's windshield and windows will melt the ice. It might melt the ice, but it can also shatter the windshield due to the extreme temperature change.

2. Tap the ice on the car windshield with a hammer to break the ice into pieces to pick off the glass. If that doesn't work, hammer on a screwdriver or ice pick. This usually results in an impact hole or a large crack.

3. Scrape the ice off the truck windshield with a metal ice scraper, key, spatula, utility knife or crowbar. The metal either scratches or cuts grooves in the glass.

4. Use a propane torch to melt the ice. Not only is this dangerous to the torchbearer, but this also can unintentionally melt the glass from the high temperature of the torch.

5. Pour or spray a mixture of vinegar and water on the windshield so that it freezes to the glass before the rain does, thereby preventing ice. Unfortunately, vinegar eats pits into the windshield glass.

These ideas might work however they will ultimately cost you more money in repair costs. Below is a list of the proper ways to de-ice your car and windows. In the winter months it is just safer, and more cost effective to allow extra time to properly warm your vehicle.

1. Check to make sure no ice or snow is obstructing the vehicle's tailpipe. If it is covered, the ice or snow must be removed to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning inside the vehicle.

2. If the car door is frozen shut with ice, pour cold water to gradually melt the ice and use a plastic ice scraper to carefully chip a crack in the ice around the door seal and the lock. Do not try to "unseal" the door by using a hair dryer, cigarette lighter, ice pick, screwdriver, propane torch or portable heater.

3. Start the vehicle and use the defroster setting to warm the glass. Wait at least five minutes for the car to start to warm up.

4. When the ice in contact with the windshield is melting, use a plastic ice scraper and a soft plastic bristle brush or broom to clear the ice. A squeegee also helps.

There are de-icing products on the market that may shorten the time it takes to melt the ice, but the results vary based on weather situations. Again, the best plan is to make extra time to properly warm and de-ice your car or if you lucky to have an indoor parking spot, use that during the winter months!

Tips found on: http://www.pitchengine.com/glassdoctor/glass-doctor-busts-top-5-car-deicing-myths-saves-windshields