We understand that dealing with a frosted and fogged-up windshield isn’t a fun way to start the day, especially if you're on your way to work. Fortunately, your local Glass Doctor has a few tips on how to fight that fog and frost so you can get on to better things.
Learn how to defrost windshields with helpful steps to save you time:
- Why do windshields get foggy and frosty?
- How to defrost a windshield
- How to defog your car windshield when it’s raining
- How to defrost car windows without heat
Why Do Windshields Get Foggy and Frosty?
Windshields typically get foggy and frosty because hot air holds more moisture than cold air. The moisture suspended in warmer air is released when the temperature drops, resulting in condensation. That's why you're seeing all those little water droplets fog up your windshield or turn to ice.
Thankfully, there are several simple ways to defrost your windshield!
How to Defrost a Windshield
Whether you're rushing to work, dropping the kids off at school, or on your way to a weekend adventure, a clear and defrosted windshield is non negotiable for safe driving.
We recommend following the steps below to defrost windshields and car windows faster.
Step 1: Turn Your Heater On
Start your engine and use the defroster setting to crank the heater up to the max. Doing so will absorb excess moisture within your vehicle. Remember: hot air can hold more moisture.
Step 2: Press the A/C Button
Turning on the A/C may sound counterintuitive to the previous step. However, activating this setting helps dry the air in the vehicle faster with the help of the coils in your air conditioner.
Step 3: Turn Air Recirculation Off
You need fresh air to enter the car as well. Winter air is cold, and since it does not hold much moisture, it is dry. Bringing cold air into your car ups absorption capacity to quickly dry the saturated air trapped from within.
Step 4: Crack Your Windows
Cracking your windows helps exchange the humid air in your car with drier outside air. This method expedites the process of reducing condensation and moisture buildup inside your vehicle.
Step 5: De-ice the Outside of the Windows
It's also important to defrost your windows while they are defogging. This is an entirely separate process that should never include hot water. Defrosting takes a bit of preplanning but saves you a snow-capped mountain of a headache later.
To begin the process, make a simple solution of 2/3 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and 1/3 cup of water. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. This solution will not freeze (rubbing alcohol has a freezing point of 138 degrees below freezing). Plus, it can be stored in your car, allowing you to easily spray away windshield ice at any time.
Once you’ve lightly sprayed the mixture onto the affected surface, wait a few seconds for the solution to settle. Then, use a windshield scraper, an ice scraper, or your car's windshield wipers to gently remove the softened ice and frost. Start from the top and work your way down, making sure to clear the entire window for maximum visibility.
How to Defog Your Windshield When It's Raining
We all know that visibility is paramount while driving, especially when it's raining. Defogging your windshield can create a clear line of sight and prevent accidents on the road.
Follow these steps to defog your windshield:
- Turn on your air conditioner: Pressing the A/C button activates the system's coils and removes moisture from the air.
- Turn air recirculation off: This is the number one mistake people make when trying to rapidly defog windows.
How to Defrost the Outside of Car Windows Without Heat
If your heater isn't working or is slow to warm up, don't worry; it's still possible to defrost your car windows fast with the handy de-icing solution described in Step 5 above. Follow the advice listed below, and you'll be on your way to clearer glass in no time.
To defrost the outside of your windows without heat, add 2/3 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and 1/3 cup of water. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The best part: This solution will not freeze regardless of the temperature in your car.
After gently spraying the solution onto the affected area, wait a brief moment for the mixture to take effect. Following this, use a windshield scraper, an ice scraper, or the windshield wipers of your car to eliminate the softened ice and frost. It’s important to begin from the top and work your way down.
Find a Glass Doctor Professional in Your Local Area
If you're still unsure of how to defrost windshields, your local Glass Doctor can help. We have specialized tools and decades of experience to clear up your car glass fast. We also offer several auto glass services, including chip and crack repair, windshield replacements, and windshield protection plans.
Give us a call or visit our auto glass services page for more information.