[How to] Defrost your windows in record time

[N2H]

I find in my diesel, that it takes a long time to get hot air to defrost windows and scraping is time-consuming and not very efficient.

So this morning, after a quick Google search I read about using cold water. (Hot water is not advised as apparently it freezes quicker and could have the unfortunate side effect of cracking your windows!)

Filling up a jug, I went outside and poured cold tap water over all the windows. It straight away removed the hardest layer of ice and made any remaining ice easy to scrape away with the rubber part of the scraper.

I compared this result to my other, still iced-up car and the ice would definitely have taken a lot longer to scrape away conventionally as it was quite thick.

Maybe some people already know this trick but I certainly didn't and hopefully it will save others some time.

[DeanFYoung]

Marvellous! I will give it a go!

[dylang652]

Originally Posted by N2H

Maybe some people already know this trick but I certainly didn't and hopefully it will save others some time.

I thought everybody knew this - I've been using it for years (mostly because I HATE using de-icer!)

It just goes to show that sometime the most obvious tips are still the best!

[N2H]

Yes, a lot of people don't know about this. On my drive this morning I saw about three people scraping or using de-icer.

I also didn't realise, though it's kind of obvious I suppose, that it's illegal to drive with windows obstructed by anything, including ice.

[wizking]

Thanks for the tip N2H, will be using this method in the future.

[Dave25]

Have used a bucket of cold or luke warm water over the windows to defrost them for years. A lot quicker than scraper or de-icer. Don't use a kettle of boiling water though

[liamcalland]

I have an even faster idea.........park your car in a garage and just get up and drive off in the morning!!!!!

Sorry I couldn't resist!

[dylang652]

Originally Posted by liamcalland

I have an even faster idea.........park your car in a garage and just get up and drive off in the morning!!!!!

Sorry I couldn't resist!

If I kept my car in the garage where would I keep all my useless objects/rubbish?

[Unknownsoldier]

You obviously have a garage big enough for your car, mine a Barratt style home and the garage is wide enough to get the car in, but not me out.

Tom

[liamcalland]

What, you keep your wife in the garage?!!!

I apologise again, it's my tourettes!

[liamcalland]

I have a Barrat 3 story town house (a Keswick is what Barratt called it!)

Just about fits with delicate driving!

[Unknownsoldier]

Originally Posted by liamcalland

I have a Barrat 3 story town house (a Keswick is what Barratt called it!)

Just about fits with delicate driving!

But how do you get out, we have no sunroof Mine must have been on the tight a*se end of the budget, and they've made it smaller to use less bricks, wouldn't suprise me.

Tom

[dylang652]

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

But how do you get out, we have no sunroof Mine must have been on the tight a*se end of the budget, and they've made it smaller to use less bricks, wouldn't suprise me.

Tom

Much more likely is that it uses less land!!!

[Unknownsoldier]

Hmmmm, hadn't thought of that.

Tom

[Nick7]

Just do not use warm water, as you may crack glass.

[Unknownsoldier]

I said that (bout' the warm water) and was decried as an idiot...... I still think it's dangerous especially with Honda who have most probably designed the glass extra thinly to lighten the car or something anyway. I'd use cold or mildly luke warm water if I was going to try it (or just use a thin line of de-icer and let it run down the screen while the blowers do the rest).

Tom

[civicfan]

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

I said that (bout' the warm water) and was decried as an idiot...... I still think it's dangerous especially with Honda who have most probably designed the glass extra thinly to lighten the car or something anyway. I'd use cold or mildly luke warm water if I was going to try it (or just use a thin line of de-icer and let it run down the screen while the blowers do the rest).

Tom

You can use cold water it's no problem since it is still warm enough to melt the ice in light frost. If it is really cold (-15-20 °C) I would rather not pour water over the windows, since cold water will freeze too quickly and warm water might cause the glass to crack

[ritchie_perriam]

i wouldnt use de-icer as some products are known to damage paintwork if left for any time. they even put warnings on the stuff saying not to get any on paint.

i just turn on my car then go back in whilst i have a bit of breakfast and in 5 mins its basically done!

my friend uses a deoderant can as a flame thrower to melt the ice. its the scaryest thing ive ever seen! (i was inside the car at the time!!!) and somthing i dont advise! dont try this at home!

[dave525]

[quote=ritchie_perriam;128993]

i just turn on my car then go back in whilst i have a bit of breakfast and in 5 mins its basically done!


Be carefull, one of my work mates left his car started on the driveway, came out 5 minutes later and car was gone, the insurance wouldn't pay out as they said that it was neglect as he had left his keys in the ignition unattended

[Sandozer]

That is one thing I miss from my old Focus TDCI, a !!!HEATED WINDSCREEN!!!.

Has Ford got the patent on this?? only seen it on Fordies so far....