How to Defrost Your Car - The Fastest Way
Cold mornings are bad enough without scraping ice off with a windscreen scraper like you’re chiselling a fossil out of your driveway. The good news? There are fast ways to defrost your car - and just as importantly, there are ways that won’t wreck your windscreen. Here’s what actually works.
The fastest safe way to defrost your car windscreen
If speed is the goal, a proper car de-icer spray is still the best option.
A good de-icer:
- Melts ice quickly by lowering its freezing point
- Works in seconds, not minutes
- Is safe for glass, wipers, paintwork and seals
Spray it on, wait around 30–60 seconds, then clear the ice with your wipers or a plastic scraper. Simple. Reliable. No risk.
Keeping a de-icer and a basic windscreen scraper in your car over winter is one of those tiny habits that saves a lot of swearing.
Using your car’s heater (safe, but slower)
No de-icer to hand? Your car’s heater and demister will do the job - just don’t rush it.
Best approach:
- Start the engine
- Set the heater to a low temperature
- Aim airflow at the windscreen
- Gradually increase the heat
This avoids sudden temperature changes, which can stress the glass and lead to cracks. It takes longer, but it’s safe.
What not to do when defrosting your car
Every winter, the same “hacks” do the rounds online. Some of them can cause serious (and expensive) damage.
Don’t use hot or boiling water
Pouring hot water onto a frozen windscreen can cause it to crack instantly due to thermal shock. Even if it’s worked before, it’s a gamble.
Avoid sharp or rigid objects
Knives, metal scrapers, or anything harder than the glass can scratch the surface. Over time, that damage weakens the windscreen.
Be cautious with homemade sprays
Alcohol and water mixes are often suggested. While they can melt ice, incorrect ratios or spraying onto extremely cold glass can still cause damage. If you’re not 100% sure, it’s not worth the risk.
A quick tip to prevent ice overnight
If you want an easier morning tomorrow:
- Cover your windscreen overnight
- Or lift your wipers so they don’t freeze to the glass
It’s not glamorous advice, but it works.
Our customers’ “creative” de-icing ideas
(For entertainment purposes only)
When we asked on social media how people defrost their cars, we got some genuinely useful answers… and a lot of suggestions that should probably stay in the comments section.
Among the more creative ideas were:
- Using hot or boiling water (please don’t - cracked windscreens aren’t cheap)
- Salt, brown sauce, or homemade mixtures (effective on chips, less so on paintwork)
- Blowtorches, axes, flamethrowers, or “setting fire to it” (we admire the confidence, not the method)
- Removing the windscreen entirely (bold, but impractical before work)
A few people also suggested simply moving to a warmer country, which, while appealing, isn’t the fastest option on a frosty Monday morning.
We’ll stick with de-icer spray, heaters, and scrapers - your windscreen (and insurance premium) will thank you.
But if winter has finally convinced you that your car has seen better days, selling it doesn’t have to be difficult. Get a quick valuation with Cash For Cars and let someone else worry about the cold starts.