It’s pretty chilly out there, so drivers are probably waking up to ice-covered cars. You may want to clear ice as quickly as possible while defrosting your windshield. However, don’t rush and make mistakes that can damage the glass and wiper blades. 

Five mistakes to avoid while defrosting your windshield 

First of all, don’t get a ticket. Wait until your windshield is fully defrosted before hitting the road. Otherwise, police officers may pull you over, making you even later for work. 

Failure to clear your windshield and car windows reduces visibility, making it dangerous for yourself and the surrounding traffic. It’s also illegal. 

1. Don’t use hot water 

Some people think that throwing boiling water on their car will quickly get rid of ice without any problems. However, there is a danger related to extreme temperature changes. This may lead to thermal shock that causes the glass to crack or shatter. 

According to Oswald Service, in subzero temperatures, the hot water can freeze on the glass, creating an even thicker layer of ice. Meaning, you have to wait longer for your car to warm up. Hot water also poses a risk to car paint. It could leave stains. 

2. Don’t use your wipers to scrape ice 

It can be tempting to turn your windshield wipers on to clear ice out of the way. But doing so too early can cause a ton of damage. For example, running over ice harms the blades and the motors. 

Doing so can tear the rubber off the blades or bend the arms. It can also crack the glass. Also, you can switch to winter blades for better snow and sleet while driving in inclement winter conditions. 

3. Don’t use the wrong object 

Sometimes drivers get in a rush and don’t have a proper defroster tool. Therefore, they use whatever they can, like credit cards, keys, or other metal tools. Metal scrapers and other objects may scratch the glass. 

Plus, they can damage the wiper blades and deposit metal on the glass. The metal gets down in grooves that weaken the integrity of the glass. 

4. Don’t use salt water 

Salt trucks and brine are a way to keep the roads clear of ice and snow. However, that doesn’t mean you want to put salt on your windshield. Salt is abrasive and may create tiny pits or scratches that weaken the glass. 

Plus, moisture can get in the grooves. When the moisture freezes and expands, it makes the cracks and chips worse. Also, it can cause corrosion on the metal frame around the glass and damage your car’s paint. 

5. Don’t leave your car unattended 

Fun fact, in many states it’s illegal to leave your car running to defrost the windshield. Drivers must remain in control of their vehicles at all times. You could get a ticket. 

Plus, thieves steal cars when the opportunity arises. There is a term for stealing cars while they’re defrosting. It’s known as ‘frostjacking’. Even if you only go inside for a minute, your car could disappear.