Drivers are discovering an unwelcome guest in the morning — ice on their vehicle’s windows and windshields.
A few techniques can help speed up the defrosting process.
When preparing for the commute, it’s important to spend a few minutes getting rid of the frost.
“You want to make sure that your windows aren’t frosted up on the side, so you can see that car coming or that kid walking across the street,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling said.
Ways to address frost
Motorists should let their car run for 1 to 3 minutes before hitting the road.
“It allows heat to start to build up and, if you already have your defroster on, you can go ahead and start defrosting the windshield,” Whitling said.
Pointing outer vents to the side windows can help thaw any ice on them.
Whitling suggests drivers tests certain parts of their vehicle.
“It’s a good time to check your windshield washer fluid and make sure that it’s going to protect down to the correct temperature,” he said.
They should check their rear window defroster, as well. Electricity runs through the lines on the window to melt frost that has accumulated.
“It can take anywhere between, depending on how powerful the rear defroster is, 1 minute to 5 minutes. So, give it a little bit of time, make sure that it works,” Whitling said. “If not, now’s a good time to get your vehicle in to get it checked out.”
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.