Glass Doctor Busts Top 5 Car Windshield De-Icing Myths

Dec. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- Impatient drivers trying to remove ice from windshields often discover creative ways to break the glass. Glass Doctor busts the top five vehicle de-icing myths:

1. Pour hot water on the vehicle's windshield and windows to melt the ice. Make sure it melts the ice completely so the frozen glass will shatter due to the extreme temperature change.

2. Tap the ice on the car windshield with a hammer to break the ice into pieces to pick off the glass. If that doesn’t work, hammer on a screwdriver or ice pick. This usually results in an impact hole or a large crack.

3. Scrape the ice off the truck windshield with a metal ice scraper, key, spatula, utility knife or crowbar. The metal either scratches or cuts grooves in the glass.

4. Use a propane torch to melt the ice. Not only is this dangerous to the torchbearer, but this also can unintentionally melt the glass.

5. Pour a mixture of vinegar and water on the windshield so that it freezes to the glass before the rain does, thereby preventing ice. Unfortunately, vinegar eats pits into the windshield glass.

“These ideas may be creative, but they can be hazardous to your health,” Glass Doctor Franchisee of the Year Ed Sieber of Charlotte, NC, said. “There is a better way to safely remove ice from windshields and auto glass. Gradually heat the glass from the inside while scraping and brushing ice from the outside.”

1. Check to make sure no ice or snow is obstructing the vehicle’s tailpipe. If it is covered, the ice or snow must be removed to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning inside the vehicle.

2. If the car door is frozen shut with ice, pour cold water to gradually melt the ice and use a plastic ice scraper to carefully chip a crack in the ice around the door seal and the lock. Do not try to “unseal” the door by using a hair dryer, cigarette lighter, ice pick, screwdriver, propane torch or portable heater.

3. Start the vehicle and use the defroster setting to warm the glass. Wait at least five minutes for the car to start to warm up.

4. When the ice in contact with the windshield is melting, use a plastic ice scraper and a soft plastic bristle brush or broom to clear the ice. A squeegee also helps.

“There are de-icing products on the market that may shorten the time it takes to melt the ice, but they have mixed results,” Sieber said. “The most important thing is to plan some extra time to remove the ice before traveling. Glass Doctor can fix the glass if it breaks, but can’t fix people if they get hurt.”

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In addition to replacement services for home, auto and business, Glass Doctor offers custom glass services, such as tub and shower enclosures, entry door glass and mirrors. To find the location in the U.S. or Canada near you, visit www.glassdoctor.com.