How to defrost a car and its windows quickly

Beril Naz Hassan
·2-min read
Snowy weather can be a massive inconvenience, making it difficult to get to work (Nigel Howard)
Snowy weather can be a massive inconvenience, making it difficult to get to work (Nigel Howard)

Following days of freezing temperatures, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice in London and other parts of the UK.

Many people will get ready for their morning commute to find that their car is frozen.

Driving with an icy windshield can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s important to defrost your windows before setting off.

If your car and its windows have suffered the negative consequences of cold weather and you urgently need some advice on how to defrost them, then read on.

How can I defrost my car and its windows quickly?

There are a few methods you can use to do this.

You should always start the defrosting process by starting your engine and putting your AC on the warmest setting, targeting the front and rear windscreens.

Then, the first method you can try is using warm water to melt the ice. As warm water might crack the windscreen if it comes into contact with it, put it in a container such as a food bag and hold it over the windscreen.

This should also help to keep your hands warm, making the process more pleasant.

Secondly, you can use a de-icer spray that can be found in pretty much any supermarket.

You can also make your own version with saltwater.

Pour one cup of salt into two cups of warm water, before emptying it into a spray bottle and putting it on the frosted parts of your vehicle.

Similarly, pickle brine, which is high in salt and vinegar, will do the trick.

Otherwise, rubbing alcohol is an option. You can mix two parts isopropyl rubbing alcohol with one part water and pour it over the frozen parts.

UK Weather | December 2022: Snow hits London

People walk on the street in front of The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
People walk on the street in front of The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, as cold weather continues, in London (REUTERS)
A swimmer walks on the shore of Serpentine lake, as cold weather continues (REUTERS)
A swimmer walks on the shore of Serpentine lake, as cold weather continues (REUTERS)
Freezing commuters on London Bridge earlier (Jeremy Selwyn)
Freezing commuters on London Bridge earlier (Jeremy Selwyn)
A group of children build a snowman in Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London (Getty Images)
A group of children build a snowman in Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London (Getty Images)
People photograph the snowmen in Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London, (Getty Images)
People photograph the snowmen in Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London, (Getty Images)
Two friends sledge down the hill at Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London (Getty Images)
Two friends sledge down the hill at Alexandra Park on December 12, 2022 in London (Getty Images)
A man plays with a dog as cold weather continues in London (REUTERS)
A man plays with a dog as cold weather continues in London (REUTERS)
A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
A man takes to the air after hitting a ramp while sledging in Alexandra Palace Park (Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows snow-covered offices and buildings including the Shard skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames (AFP via Getty Images)

Is it illegal to drive with a frozen windshield and windows?

The ice on the windshield and on your windows will distort your vision, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

Because of that, Rule 229 of the Highway Code makes it illegal to do this.

It says that, in adverse weather conditions, drivers must demist and clean all mirrors and lights. People must also ensure their number plates are visible and remove all snow from their vehicle as this might fall into the path of other drivers.

However, you are allowed to drive with snow on the roof of your vehicle.

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest stories