Defrost your drive: DIY solutions to keep windscreens clear
Unexpected frosts can catch drivers unprepared. After carefree summer drives, the first drop in temperature reminds us of the need to prepare the car for winter. Instead of hurrying to the nearest station and spending too much on a ready-made windscreen de-icer, you can prepare it yourself at home.
9 November 2024 19:18
A frozen windscreen can damage your morning plans, particularly when you're in a rush. Plastic ice scrapers are gradually becoming outdated and being replaced by spray solutions. Simply spray, wait a moment, and remove the frost with less effort. There's no need to search for a ready-made product - you can make a similar solution at home.
How to quickly defrost car windows?
Scraping windows is tedious, but you can make it significantly easier by using one item that you undoubtedly have in your kitchen. You can efficiently get rid of ice without paying extra for expensive preparations.
Mix 710 millilitres of vinegar with 240 millilitres of lukewarm water and pour into a spray bottle. Take the prepared solution with you to the car. When the windscreen freezes, spray it with the mixture and wait a few minutes. After that, use an ice scraper or turn on your windscreen wipers to remove the ice and frost. Thanks to the vinegar and water mixture, the ice will start to melt, becoming soft and easy to remove.
How does it work? Vinegar's chemical properties make it an effective ice remover. By lowering water's freezing point, it accelerates the melting of ice and frost. Additionally, it creates a protective layer on the windscreen that can delay refreezing.
However, be cautious not to spray the vinegar solution directly on the car's body. The acidic nature can, over time, contribute to paint damage.
Reach for pickle juice
Pickle juice can function in a similar manner. Like vinegar, the salt lowers the freezing point of water, thereby speeding up the defrosting process. Pour the pickle juice into a spray bottle, spray the window, and wait a moment. It's an unusual trick that can save you from laborious scraping.
When the temperature rises above freezing, visit a car wash to remove any remaining cucumber juice or vinegar. This way, you'll take comprehensive care of your car.
