During the cold winter months, ice has a nasty habit of taking over your windshield, and that’s where the trouble starts. A light dusting of snow? No big deal. But a solid sheet of ice glued to your windscreen can turn a simple morning drive into a frustrating and dangerous mission. If you can’t see clearly, you can’t be a smart driver in winter. Winter mornings don’t care if you’re late for work or the school run.
Check Your Wipers First
First things first: check your wipers before you even think about touching that stalk. If they’re frozen to the glass, leave them alone. Turning them on while they’re iced up can tear the rubber or even burn out the wiper motor, and that’s an expense no one wants.
Windscreen wipers aren’t designed to scrape off solid ice. Let the snow and ice melt properly before using them. A little patience here genuinely saves money.
Start the Engine and Let the Car Do the Work
Once the engine is running, get warm air blowing straight onto the windscreen. Crank up the front defroster, switch on the rear window heater, and use heated mirrors if your car has them. This combination helps melt ice on the outside while clearing mist on the inside.
If your windows fog up, resist the urge to wipe them with your hands. You’ll just leave greasy smears behind, and rings or jewellery can easily scratch the glass. If you really need to wipe, use a clean, lint-free cloth.
Stay with your car the whole time while the engine’s running. You’ll be surprised how quickly a frozen windscreen starts to clear, and this is the perfect time to deal with the outside of the car. For drivers who struggle with cold starts in winter, we’ve shared additional tips in a separate guide.
Clear the Entire Car Not Just the Windscreen
Clear all the snow off the car, not just the bit you look through. That means the roof, bonnet, lights, and mirrors. Snow left behind can slide onto your windscreen while driving or fly off and hit another vehicle.
Use a soft brush on the front grille as well. If airflow is blocked, there’s a real risk of the engine overheating.
While the inside warms up, grab a proper ice scraper and de-icer and tackle the outside. Make sure all glass is completely clear before you drive off. Headlights and taillights should be clean and working too. Driving with partially cleared glass can earn you a fine and points on your licence.
Things to Avoid When De-Icing
One thing you should absolutely avoid is using warm or even lukewarm water to defrost your windscreen. It might seem like the quickest option, but it’s a classic bad habit.
Glass expands quickly when warm water hits it, then contracts fast in cold air. This sudden change, known as thermal shock, can crack your windscreen, especially if there are tiny chips you didn’t even notice. On very cold days, the water can refreeze almost instantly, creating an even thicker layer of ice.
Warm water can also freeze faster than cold water. If it refreezes on your wipers, it can freeze them to the glass, damaging the motor or ripping the rubber when you switch them on.
Cold water isn’t the answer either. It can still freeze on contact and cause damage. The safest option is simple: use your car’s heaters and air-conditioning together, and rely on a scraper or proper de-icer while the car warms up. Spending an extra minute now beats paying for a new windscreen later.
How to Defog Windows Properly
When it comes to fogged-up windows, the best fix is a mix of hot and cold air. Turn on the warm air blower, rear windscreen heater, and the air-con at the same time. If possible, let some outside air into the car too. This dries the air inside and clears mist fast.
How to Prevent Ice Build-Up in the First Place
The easiest ice to deal with is the ice that never forms. A bit of forward planning goes a long way.
If you have a garage, use it, it’s the best winter protection your car can get. No garage? Park as close to your home as possible, as the heat from the building can help reduce ice. Cover the windscreen overnight with a proper shield, or even a piece of cardboard if needed.
Never Leave Your Car Unattended While Defrosting (Insurance Warning)
It can be tempting to leave the car running while you retreat into the warmth of the house—but this is risky. Frosty mornings are prime time for thieves, a trick known as “frosting.” Thieves look for unattended cars left running and simply drive off with them.
Here’s the important part: insurance usually won’t cover this. If your car is stolen because you left it running with the keys inside, your insurer is very likely to reject the claim.
To stay safe, wrap up warm and stay with your car the whole time. If you need to go back inside, switch the engine off and lock the car.
Don’t “Porthole” and Drive Off Early
If you’re rushing, it can be tempting to drive off as soon as you can see a small patch through the glass. Don’t. This is known as “portholing”, and it seriously obstructs your view of the road.
Driving with ice or mist on your windscreen puts you and everyone else at risk—and you can be fined and given points if caught. Clear all windows fully before setting off.
Avoid portholing,it can lead to fines, damage, and higher winter car costs. For more ways to save money on car expenses this winter, explore our helpful guide.
What You’ll Need to De-Ice Your Car (Checklist)
To make winter mornings easier, keep the right gear handy:
These small items can save you time, stress, and frozen fingers.
Use a Proper De-Ice Spray
Instead of water, use a proper de-ice spray. These are easy to find in supermarkets during winter and are designed to melt ice quickly without refreezing. High-quality sprays won’t damage paintwork, rubber, or plastics and are safe for windscreens, windows, mirrors, and lights.
Keep one in the car and one at home if you can.
How to Make a DIY De-Icer (If You Must)
If you prefer DIY solutions, you can make your own de-icer by mixing:
This lowers the freezing point and helps prevent refreezing. Vinegar or saltwater can also work in a pinch. Just be careful because regular use of alcohol- or vinegar-based sprays can break down your car’s protective layer over time. Washing and waxing your car regularly helps minimise the damage.
Why Having the Right Insurance Matters in Winter
Winter driving increases the risk of cracked windscreens, minor collisions, theft, and breakdowns. Having the right insurance cover means you’re protected when things go wrong.
Check that your policy includes windscreen cover and understand what’s excluded. A few minutes reviewing your policy could save you a major bill during the coldest months of the year. Looking for insurance? Get a quote here and stay covered all winter with Tennessee Auto Insurance Agency.
Conclusion
Plan ahead and give yourself time. Allow around 10 minutes on cold mornings to clear your windscreen properly using a scraper and de-icer. Don’t forget the side windows, mirrors, and lights, they’re just as important for visibility, especially at junctions.
A little preparation and patience can save you stress, money, and a whole lot of winter grief.