Might draw the line at "cold" water as i like to warm my hands on the container, but warm out of the tap is fine. As long as the wipers are used to remove any excess water we are good to go in less than a minute. This urban myth about "cracked" windscreens is put about by the de-icer retailers. Though boiling water may prove me wrong.
The first morning after passing my driving test and I'm still coming to your videos for advice and guidance and will continue to do so. Thanks Richard. At 32 I'm off to De-Ice my own car for the first time.
My personal experience at least for canadian weather, is to just spray windshield fluid and run the wipers the night before. In my city, either frost forms or it snows, very rarely do we have frost under snow. Cleaning the windshield the night before frost reduces the amount of dirt particles where frost can form and cling to. Driving home the night before means a warm windshield, fluid will evaporate completely so no ice. A prevention method of sorts.
Best way we found is to simply put a semi thick blanket (like 0.5-1cm) over the windscreen, at least if you're in an area where it doesn't get stolen. Lived in countries with -21 being the lowest. The blanket will be frozen, but the windscreen will look like summer. This worked better than a heated windscreen as well I might add
My Dads top tip was to check the weather forecast then if possible delay his journey till the ambient temperature had removed the Ice. Doesn't work if you need to be out early or the weather is bad all day but its a decent enough idea. TX for another great clip really enjoyed it.
Got my first car Saturday and so far I’ve not been met with ice as it’s cold but not icy yet but preparing myself by watching these videos as I don’t know much about cars 😅 now is when I really miss my Grandad being here as he had all the information 😞 but thankfully videos like yours are available which help incredibly, thank you!
Great vid to help the uninitiated. Just a couple of extra tips from over 40 years of cold mornings.... Start your engine, pull your sun visors down to help keep any heat on your windscreen and put your blowers on full ( pointing at the screen ) Turn on your air-con to dry out the inside.... Start tipping the warm water ON THE ROOF first. ..This, in theory, stretches the metal before the windscreen. Turn on the wipers. Use excess water to clear the ice from your headlights..... Keep up the great work on the channel.
I cringed a few weeks ago when my dad came with a bucket of steaming water (probably 60-70C) thought some bad things were about to happen but I counted the windows after and they were all there haha. To be fair even lukewarm or cold water would also work, kind of dissovles the snow but probably takes much longer and leaves ice behind.
Hi Conquer Driving, this topical topic is one that has had little attention for the last couple of years, I first tried my method forty years ago when I was able to park on my own property. The simple expedient of throwing a large quantity of hot water over the whole of the front of the vehicle does the trick!, it is important to be sure that the hot water hits all of the windscreen at once so that there is no un distributed thermal stress. This techniques has the added advantage of warming all the glass slightly this reduces the amount of condensation on the inside, often for long enough for the heater to take on the job!. You are the first one I have seen doing the same thing with water from a small necked container, I use the washing up bowl and do more than half of it in the first go over the whole screen. The issue of the wet patch on the drive turning to a patch of ice can be a problem, that first time back in the nineteen eighties led to a large patch of ice built up over the tens days of frost, it them lasted another week after the rest thawed out!. Given the amount of time saved and the perfect visibility over the years I could easily afford a new screen by now if I did get it wrong!. It is very interesting that other people can reach the same conclusions about the same issues without ever any knowledge of each other!. Cheers, Richard.
Glad you mentioned the water method. I’ve done that for years. I use an IR thermometer and measure the water at 25 degrees. Never had a problem. No responsibility for anyone else’s though.
Greetings from Oslo! I got a lot of help from your channel while practicing and preparing to get my license. I learned loads. Great content. Entertaining and frankly relaxing. I still watch to get your take on issues surrounding driving. Cheers!
On the warm water method I fill a 2 litre bottle with tap water and leave it in the house. It gets to room temp after a few hours. Then on mornings with an icy windscreen i have it ready available and don't have to think about the temp of the water being too hot. This has worked great for the majority of cases but struggles below -5c as water re-freezes quickly. It also means when i go out to the car i can lock the house up don't have to go back in with an empty kettle like others i've seen.
Pretty sure that a window that is not compromised (eg. damaged, broken...) can withstand a thermal change in that range. Although I'd rather risk scraping the thick ice off with a plastic scraper (brush with scraper combined on a handle rules). Just make sure your scraper is actually clean, not to rub stuff against the glass; same principle as brushing against paint. For thin ice, fire away with de-icer, just make sure to wipe it off - the oily residue can and will trap dirt and contaminants, so your windows may end up being a mess if you rely on the cleaning power of de-icer, and some products - I had the luck - will refreeze less than a minute. Simplest solution is to drop a cover on the windscreen back and front, if it was dry underneath, it will probably still stay removable, without much of a hassle. Drop it in the trunk, when the weather eases, dry it, and out it goes to the trunk again. (provided that legal trouble does not ensue from using one) Don't race a tank for survival, drive a car while sharing the road. Addendum: if the seal around the windscreen is worn, it may be the cause of excess moisture on the inside. Cat litter, rice in an old sock placed on the dash, or around the back windscreen may be able to absorb enough for the A/C to dissipate the rest even on a cold engine (chances vary, may not be a success). Thanks, Richard!
I've only just found this one! We had -14°c last week, oh what a job that was! I took my watering can full of hot water to defrost the mirrors, as they self fold when you lock/unlock, the doors were frozen up, so I had to do those as well. Managed to get in and start it, then got my scraper and managed to knock the watering can over. Got away eventually, came back to a sheet of solid ice and when I tried to back in my car started to slide sideways! Roll on Summer.
thats the method Ive employed for the 35yrs+ , tepid to luke warm water and a spare wiper blade to squidgy the water off the glass, job done in less than a minute 👍🏻 tip: spray wd40 or silicone spray on the door handles to stop them freezing up, i also silicone spray my door seals too
What i learnt is to use hot water in a plastic bag and use it to wipe over the windscreen and mirrors. It's way less risky than water directly on the windscreen and it melts it off pretty good. It takes only a little longer but less risk.
The other week, up North (Greater Manchester). I probably tried all these methods. The rain left 3mm of ice on one side of my car. Took the snow off with a scraper, de-icer did nothing. Sprayed water and vinegar. Yep. Nothing. Went inside and warmed some water. Poured it on and magic, scraped it off. Went back inside to wake my kids before leaving and......my windows had froze up again. 🤣. Will take the tip of leaving a sock of rice inside to soak up moisture as the inside had a thin layer of ice (the joys of a second hand car).
Living in Alberta Canada, we can get down to -40 below, we’ve never heard of anybody, using rubbing alcohol,for one thing it’s expensive compared to a 4 L jug of methyl hydrate Can find it in any Canadian tire hardware store for to 15 to 20 dollars in the paint department At the beginning of the winter season, I usually mix up a spray bottle 50-50 of winter windshield, washer, antifreeze with methyl hydrate A 4 L jug of methyl hydrate will last for many winters if you mix it up this way Spray on the window,start your car, with the defrost heater on high, let it warm up for about five minutes, then scrape any ice you have on the windshield which usually has already started to melt, fairly easily, no matter what the temperature is. But, of course, if I know there’s going to be a freezing, rain, or a large dump of snow, I will just take a pre-cut piece of construction grade poly /plastic and cover the entire windshield, and then Tuck it in on both front doors , which will keep it in place if it’s windy If you cut the plastic to the right size ,you will have at least a foot to 2 feet of plastic that covers the side windows and mirrors as well Works like a charm, and there’s no scraping
I was surprised my new car has a button you press and my car de-ices the windscreen and back window as well. What a pleasure, all new cars should have it!
Realy good and reliable way too to deice the windows here (-10 to -20C) is an ice scraper called murska. It has plastic and metal part, the metal is soft (much softer than the glass) and it doesn't scratch the window, it is even safer than the plastic ice scraper since it doesn't collect dirt that easily. Cleaning the wiper blades is a bit difficult, but you can scrape it close the the wipers and I was always able to lift the wiper blades a bit to scrape under them. To get rid of the ice from the wiper blades I just hit it few times with the murska and the ice just falls off. Also using winter washer fluid with (rated for -40C) is a good way to remove ice from spots you have missed.
First morning of owning a car it was freezing cold and I hadn't yet bought an ice scraper. Took a while to heat up the car while in idle. Should have thought about warm water. Needless to say I went out and bought a scraper the same day. I have been told about de-icing solutions but honestly I prefer to just use the scraper.
Havn't purchased any de icer for must be 20 years plus. Always use the warm water method, but I apply it from a small plastic water can. Uses a lot less water and allows you to drive straight off with no annoying mist on the inside that deicer causes. I throw the watering can in the front footwell ready for the next time.
Great video and well done. You keep referring to thick ice... here in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. we often can have up to 1/4 inch of ice which is a great challenge. Nothing works but lots of elbow grease. Thanks.
My favourite method is to use a phone app to turn on the heater , screen defrost , heated seats and steering wheel as I have breakfast. Another advantage of going EV. Before hand , some 50 years, I used cold tap water to slosh over the affected parts. The downside being the large puddles left that could freeze into a skid hazard for others.
I use an extension lead with a small fan heater in the car from an exterior electric socket on my house which was fitted for my caravan. In less than ten minutes lovely warm car with clear windows and no condensation either . Car door was slightly open .
I've used the warm water as well for many years and never cracked a screen. It's the fastest and the easiest and also does the best job. 😜 But I do turn my engine on firt with the heater on full blast and by the time I'm done with the water, there's enough heat coming in ti stop the screen from refreezing especially in much colder temperatures.
I have been using a de-icer spray can for the past two days and it's worked like a dream. I'm just still trying to get to grips with heavy condensation on the inside of the windscreen. It's a real bugbear of mine because of my OCD. I had to use glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth when i got home but i can't be doing that everyday. I know that people say don't have heat in the car, have your fan on cold air and just use your demister. Even put the windows down slightly. Although the windows were frozen solid and regardless of heat or cold in the car, when it's -2 the condensation will form. I just hate freezing weather all together.
Thick condensation inside the car usually means water is getting in, even a small amount can do it. This usually happens to me if I clean the interior with water.
@@ConquerDriving Understandable. I don't clean the interior with water. I vack it and occasionally use wipes for the seats. It's on and off though the build up of condensation comes and goes it's not everyday.
The thermal shock is much worse in really low temperatures. When it is -5C, it is fine, but pouring hot water when it is -25C, it might be a bit risky. There is another factor - what glue is used to fix the glass to the car, if it is more flexible, the pouring hot water method is much safer, but the glue tends to get much harder as it ages.
One way to prevent inside glass fogging is to open all windows before you exit the car for a few minutes after you're done driving - that allows the humid air in the car, from breathing etc, to escape and bring the outside temp/humidity level from outside to inside the car before parking it.
I’ve literally just de-iced my car before seeing this as a recommended video. I screwed up a little on the de-misting as I sprayed the de-icer on as the engine was on and I had the de-misters on and the inside of my windscreen misted up real bad 😬😂. I guess I should have looked for the video first
Just little advice pal from Europe where We having -30 temps..... Best option is when you reach your destination open all doors and let car cool down from inside and believe me tomorrow u won't have any issues with ice on your windscreen or very thin layer that u can get rid of with just a wipers after few min warming up your engine
I always use the warm water method, but before chucking the water, I always start the car with the demister fans on full. It's less likely to freeze over again when I start driving.
If you put water on the outside of the windscreen, it will expand as it warms up. If the inside is still cold relative to the outside, it will not expand as much, hence the window cracks. Unequal expansion in a brittle material results in cracks forming. If cold water is used there is much less difference between the inside and outside temperatures, so less likely to crack. With warm water, a much bigger temperature difference so more likely to crack. If you pour boiling water into a glass made of thick glass it will crack, but do the same thing with a glass made of thin glass, it will not crack since, with the thin glass, there is very little difference between the inside and outside surface temperatures.
Just use a giant duvet, when we sleep why should the car get cold when we are warm. Cars like to sleep in comfort too. Or bring the car indoors and let it sleep on its carbed next to the radiator.
I've used cold tap water for years on all windows. I find it works best, fast and cheap. I go out with a bottle, pour the water and that's it. What's harder is when the handles and doors freeze.
even cold air from the vents helps to soften and melt the ice on the windscreen, so I usually switch the car on and turn the air up first then start scraping the side windows which the ice on the windcreen softens. I also use a different plastic scraper to the usual type, much better for even the thinnest of ice
Really helpful the way you explained this. I appreciate you taking the time and effort making vids for learners as well as those of us who are experienced. Thank you and Happy New Year!
I thought warm water might be problematic but then I thought that they use warm water to wash cars in the winter and have no problems. But the car is already pre heated probably but anyway. Just wipe off excess and use silicone on rubbers etc so it won't freeze. But you have to keep in mind the colder it is the faster water will freeze so you can end up with a car covered in ice. A bit tricky
Warm water is a good method, but not accessible for everybody. For example, when my dad used to have his van, he kept it roughly 8 minutes of walking away from home. But that's merely the reality of a city layout that we live in, for people with their own driveways, it would work. By the way, to stop the blades from freezing my dad used to leave them in service position and I've seen other drivers do it too. But I don't know what effect it has on rubber. Also, you are more prepared at minus one than me at minus 15 with that massive gloves! No hat though! :))
8 min walk to the car! You can put corks under the wiper arms to lift them up. I like hiking so I have plenty of clothes, I usually have a hat and put my hood over the hat but it looked ridiculous on camera so I braved the cold. 9 degrees and sunny here today.
I live about 5 mins walk from where my car is parked. I have to attempt this tomorrow morning, (plus try and get the bloody car doors open 😖) so I plan on taking a couple of flasks of warm water with me for the windows. One could always fill a 5L bottle with just off boiling hot water, and it would be about the right temperature by the time you arrived at the car on an 8min walk...
Put a small heater blower inside the car between the handbrake and the gear stick pointing upwards . Then go inside your house sit down and have a cup tea by the time you have finished the car is totally clear and you drive off in nice warm car
Hi Richard, thank you so much for your videos they help a lot, would it be possible to produce a video on what to do in the different situations with responding emergency vehicles such as an ambulance on a narrow road would you be marked down on the test for mounting the curve to allow it to pass safely even though you shouldn’t mount the curve when stopping for an emergency vehicle etc? And similarity, if an emergency vehicle is behind you at a traffic light abs they are edging forwards should you move etc, Thanks 👍
When I was young, my Mum used to put a small electric fan heater (powered from the main) in the car 10 minutes before leaving. It had the benefit of warming the interior of the car up too. I'm not sure if there is a risk of fire because I've never heard of anyone else do it
Why don't guys put a car cover on top of your car, which I believe a lot of you guys have access to. Putting a car cover will make it easy to remove snow like when it snows just remove the cover and boom you got a nice clean car underneath
In the video I actually show you my MX5. That has a roof cover, but it's more hassle then it's worth for snow as it freezes in place. I only have it as the neighbours cats like to use my fabric roof as a scratch pad.
I recently bought a windscreen cover that also covers the wing mirrors. I pop it on at night and in the morning, no ice. It saves me a ton of time. An old fella I know says he just uses a big piece of cardboard for the same job. Pleased to see the warm water hack because I'd also read that I shouldn't do this. When you're a new driver it's hard to know what advice to take.
I think the American method of de-icing is way more convenient . Just push the remote start button 60 minutes before you want to get in to the car, a nice side effect is that you have a warm car.
15 minutes will be enough for even - 20C, what part of US requires idling for 60 minutes? In Russia many have remote start alarms fitted in, and they are set up to warm up for 10-15 minutes by default. Usually OK for at least to -30C. I even have Webasto setup for 45 minutes, and it takes longer for the heater to warm up the cabin compared to idling. 60 min is just an overkill.
While I don't have any experience in this, my brother is a car enthusiast and he said that letting the engine warm up only while idling (low revs=lower heat generated) prevents the cold motor oil from effectively lubricating the moving parts for a significant amount of time, that's the reason engines fail much sooner than usual. I guess that only applies to really cold climates, -20 and lower.
@@MrRobbi373 I have heard a recommendation as well, that you should let your car idle merely for a minute, maybe five in colder climates to let the oil get more liquidy and then move off and let the motor warm up on the go, being smith with the gas and not giving to much revs until the working temperature is reached. But again, can't claim to be an expert and know perfectly.
@@artemkatelnytskyi Yes, it's not the 1960s any more! The automotive industry - and engines - have come a long way. You and @Robbie373 are quite right - the quickest way to warm up an engine on a very cold day while not undermining it, is simply to gently start driving it - not letting it idle. One thing this world certainly doesn't need any more of, is cars pumping 60 minutes of totally unnecessary shit into the atmosphere... 🙄 Tim - If you want a warm car, get an electric one, mate - they have very efficient electric heaters, which you can programme from the comfort of your home using an app, and you arrive to a fully defrosted, lovely and warm car, without setting off the neighbours' asthma and decimating the general air quality of your locale.
If i knew it was gonna snow. Always put warm water with salt in it. Poor it on windows and mirrors. Then after snowfall. There will be no snow or ice on the window because the salt prevents it.
Hello Richard, thank you for your channel, it's a really great help for me. I recently bought a car and refresh all about driving because I haven't drive since 2008. Are you obviously planning to make a video with advice how to choose a mobile holder for your car? What phone holder do you use? Thank you. Cheers from France.
Haha, have you ever tried scraping ice off the inside? I haven't but I've seen others try. I used the warm water method with the VX220, that melted the ice both sides then I dried the inside with a towel.
@@ConquerDriving had it frozen on the inside on a fiat punto, the ice melted on both sides but some water dripped down onto the dash and all over the place really. Did get most of it off with a towel, but the moisture meant we had to do the drive with the demister on full for the entire time, as it'd just mist up again right after (initially me wiping the windscreen again with a towel before the heater warmed up) That was after the car had been sat for 2 weeks or so, in cold weather I'm surprised it started.
I find the more often you use cars the less moisture problems you get as everything has a chance to dry out. The problem occurs if you have sun on the car, which heats the interior, 40 degree air can hold like 8 times the water of 0 degree air. Then the air cools to freezing over night, all the water falls out of the air and there's the problem. If you noticed the first time I did the Panda there was no ice on the inside. But we had a sunny day and the next morning there was loads of water. Partly caused by all the snow that had fallen off my shoes the previous day come to think of it. I did clean it but that was about a week before the video.
You forgot the easiest method, simply using the diesel/petrol heater. Engine and interior all nice and cozy and no ice on the car. Could also use an electric heater if you have a an outlet available.
Interesting video. The main problems I am having in this cold at the moment is the screen wash won't work. It's not frozen in the tank I think as I am using -20 degree stuff. Any suggestions to get it working quicker? Thanks
The windscreen washer jet nozzles can sometime freeze. It happens when the alcohol evaporates and what's left in the nozzles is almost pure water. Heating them (hot water, garage, etc...) and flushing with new screen wash will unclog them. If this doesn't solve your problem then the washer fluid wight be too diluted and needs more alcohol. The hoses leding from the tank to the nozzles freeze up in minutes and the only way to solve the problem is heat and more alcohol.
I've been using a scraper and turning on the hot air over the last few days and it takes less than 5 minutes to get the whole car ready to drive. Just invest in a propper scraper and it is no big deal.
Best method I know, is put a thermal cover over your windscreen. Simply remove it. Job done. Less than a minute. Put it in your boot, for the next night of ice.
A question to people in cold climates who have catalytic converters. Does it help with the exhaust when you start up in a sub-zero weather? People here remove catalytic converters instead of replacing them and in the winter the exhaust from warming up cars smells really bad and penetrates indoors easily. So I wander if it's unavoidable in the winter or because we don't use catalytic converters.
When you start their car, it's best to get driving straight away to heat up the catalytic convertor as quickly as possible. It doesn't take long once you're on the move but a lot longer when idling.
great video. i have been living in Norway and i am really sick of deice car windows everyday. anyway i ordeded car cover . what do you think of car covers? not easier than de-ice?
Personally I don't like some because they are a faff and you have to have somewhere to put them, also when it's windy they can damage the car. But there are plenty of people who use them and like them.
I use a car cover although the other day this was also frozen on and it took some time to peel it off, this was in Reading, Berkshire by the way. My ex colleague's brother, who is a motor mechanic, told her that anti-freeze damages the rubber on the wipers, so I am now reluctant to use it so much. Are you aware of this or is this in fact incorrect?
My method is super low-tech: take spare keys, start car, lock up with regular keys, go back inside for 30 minutes or so. If I had a remote start I wouldn’t even go outside. At -35 degrees in the dark on a Monday morning you get the machine to do the work 😂🥶
It's really bad for your engine to leave it idling like this, Karen (not to mention your neighbours' air quality). Idling equals very low revs, which means your lubricant is at far too low a temperature to effectively lubricate the working parts of your engine. Your lovely engine is left desperately trying to do its job with minimal lubrication, while you're warming your car - a surefire way to shorten the life of your car's most expensive part. Engines are chiefly meant to be running when the car is moving. Maybe get yourself some heated seats, or a little heater if you want your car warmed up quickly - or better still consider an electric car as they have very efficient electric heaters you can programme indoors from an app, while you're eating a fortifying Monday morning breakfast indoors in the warm. But please, don't trash your engine. 😖
@@221b-Maker-Street unfortunately it’s really bad for the driver to be shivering so hard they can’t concentrate on their driving. And my neighbours, co-workers etc don’t care, they’re all doing the same thing. It’s a thing in Saskatchewan. I’m actually better than most. I only warm up the car below -25C. Above that I can usually handle it. And with synthetic oil I’m not even plugging it in anymore. Oh yeah… my seats are heated and so is my steering wheel. But I still wear a parka and fur lined boots to drive. My winter driving practices are completely normal in my province.
Hi, can u throw some lights on stopping condensation inside impairing visibility. Heard that we can use ac but on cold weather, ac is not a viable option. Would be better if you could share options for both short and long drive
I’ve been using cold tap water to de-ice my car windows for 20+ years now and never had one break, works a treat too 👍🏻
Might draw the line at "cold" water as i like to warm my hands on the container, but warm out of the tap is fine. As long as the wipers are used to remove any excess water we are good to go in less than a minute. This urban myth about "cracked" windscreens is put about by the de-icer retailers. Though boiling water may prove me wrong.
Same here
Me too 🧐
I’m about to do that. Just use tap water and see what happens 😂
@@sisyphussapprentice8976 check the water temp by dipping in the pinky - it should be comfortably warm - seems to work well.
The first morning after passing my driving test and I'm still coming to your videos for advice and guidance and will continue to do so.
Thanks Richard. At 32 I'm off to De-Ice my own car for the first time.
My personal experience at least for canadian weather, is to just spray windshield fluid and run the wipers the night before. In my city, either frost forms or it snows, very rarely do we have frost under snow. Cleaning the windshield the night before frost reduces the amount of dirt particles where frost can form and cling to. Driving home the night before means a warm windshield, fluid will evaporate completely so no ice. A prevention method of sorts.
Best way we found is to simply put a semi thick blanket (like 0.5-1cm) over the windscreen, at least if you're in an area where it doesn't get stolen. Lived in countries with -21 being the lowest. The blanket will be frozen, but the windscreen will look like summer. This worked better than a heated windscreen as well I might add
How and where do you store that blanket? Does it still work after the ice on it melts and the next day your blanket is wet?
My Dads top tip was to check the weather forecast then if possible delay his journey till the ambient temperature had removed the Ice. Doesn't work if you need to be out early or the weather is bad all day but its a decent enough idea. TX for another great clip really enjoyed it.
Sir,
Your efforts made me learn driving very easily.
Thank you so much for making such kind of good quality videos.
Love from India❤️❤️🔥🔥
Got my first car Saturday and so far I’ve not been met with ice as it’s cold but not icy yet but preparing myself by watching these videos as I don’t know much about cars 😅 now is when I really miss my Grandad being here as he had all the information 😞 but thankfully videos like yours are available which help incredibly, thank you!
Great vid to help the uninitiated. Just a couple of extra tips from over 40 years of cold mornings.... Start your engine, pull your sun visors down to help keep any heat on your windscreen and put your blowers on full ( pointing at the screen ) Turn on your air-con to dry out the inside.... Start tipping the warm water ON THE ROOF first. ..This, in theory, stretches the metal before the windscreen. Turn on the wipers. Use excess water to clear the ice from your headlights..... Keep up the great work on the channel.
I cringed a few weeks ago when my dad came with a bucket of steaming water (probably 60-70C) thought some bad things were about to happen but I counted the windows after and they were all there haha. To be fair even lukewarm or cold water would also work, kind of dissovles the snow but probably takes much longer and leaves ice behind.
Hi Conquer Driving, this topical topic is one that has had little attention for the last couple of years, I first tried my method forty years ago when I was able to park on my own property. The simple expedient of throwing a large quantity of hot water over the whole of the front of the vehicle does the trick!, it is important to be sure that the hot water hits all of the windscreen at once so that there is no un distributed thermal stress. This techniques has the added advantage of warming all the glass slightly this reduces the amount of condensation on the inside, often for long enough for the heater to take on the job!.
You are the first one I have seen doing the same thing with water from a small necked container, I use the washing up bowl and do more than half of it in the first go over the whole screen.
The issue of the wet patch on the drive turning to a patch of ice can be a problem, that first time back in the nineteen eighties led to a large patch of ice built up over the tens days of frost, it them lasted another week after the rest thawed out!.
Given the amount of time saved and the perfect visibility over the years I could easily afford a new screen by now if I did get it wrong!.
It is very interesting that other people can reach the same conclusions about the same issues without ever any knowledge of each other!.
Cheers, Richard.
Glad you mentioned the water method. I’ve done that for years. I use an IR thermometer and measure the water at 25 degrees. Never had a problem. No responsibility for anyone else’s though.
Greetings from Oslo! I got a lot of help from your channel while practicing and preparing to get my license. I learned loads. Great content. Entertaining and frankly relaxing. I still watch to get your take on issues surrounding driving. Cheers!
On the warm water method I fill a 2 litre bottle with tap water and leave it in the house. It gets to room temp after a few hours. Then on mornings with an icy windscreen i have it ready available and don't have to think about the temp of the water being too hot. This has worked great for the majority of cases but struggles below -5c as water re-freezes quickly. It also means when i go out to the car i can lock the house up don't have to go back in with an empty kettle like others i've seen.
Pretty sure that a window that is not compromised (eg. damaged, broken...) can withstand a thermal change in that range. Although I'd rather risk scraping the thick ice off with a plastic scraper (brush with scraper combined on a handle rules). Just make sure your scraper is actually clean, not to rub stuff against the glass; same principle as brushing against paint. For thin ice, fire away with de-icer, just make sure to wipe it off - the oily residue can and will trap dirt and contaminants, so your windows may end up being a mess if you rely on the cleaning power of de-icer, and some products - I had the luck - will refreeze less than a minute.
Simplest solution is to drop a cover on the windscreen back and front, if it was dry underneath, it will probably still stay removable, without much of a hassle. Drop it in the trunk, when the weather eases, dry it, and out it goes to the trunk again. (provided that legal trouble does not ensue from using one)
Don't race a tank for survival, drive a car while sharing the road.
Addendum: if the seal around the windscreen is worn, it may be the cause of excess moisture on the inside. Cat litter, rice in an old sock placed on the dash, or around the back windscreen may be able to absorb enough for the A/C to dissipate the rest even on a cold engine (chances vary, may not be a success).
Thanks, Richard!
I've only just found this one! We had -14°c last week, oh what a job that was! I took my watering can full of hot water to defrost the mirrors, as they self fold when you lock/unlock, the doors were frozen up, so I had to do those as well. Managed to get in and start it, then got my scraper and managed to knock the watering can over. Got away eventually, came back to a sheet of solid ice and when I tried to back in my car started to slide sideways! Roll on Summer.
Fantastic channel.
With the warm water method, a watering can without any attachments is great as you can accurately pour the water.
Good point!
thats the method Ive employed for the 35yrs+ , tepid to luke warm water and a spare wiper blade to squidgy the water off the glass, job done in less than a minute 👍🏻
tip: spray wd40 or silicone spray on the door handles to stop them freezing up, i also silicone spray my door seals too
What i learnt is to use hot water in a plastic bag and use it to wipe over the windscreen and mirrors. It's way less risky than water directly on the windscreen and it melts it off pretty good. It takes only a little longer but less risk.
The other week, up North (Greater Manchester). I probably tried all these methods. The rain left 3mm of ice on one side of my car. Took the snow off with a scraper, de-icer did nothing. Sprayed water and vinegar. Yep. Nothing. Went inside and warmed some water. Poured it on and magic, scraped it off. Went back inside to wake my kids before leaving and......my windows had froze up again. 🤣. Will take the tip of leaving a sock of rice inside to soak up moisture as the inside had a thin layer of ice (the joys of a second hand car).
Needs cars can do the same. If you use the water method you must drive it immediately or any water will refreeze.
Living in Alberta Canada, we can get down to -40 below, we’ve never heard of anybody, using rubbing alcohol,for one thing it’s expensive compared to a 4 L jug of methyl hydrate
Can find it in any Canadian tire hardware store for to 15 to 20 dollars in the paint department
At the beginning of the winter season, I usually mix up a spray bottle 50-50 of winter windshield, washer, antifreeze with methyl hydrate
A 4 L jug of methyl hydrate will last for many winters if you mix it up this way
Spray on the window,start your car, with the defrost heater on high, let it warm up for about five minutes, then scrape any ice you have on the windshield which usually has already started to melt, fairly easily, no matter what the temperature is.
But, of course, if I know there’s going to be a freezing, rain, or a large dump of snow, I will just take a pre-cut piece of construction grade poly /plastic and cover the entire windshield, and then Tuck it in on both front doors , which will keep it in place if it’s windy
If you cut the plastic to the right size ,you will have at least a foot to 2 feet of plastic that covers the side windows and mirrors as well
Works like a charm, and there’s no scraping
I was surprised my new car has a button you press and my car de-ices the windscreen and back window as well. What a pleasure, all new cars should have it!
Been using "Warm Water" on my cars, busses and trucks since the 1980's, never had a problem whatsoever.
Realy good and reliable way too to deice the windows here (-10 to -20C) is an ice scraper called murska. It has plastic and metal part, the metal is soft (much softer than the glass) and it doesn't scratch the window, it is even safer than the plastic ice scraper since it doesn't collect dirt that easily. Cleaning the wiper blades is a bit difficult, but you can scrape it close the the wipers and I was always able to lift the wiper blades a bit to scrape under them. To get rid of the ice from the wiper blades I just hit it few times with the murska and the ice just falls off. Also using
winter washer fluid with (rated for -40C) is a good way to remove ice from spots you have missed.
Iv never understood de icer in uk. Never needed it. Simple heat plus a scraper. Job done. Wait a few min before scraping.
First morning of owning a car it was freezing cold and I hadn't yet bought an ice scraper. Took a while to heat up the car while in idle. Should have thought about warm water. Needless to say I went out and bought a scraper the same day.
I have been told about de-icing solutions but honestly I prefer to just use the scraper.
Something I forgot to mention about ice scrapers, they can scratch your windscreen if you're unlucky.
Havn't purchased any de icer for must be 20 years plus. Always use the warm water method, but I apply it from a small plastic water can. Uses a lot less water and allows you to drive straight off with no annoying mist on the inside that deicer causes. I throw the watering can in the front footwell ready for the next time.
Me too! 👍
If you have a small chip in your windscreen you will crack it. I've lost a windscreen in -2 so be careful and check for stone chips.
Great video and well done. You keep referring to thick ice... here in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. we often can have up to 1/4 inch of ice which is a great challenge. Nothing works but lots of elbow grease. Thanks.
Detroit here. 100% agree. I have 2 inches + of ice completely covering my car right now. It’s 2 degrees F with 25 mph wind. Idk what to do
Just start the car, turn the heat on and be patient... and hope no one steals your car, lol. @@SilverTreasures
My favourite method is to use a phone app to turn on the heater , screen defrost , heated seats and steering wheel as I have breakfast.
Another advantage of going EV.
Before hand , some 50 years, I used cold tap water to slosh over the affected parts. The downside being the large puddles left that could freeze into a skid hazard for others.
That's all very true.
My Nephew has just brought a electric car, he has an app to do all that. Lucky thing.
I use an extension lead with a small fan heater in the car from an exterior electric socket on my house which was fitted for my caravan. In less than ten minutes lovely warm car with clear windows and no condensation either . Car door was slightly open .
Also to prevent water freezing on the ground you can fill up a zip bag with warm water and go around the car.
This is one of the reasons I love fords. They have the heating strips in the windscreen which melts it right away
I had my engine running whilst I was scraping the windows and the car locked itself good job I had a spare key indoors
I've used the warm water as well for many years and never cracked a screen. It's the fastest and the easiest and also does the best job. 😜 But I do turn my engine on firt with the heater on full blast and by the time I'm done with the water, there's enough heat coming in ti stop the screen from refreezing especially in much colder temperatures.
I love your videos. I watch all of them. They are really entertaining, interesting, understandable, just perfect. Thank you!
I have been using a de-icer spray can for the past two days and it's worked like a dream. I'm just still trying to get to grips with heavy condensation on the inside of the windscreen. It's a real bugbear of mine because of my OCD. I had to use glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth when i got home but i can't be doing that everyday.
I know that people say don't have heat in the car, have your fan on cold air and just use your demister. Even put the windows down slightly. Although the windows were frozen solid and regardless of heat or cold in the car, when it's -2 the condensation will form. I just hate freezing weather all together.
Thick condensation inside the car usually means water is getting in, even a small amount can do it. This usually happens to me if I clean the interior with water.
@@ConquerDriving Understandable. I don't clean the interior with water. I vack it and occasionally use wipes for the seats. It's on and off though the build up of condensation comes and goes it's not everyday.
The thermal shock is much worse in really low temperatures. When it is -5C, it is fine, but pouring hot water when it is -25C, it might be a bit risky. There is another factor - what glue is used to fix the glass to the car, if it is more flexible, the pouring hot water method is much safer, but the glue tends to get much harder as it ages.
I don't think I'd try water at -25. I think it would refreeze quite quickly.
@@ConquerDriving you just need more water, pour it until the glass itself becomes warm. Did it many times at really low temperatures.
@@ConquerDriving fortunately for you -25C in England is not probable.
One way to prevent inside glass fogging is to open all windows before you exit the car for a few minutes after you're done driving - that allows the humid air in the car, from breathing etc, to escape and bring the outside temp/humidity level from outside to inside the car before parking it.
Very happy my car came with a heated windscreen!
I’ve literally just de-iced my car before seeing this as a recommended video. I screwed up a little on the de-misting as I sprayed the de-icer on as the engine was on and I had the de-misters on and the inside of my windscreen misted up real bad 😬😂. I guess I should have looked for the video first
Just little advice pal from Europe where We having -30 temps..... Best option is when you reach your destination open all doors and let car cool down from inside and believe me tomorrow u won't have any issues with ice on your windscreen or very thin layer that u can get rid of with just a wipers after few min warming up your engine
I always use the warm water method, but before chucking the water, I always start the car with the demister fans on full. It's less likely to freeze over again when I start driving.
If you put water on the outside of the windscreen, it will expand as it warms up. If the inside is still cold relative to the outside, it will not expand as much, hence the window cracks. Unequal expansion in a brittle material results in cracks forming. If cold water is used there is much less difference between the inside and outside temperatures, so less likely to crack. With warm water, a much bigger temperature difference so more likely to crack.
If you pour boiling water into a glass made of thick glass it will crack, but do the same thing with a glass made of thin glass, it will not crack since, with the thin glass, there is very little difference between the inside and outside surface temperatures.
Just use a giant duvet, when we sleep why should the car get cold when we are warm.
Cars like to sleep in comfort too.
Or bring the car indoors and let it sleep on its carbed next to the radiator.
I've used cold tap water for years on all windows. I find it works best, fast and cheap. I go out with a bottle, pour the water and that's it. What's harder is when the handles and doors freeze.
I always use an empty 4 pint milk bottle full of warm water . ad a drop washing up liquid to it . enough to clear the front and side windows .
even cold air from the vents helps to soften and melt the ice on the windscreen, so I usually switch the car on and turn the air up first then start scraping the side windows which the ice on the windcreen softens. I also use a different plastic scraper to the usual type, much better for even the thinnest of ice
Really helpful the way you explained this. I appreciate you taking the time and effort making vids for learners as well as those of us who are experienced. Thank you and Happy New Year!
I thought warm water might be problematic but then I thought that they use warm water to wash cars in the winter and have no problems. But the car is already pre heated probably but anyway. Just wipe off excess and use silicone on rubbers etc so it won't freeze. But you have to keep in mind the colder it is the faster water will freeze so you can end up with a car covered in ice. A bit tricky
I find it easiest to get the chauffeur to clean the car in the garage complex
Warm water is a good method, but not accessible for everybody. For example, when my dad used to have his van, he kept it roughly 8 minutes of walking away from home. But that's merely the reality of a city layout that we live in, for people with their own driveways, it would work.
By the way, to stop the blades from freezing my dad used to leave them in service position and I've seen other drivers do it too. But I don't know what effect it has on rubber.
Also, you are more prepared at minus one than me at minus 15 with that massive gloves! No hat though! :))
8 min walk to the car! You can put corks under the wiper arms to lift them up. I like hiking so I have plenty of clothes, I usually have a hat and put my hood over the hat but it looked ridiculous on camera so I braved the cold. 9 degrees and sunny here today.
@@ConquerDriving The sacrifice was worth the good shot :)
I used to pour water into a thermos so water doesn't cool down while I'm walking to a car...
@@AlexGonoff This is a good solution!
I live about 5 mins walk from where my car is parked. I have to attempt this tomorrow morning, (plus try and get the bloody car doors open 😖) so I plan on taking a couple of flasks of warm water with me for the windows. One could always fill a 5L bottle with just off boiling hot water, and it would be about the right temperature by the time you arrived at the car on an 8min walk...
This is great for the off chance that my car is covered in thick ice & I have to get it off the street parking but not much gas in the tank 😅
Thanks for your useful info!
Put a small heater blower inside the car between the handbrake and the gear stick pointing upwards . Then go inside your house sit down and have a cup tea by the time you have finished the car is totally clear and you drive off in nice warm car
Hi Richard, thank you so much for your videos they help a lot, would it be possible to produce a video on what to do in the different situations with responding emergency vehicles such as an ambulance on a narrow road would you be marked down on the test for mounting the curve to allow it to pass safely even though you shouldn’t mount the curve when stopping for an emergency vehicle etc? And similarity, if an emergency vehicle is behind you at a traffic light abs they are edging forwards should you move etc, Thanks 👍
Thank you, I will add it to my consideration list.
When I was young, my Mum used to put a small electric fan heater (powered from the main) in the car 10 minutes before leaving. It had the benefit of warming the interior of the car up too. I'm not sure if there is a risk of fire because I've never heard of anyone else do it
Why don't guys put a car cover on top of your car, which I believe a lot of you guys have access to. Putting a car cover will make it easy to remove snow like when it snows just remove the cover and boom you got a nice clean car underneath
In the video I actually show you my MX5. That has a roof cover, but it's more hassle then it's worth for snow as it freezes in place. I only have it as the neighbours cats like to use my fabric roof as a scratch pad.
Petrol leaf blower works wonders in getting snow off a car in a hurry.
lol😆😆 Loved the disclaimer
My old corsa takes forever to warm up. My go-to is warm water followed by de-icer to stop it refreezing
You should make a vid on how you clean your windscreen at home for streak free vision
I poured hot water on my windshield at - 15C and below without any issues. You just need to do it slowly
I recently bought a windscreen cover that also covers the wing mirrors. I pop it on at night and in the morning, no ice. It saves me a ton of time. An old fella I know says he just uses a big piece of cardboard for the same job.
Pleased to see the warm water hack because I'd also read that I shouldn't do this. When you're a new driver it's hard to know what advice to take.
Best method is a good windscreen cover, that covers the front side glasses and the side mirrors
Please cover some window de-misting tricks, the windows in my car get a thick layer of mist on the inside quite often, it bugs me a fair bit.
That's a good idea, thank you.
You're the best trust me
Yu ar the one of the best bro I respect yu
I think the American method of de-icing is way more convenient . Just push the remote start button 60 minutes before you want to get in to the car, a nice side effect is that you have a warm car.
You run cars idling for an hour? I'm not gonna say anything about the environment, but that just sounds like a waste of gas money.
15 minutes will be enough for even - 20C, what part of US requires idling for 60 minutes? In Russia many have remote start alarms fitted in, and they are set up to warm up for 10-15 minutes by default. Usually OK for at least to -30C. I even have Webasto setup for 45 minutes, and it takes longer for the heater to warm up the cabin compared to idling. 60 min is just an overkill.
While I don't have any experience in this, my brother is a car enthusiast and he said that letting the engine warm up only while idling (low revs=lower heat generated) prevents the cold motor oil from effectively lubricating the moving parts for a significant amount of time, that's the reason engines fail much sooner than usual. I guess that only applies to really cold climates, -20 and lower.
@@MrRobbi373 I have heard a recommendation as well, that you should let your car idle merely for a minute, maybe five in colder climates to let the oil get more liquidy and then move off and let the motor warm up on the go, being smith with the gas and not giving to much revs until the working temperature is reached. But again, can't claim to be an expert and know perfectly.
@@artemkatelnytskyi Yes, it's not the 1960s any more! The automotive industry - and engines - have come a long way. You and @Robbie373 are quite right - the quickest way to warm up an engine on a very cold day while not undermining it, is simply to gently start driving it - not letting it idle.
One thing this world certainly doesn't need any more of, is cars pumping 60 minutes of totally unnecessary shit into the atmosphere... 🙄
Tim - If you want a warm car, get an electric one, mate - they have very efficient electric heaters, which you can programme from the comfort of your home using an app, and you arrive to a fully defrosted, lovely and warm car, without setting off the neighbours' asthma and decimating the general air quality of your locale.
Referring to the very end, I take it you hated school!
Haha, I did love science and tech but yes, I was waiting to leave school as it was just so boring. However, I very much appreciate it.
If i knew it was gonna snow. Always put warm water with salt in it. Poor it on windows and mirrors. Then after snowfall. There will be no snow or ice on the window because the salt prevents it.
I guess that would work. Sounds like you may get streaky windows though.
Yeah rust is fun right
@@4nd3rzzon wipers got clear coat paint that prevents rust. So it wouldn’t rust unless theres already rust there on old cars.
Hello Richard, thank you for your channel, it's a really great help for me. I recently bought a car and refresh all about driving because I haven't drive since 2008. Are you obviously planning to make a video with advice how to choose a mobile holder for your car? What phone holder do you use? Thank you. Cheers from France.
Thank you. I find Belkin make a very good holder.
@@ConquerDriving Thanks a lot, could you precise please, is it vent mount model?
It's a windscreen suction mount that you twist.
Unfortunately, warm water will crack the windows 🪟 and it's a very hazardous way to do it richard thank you for the advice mate
9:42 doing it's best impression of a VX220 windscreen, freeze both sides ;)
Haha, have you ever tried scraping ice off the inside? I haven't but I've seen others try. I used the warm water method with the VX220, that melted the ice both sides then I dried the inside with a towel.
@@ConquerDriving had it frozen on the inside on a fiat punto, the ice melted on both sides but some water dripped down onto the dash and all over the place really. Did get most of it off with a towel, but the moisture meant we had to do the drive with the demister on full for the entire time, as it'd just mist up again right after (initially me wiping the windscreen again with a towel before the heater warmed up)
That was after the car had been sat for 2 weeks or so, in cold weather I'm surprised it started.
I find the more often you use cars the less moisture problems you get as everything has a chance to dry out. The problem occurs if you have sun on the car, which heats the interior, 40 degree air can hold like 8 times the water of 0 degree air. Then the air cools to freezing over night, all the water falls out of the air and there's the problem. If you noticed the first time I did the Panda there was no ice on the inside. But we had a sunny day and the next morning there was loads of water. Partly caused by all the snow that had fallen off my shoes the previous day come to think of it. I did clean it but that was about a week before the video.
You forgot the easiest method, simply using the diesel/petrol heater. Engine and interior all nice and cozy and no ice on the car. Could also use an electric heater if you have a an outlet available.
I’ve always used tepid water to de-ice my windscreen and never had any glass break
Interesting video. The main problems I am having in this cold at the moment is the screen wash won't work. It's not frozen in the tank I think as I am using -20 degree stuff. Any suggestions to get it working quicker?
Thanks
The windscreen washer jet nozzles can sometime freeze. It happens when the alcohol evaporates and what's left in the nozzles is almost pure water. Heating them (hot water, garage, etc...) and flushing with new screen wash will unclog them.
If this doesn't solve your problem then the washer fluid wight be too diluted and needs more alcohol. The hoses leding from the tank to the nozzles freeze up in minutes and the only way to solve the problem is heat and more alcohol.
There is not a lot you can do, the nozzles can become frozen. Some cars have heated nozzles.
I've been using a scraper and turning on the hot air over the last few days and it takes less than 5 minutes to get the whole car ready to drive. Just invest in a propper scraper and it is no big deal.
Does it work even with the wipers
Thanks.
#OneMessageFoundation
Best method I know, is put a thermal cover over your windscreen. Simply remove it. Job done. Less than a minute. Put it in your boot, for the next night of ice.
The trouble with that is you may get water melt in your boot off the cover causing mould and condensation issues.
Good video
I find hot water freezes quicker than cold water and I always use the cold water method
hello winter
In case you didn't pay attention, the sun can de- ice your windshield if you're shooting a video
Haha, yes it does although you may be late for work waiting for that to happen.
That’s a beautiful Fiat Panda. Is that yours?
The TikTok method of warm water in a plastic bag works pretty well too
A question to people in cold climates who have catalytic converters. Does it help with the exhaust when you start up in a sub-zero weather? People here remove catalytic converters instead of replacing them and in the winter the exhaust from warming up cars smells really bad and penetrates indoors easily. So I wander if it's unavoidable in the winter or because we don't use catalytic converters.
When you start their car, it's best to get driving straight away to heat up the catalytic convertor as quickly as possible. It doesn't take long once you're on the move but a lot longer when idling.
My preferred method: Drive the "tanker" way. You should already know, what that means.
I always get Higgis, the chauffeur to clean my Bentley's windows.
Switch on the sreen heater, Skoda, simple.
Leisure battery and 40w greenhouse tube keeps them clear lol
Put your arm in a bin bag to wipe the snow off the car - saves the snow going up your sleeve. :-)
I just sit in the car, with the blower on, front vents pointing towards front windows. Or a bowl of very like warm water, not hot.
there are cars with front windshield heater why it's not popular as much i don't understand.
great video. i have been living in Norway and i am really sick of deice car windows everyday. anyway i ordeded car cover . what do you think of car covers? not easier than de-ice?
Personally I don't like some because they are a faff and you have to have somewhere to put them, also when it's windy they can damage the car. But there are plenty of people who use them and like them.
@@ConquerDriving thank you for your kind answer
My car have heat strips on the front window just under the wipers so they never gets stuck to the window
Warm tap water using a watering can. Never ever caused me an issue
Instructions unclear, i froze the warm water.
I use a car cover although the other day this was also frozen on and it took some time to peel it off, this was in Reading, Berkshire by the way.
My ex colleague's brother, who is a motor mechanic, told her that anti-freeze damages the rubber on the wipers, so I am now reluctant to use it so much. Are you aware of this or is this in fact incorrect?
I don't know if it's true, but I have heard the same. I've not noticed damage when I've used it.
I wish every car had heated windscreens...
My method is super low-tech: take spare keys, start car, lock up with regular keys, go back inside for 30 minutes or so. If I had a remote start I wouldn’t even go outside. At -35 degrees in the dark on a Monday morning you get the machine to do the work 😂🥶
It's really bad for your engine to leave it idling like this, Karen (not to mention your neighbours' air quality).
Idling equals very low revs, which means your lubricant is at far too low a temperature to effectively lubricate the working parts of your engine. Your lovely engine is left desperately trying to do its job with minimal lubrication, while you're warming your car - a surefire way to shorten the life of your car's most expensive part. Engines are chiefly meant to be running when the car is moving.
Maybe get yourself some heated seats, or a little heater if you want your car warmed up quickly - or better still consider an electric car as they have very efficient electric heaters you can programme indoors from an app, while you're eating a fortifying Monday morning breakfast indoors in the warm.
But please, don't trash your engine. 😖
@@221b-Maker-Street unfortunately it’s really bad for the driver to be shivering so hard they can’t concentrate on their driving. And my neighbours, co-workers etc don’t care, they’re all doing the same thing. It’s a thing in Saskatchewan. I’m actually better than most. I only warm up the car below -25C. Above that I can usually handle it. And with synthetic oil I’m not even plugging it in anymore.
Oh yeah… my seats are heated and so is my steering wheel. But I still wear a parka and fur lined boots to drive. My winter driving practices are completely normal in my province.
Hi, can u throw some lights on stopping condensation inside impairing visibility. Heard that we can use ac but on cold weather, ac is not a viable option. Would be better if you could share options for both short and long drive
Try to keep anything wet outside the car. Air conditioning is the best option though, since I've had it condensation has been a thing of the past.