At any time of year, it is essential to keep your car windows clear. Build in extra time to clear snow and ice off your car before you drive out into the wintry roads. Before you tackle accumulations on the windows, check to see that the tailpipe is free of snow. After that, turn on the car and run the defroster. It may take five minutes or more to warm up the car and start the melting process. Clear snow from the roof, hood, and trunk lid while you wait. Next, clear the side windows and rear windows. Do the windshield last to give the defroster more time to start melting the ice.
Do not forget to clear your exterior mirrors, headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Also clear off and dry your wiper blades and make sure your wiper fluid nozzles are clear. And if your wipers are more than six months old or they’re not clearing the windows properly, it’s time to replace them.
Use the smooth side of a plastic ice scraper to clear frost. If it’s an especially light coating and you don’t have a scraper, a plastic card from your wallet. Use vertical strokes and gently push the accumulation down and off the vehicle.
Use the ridged side of a plastic ice scraper for ice accumulations. Make vertical slashes down the window, and then scrape across the window surface to break up the ice into smaller chunks. Remember to never pour hot water over icy windows to clear them. The rapid temperature change can cause glass to crack or shatter. Also do not use a screwdriver, metal key or other sharp item to chip ice away. These can scratch or shatter the glass, and cost you more in the long run.
For fluffy snows, use a snow brush with plastic bristles or a broom to clear windows, followed by a light scrape with an ice scraper as needed. Heavy snows may require clearing snow with a push broom, but don’t use your snow shovel or you risk damaging your vehicle. Clear snow off the vehicle’s roof before you clear the windows, and also brush the snow off the front hood and trunk before you head out. If you ignore this, big clumps of snow could blow off while you’re driving, obstructing your view or that of another driver. If you notice any issues with your windshield wipers, windshield, or other windows, make sure to contact us so we can inspect the vehicle for you.
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