‘Tis the season for snowmen, snow days, snow forts…and snow-covered cars. One of the worst wintertime conundrums is rushing out the door in the morning, only to find your car completed covered from last night’s unexpected snow fall. And if it’s not snow, it’s something ten times worse: ice.
No matter which way you slice it, snow or ice, trying to get your car up and running on these typical winter mornings is no small feat. You can wake up an hour earlier than usual to get the car running, you can make yourself late with some frantic scraping, or you can use these three tips to get the job done quickly!
This one kind of seems like a no-brainer, you guys. These three tips have been tried and tested by many on the internet, including us! So when we tell you these hacks will clear up your frosted windshield like no other, you best believe it.
What do you think of these three methods to quickly defrosting your car? Are they better than wasting gas to keep the defrosters on or getting ice shavings all over your work clothes? We would hope so. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
1. Alcohol Solution
This solution, originally brought to us by newsman Ken Weathers, is officially the most magical hack of the season. All you have to do is mix 1/3 water and 2/3 rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Whenever your windshield is fogged over (with ice or otherwise) you simply have to spray this solution and watch the fog disappear.
2. Vinegar Solution
Not a fan of rubbing alcohol? Vinegar will also do the trick! A 3-to-1 white vinegar and water mixture sprayed on a windshield will get rid of ice and fog, and will even prevent these things from forming if you spray a coat on the night before.
3. This Magical Settings Combo
So you don’t have a magic mixture, but you can easily defrost your car the old fashion way: using your car settings. Unfortunately, there are about a million buttons and knobs, making this job impossible. Fortunately, Mark Rober has graced us with this ideal combination of car settings, which will defrost your windows in half the normal time:
- Turn heater on at full blast
- Turn AC on
- Turn off the inside air circulation
- Crack open the windows
If you’re the kind of person who likes to be prepared for the elements, then you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to prevent your windows from fogging up your icing over all together. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can avoid using the three tips above!
There’s something called an anti-fogging liquid, which does exactly what you think it does: keeps your windows from fogging overnight. However, these liquids can get expensive.
For something that works just as well for a fraction of the price, use a rag to rub regular shaving cream on the inside of your windshield. Sounds weird, but as Rober goes on to explain in his video, this works just as well as your pricey anti-fogging liquid will.
Another great trick is to keep some kitty litter in the car — no, not in a litter box. Fill a sock with some kitty litter and plop it up by your windshield overnight. The litter removes moisture from the air, so it helps to prevent fogging.
Half an onion lying around the house? It sounds weird, but rubbing that halved onion on the outside of your windshield will prevent overnight fogging.
What about your wiper blades? Coat them in rubbing alcohol (using a soaked rag is the best way to do this) to prevent freezing.
If all else fails, try to cover your windows as best you can! For example, your side windows can be covered with regular plastic bags and your windshield with cardboard or towels. Whichever way you choose will get you out of the driveway quicker than ever on the winter mornings to come!
