Q&A for How to De‐ice Your Windshield

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How can I prevent ice and snow from sticking to my windshield?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

If you put a sealant on your windshield, specifically a product with a ceramic coating, frost and snow won't stick as hard.

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Question

What can I apply to the door frames of today's cars so that they do not freeze up during the winter? Will WD40 or rubbing alcohol work, or should I use another product?

Community Answer

Silicone spray will keep the weatherstripping from freezing. Spray some on a rag and wipe it on your weatherstripping and frame.

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Question

Will it cause damage to the wipers if I use the alcohol solution on the windshield?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of wipers - old style rubber/latex wipers may be affected just as ethanol in fuel can gradually melt the seals in some old engines. Many newer wipers are latex free/nitrile.

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Question

How much rubbing alcohol should be poured into the windshield washer reservoir?

Community Answer

Don't use rubbing alcohol, it contains oils you do not want to put on your windshield. You should be using Isopropyl alcohol or Methyl Hydrate which is sold in larger containers very cheaply at auto parts stores. I typically use about 1/3 alcohol to 2/3 winter washer fluid and have been doing this for 30 years.

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Can I use a blow torch to thaw ice off my frozen car door?

Heather Kenyon-Haff

Top Answerer

This is inadvisable, as it is easy to end up damaging your car door.

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Question

Can I put hot water on a frozen windshield?

Community Answer

No! Never use hot water on a cold window -- the quick temperature change can cause it to shatter.

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Question

Can you use hydrogen peroxide?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will likely damage your paint. In a pinch, it will work, but you might want a damp rag handy to remove any that gets on your paint.

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Question

How do you loosen up a frozen door lock?

Community Answer

You can buy a battery operated gadget called a "Lock-De-icer." It has a long, slim needle that inserts into the lock hole and heats up the lock. It usually only takes a minute or two.

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Question

Can I spray WD-40 on my windshield the day before a snow or ice storm to prevent build-up?

Community Answer

No. You will have oily residue on your windows, which you won't be able to see out of.

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Question

How do I get into a car with frozen doors?

Community Answer

First, you try using a snow brush to kind of break up the ice. Then, knock or hit the door. NEVER hit your windows if they have ice on them. They will shatter. If that doesn't work, try the last tip: Try pulling on the handle until you can hear your door crackle. Then carefully start to pull on your door. If these tips do not work, put a thin metal bar into the door and open it.

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Question

How do I remove ice from my headlights?

Heather Kenyon-Haff

Top Answerer

As your car heats up, your headlights should also heat up. Also, ice--unless it is extremely thick--does not generally affect the performance of your headlights.

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How do I remove ice from the windshield washer reservoir?

Community Answer

I always pour lukewarm water on everything. At the same time I use a regular window squeegee to start taking the ice and water off so it doesn't keep freezing. 2-3 times and it's done. Run the windshield defroster while you're doing this.

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