How to Quickly De-Ice a Car

by Christine Margiotta

Overview

If you're not lucky enough to have a garage or a remote car starter that enables you to warm your car on a cold, snowy day before you leave for work, this scenario is probably too familiar: You go to your car in the morning, only to find you can't get in or must wait at least 20 minutes before the snow and ice sufficiently melt. Here's a quick and easy way to de-ice your car so you don't have to wait for the vehicle to warm up.

Step 1

Before the snow and cold weather hit, fill your windshield-washer fluid reserve with fluid that contains a de-icing agent. Fill a bucket or two with hot tap water and carry it out to your car on a cold or snowy morning. First use an ice scraper or snow brush to dust off any excess snow, if present.
Step 2

Pour the hot tap water over your windshield and/or car door to get rid of ice. Repeat on the back window to instantly break up and get rid of stubborn snow and ice.
Step 3

Remove the ice with an ice scraper and immediately start your car to begin warming the vehicle. Spray your windshield-washer fluid and distribute with the wipers to preserve the ice-free windshield surface.

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Bucket De-icing windshield-washer fluid Ice scraper
Bucket
De-icing windshield-washer fluid
Ice scraper
Keep a bucket in your car in case the snow and ice hit while you are at work.
Keep a bucket in your car in case the snow and ice hit while you are at work.
Always wear gloves, preferably ones that are not knitted. Knitted gloves get wet easily and don't insulate your fingers from water and ice.
Always wear gloves, preferably ones that are not knitted. Knitted gloves get wet easily and don't insulate your fingers from water and ice.