Too many drivers carelessly use a scraper to remove ice from their cars and end up scratching the paint. Winter is already full of dangers to your vehicle’s bodywork, with icy roads causing minor chips and dings, requiring auto scratch repair, and even collision repair. There’s no need to add to the damage while simply trying to de-ice your windows. Let’s look at removing ice safely while avoiding the need for paint scratch repair.
How Not to Remove Ice
Hot Water
As heat thaws ice, you might be tempted to pour hot water over your icy car. But you’d be making a big mistake. Such a sudden temperature change can crack or even shatter your windshield.
Scrapers
Also, be very wary while using a scraper or spatula. Trying to scrape away ice with one of these tools often damages the paintwork, especially while scraping around awkward angles like door handles.
You might not notice the scratches at first, but the underlying paint undergoes rapid oxidization when the protective clear coat is scratched away. This deterioration of unprotected paint is accelerated by the ruthless winter weather.
How to Remove Ice Safely
Use a De-Icing Spray
You can rapidly melt your car’s ice with a good de-icing spray, which you can find at any auto parts store. Just spray it on generously and watch the frost melt. If you’d like to save money, you can make your own de-icing spray. A mixture of seventy percent isopropyl alcohol with thirty percent water works wonders on ice.
Heat From the Inside
While spraying on the outside, heat your windows from the inside. Start your engine and turn on the defrosting function of your front and rear windshields. Also, turn both your heater and your blower up to maximum.
Avoid Collision Repair!
Needless to say, don’t be tempted to drive with even partially icy windows. Visibility during winter is already reduced by fog and shorter daylight hours. Always take the time to defrost your windows one hundred percent, and you’ll be far less likely to have an accident.
Visit W&L Collision Center today. We can restore your vehicle to pristine condition, no matter what the winter has caused.
