De-Icing Your Windshield Safely: What NOT To Do This Winter
When the temperatures drop, few things are more frustrating than running late, only to find your car buried under a blanket of ice and snow. But before you grab whatever’s nearby to scrape, melt, or chip it off, it’s important to know that some popular de-icing “tricks” can actually damage your windshield, leading to cracks, chips, or full replacement. At Apollo Glass, we’ve seen every winter windshield mistake in the book, and we’re here to help you avoid them.
What NOT to Do When De-Icing Your Windshield
🚫 Don’t Pour Hot Water on the Glass
This is one of the most common (and most dangerous!) winter mistakes. Sudden temperature shock can cause:
- Stress cracks
- Existing chips to spread
- An immediate break or “pop” in extreme cold
Even warm water can cause thermal stress, so don’t risk it!
🚫 Don’t Use Metal Scrapers or Household Items
It might feel tempting to grab:
- A metal spatula
- A putty knife
- A credit card
- A screwdriver
- A kitchen utensil
These tools can easily scratch or gouge the glass, damage paint, and worsen any existing chips.
🚫 Don’t Let Your Car Idle for Long Periods
Remote-starting your car for a minute or two is fine, but extended idling:
- Is illegal in some cities
- Wastes fuel
- Doesn’t melt ice as effectively as you think
Heat starts from the inside, and it takes time for the defroster to work. Using de-icing spray alongside your defroster speeds things up safely.
🚫 Don’t Slam Your Car Doors
When your car is frozen solid, slamming the doors can send vibrations through your windshield. If you already have a small chip, cold weather + vibration = a crack that spreads across the entire glass.
🚫 Don’t Use Hot Packs or Heated Cloths
Just like hot water, direct localized heat can cause thermal shock. Save the heat for your hands, not your windshield.
Safe & Effective Ways to De-Ice Your Windshield
Use a Commercial De-Icing Spray
These sprays are designed to melt ice quickly and safely. Keep a bottle in your garage, entryway, or car (just not overnight in sub-zero temps). You can find de-icing sprays at big box stores, hardware stores, or online.
Turn on Your Defroster First
Let warm air build gradually from the inside of your windshield. This prevents stress cracks and helps soften the ice.
Use a Proper Plastic Ice Scraper
A sturdy plastic scraper removes ice without scratching your glass. For thick ice, use the “teeth” edge first, then the flat edge.
Prevent Ice Buildup
You can cut down scraping time by using:
- A windshield cover
- A frost guard
- A towel laid across the windshield (remove before starting the car)
Anything that prevents ice from forming in the first place is a win.
Keep Your Wipers Up (Or Keep Them Off)
Some people prefer lifting wipers before a storm. Some prefer leaving them down. Either way: never use wipers to break ice. It ruins both the wipers and the motor.
If Winter Damages Your Windshield, Apollo Glass Is Here to Help
Even when you do everything right, Minnesota winters can be brutal on auto glass. If ice scraping causes a chip, or freezing temps spread an existing crack, Apollo Glass makes the repair process fast and stress-free.
Apollo Glass Offers:
Same Day Service
Windshield Repair or Replacement
Drive-In or Mobile Service (we can come to you!)
Free Pickup and Delivery
Courtesy Car Available
Full Warranty Options
We handle ALL insurance paperwork
We work with every insurance provider and match their pricing requirements so you don’t have to spend hours on the phone. Our goal is to minimize hassle and get you safely back on the road quickly.
Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down! Call Apollo Glass Today
Whether you’re dealing with a small chip from an icy morning or a full crack caused by sub-zero temperatures, our expert team is ready to help. Call us at 763-682-5100 or contact us online with questions. Stay warm, stay safe, and scrape wisely this winter!
