Easy steps to eliminate the morning frost blues

Frost may be beautiful when it forms around the edges of your kitchen window but it’s a hazard—and a nuisance—when it collects on the windshield of your vehicle.

Sunlight turns frost into glare that impedes vision and can cause small dings in your windshield to turn into large cracks.

The problem is particularly dangerous as subzero temperatures descend across much of North America.

“Keeping a clear window is essential for safe driving,” said John Goldbach of Invisible Glass premium glass care products. “Anytime you don’t have good visibility you can’t see the danger in front of you and that impacts your stopping distance.”

How can you keep your windshield clean without harming the glass and wiper blades?

According to Goldbach, there’s a right way and wrong way to preventing frost or removing ice.

Age-old methods may sound useful but are not effective. For instance, some drivers like to place a sheet of plastic or cardboard over the windshield. Dirt and grime can transfer to your clothes. Neither method can stand up to the kind of strong winds typical of winter storms.

What are the “dos and don’ts” for ways battling frost? Goldbach had the following suggestions:

• Lift wiper blades off the windshield at night to prevent them from sticking to the glass.
• Don’t try to clear frost using the wiper blade system. You may end up shredding rubber blades and bending the metal wiper arm.
• Buy a scraper designed for de-icing. These products are made with hardened plastic to prevent breaking and are safe on automobile glass. Avoid using your keys and other metal or sharp objects that scratch. If needed, choose de-icing products with a scraper on the lid.
• Use a de-icer spray to help remove frost and give it a few minutes to dissolve before using wiper blades to clear the windshield. An application of de-icer the night before can help frost from accumulating.
• Warm up your car before driving off. Impatient drivers who steer through a small clear spot in the windshield lack the field of vision to avoid hazards.
• Never pour hot water on the windshield. Hot water condenses on the glass and could cause cracks, especially if your windshield has a small crack or fracture.
• Fill up your vehicle’s window washer reservoir to help keep road grime off your windshield as you drive. Standard windshield washer solutions may freeze and reduce driving visibility. Always make sure to use a washer fluid with adequate freeze protection.

“Take a few moments to clear off your windshield with a de-icer, which will dramatically improve your field of vision. It is simply not worth risking damage to your car or more importantly your health due to ice on your windshield,” Goldbach said. “In extreme temperatures de-icers also help keep door locks clear and functioning properly.”