Deicing Your Windows

I really don't like going outside every morning to deice my windows. If you live in some of the cooler (or even colder) climes available, then chances are pretty good that you know my pain and frustration with this annoyingly repetitive winter car care chore. I mean, does anyone really like standing out in the cold with an ice scraper, slowly succumbing to hypothermia while deicing your windows?

Over the years I have tried many different methods for deicing windows. I have found some that work (though at a risk) while others seem to work just fine at preventing ice from forming (what better way of deicing your windows—provided you remember to do them), and still others work—but require you to get really cold. Here are some of these methods, and a brief description of what happened to me when I have used them over the years

• Defroster. Probably the most common method available. Unfortunately, this method also comes with its own associated risks. While a properly working defroster can rather quickly (no more than 20 minutes usually) remove icy build up, it can also worsen any preexisting cracks in your windshields if turned on too high. Lately there is another drawback to this method, and that is its cost. You can't really run the defroster without turning on the engine, and that takes gasoline. Considering the cost of gasoline lately, this is not one of my favorites (plus I have had to replace a few windows over the years).
• Scraper. Long the traditional method for removing ice from windshields, a scraper can be found in virtually any vehicle. In fact, many car rental agencies include them complimentary when renting a vehicle from them during the winter. On average, this method can take about as much time as the defroster method, and while you are not as likely to crack your windshield, you do run the risk of hypothermia on those really cold days.
• Vinegar. One of the best ways for deicing your windshield and windows is to prevent the ice from forming at all. However, not everyone has a garage that they can store their car in. In those situations, it is best to use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Use half vinegar (any kind, though I prefer white since it does not smell as much) and half water in a spray bottle and spray it on your windows at night. This helps to, like I said, prevent ice from forming. The only drawback is that you have to remember to use it at night, otherwise it doesn't do you very much good—though you can still remove ice by spraying some on your windows in the morning (you simply have to use a whole lot more).
• Rubbing Alcohol. For those who really need to move, try putting about 5 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol into your windshield washer reservoir. This turns the regular windshield washer fluid into a deicing agent at a fraction of the cost, and works wonderfully. Simply spray and use your windshield wipers as normal.
• Blanket. This is perhaps the single easiest method for preventing ice build up on your windshield. Just place a blanket over your windshield at night, and remove it before driving anywhere.