How to defrost a car windscreen – step-by-step guide

As winter takes hold, an increasing number of us will be faced with frosted-over car windows. While this can delay your departure for work, the school drop-off, or a shopping trip, it's important to clear your windows properly and safely before you begin your journey.

Without a clear view of the road and other road users, you increase the risk of a collision.

Here we explain how to defrost a car’s windscreen, side, and rear windows - swiftly, but without the risk of damaging the glass, wipers, or even having your vehicle stolen.

Ensure your wipers are off

Before you begin defrosting your windscreen, it’s important to check that your wipers are switched off. If you don’t, and your wipers are frozen to the windscreen, the wiper motor and blades could be damaged if the wiper system attempts to start up once the engine is running.

Start your engine, heater, and air-con

· Turn on your engine and direct the warm air blower towards the windscreen. This will gently and gradually warm up the glass, and begin melting the ice.

· If you have a demister in your car (front and/or rear window heater), turn this on; the button will feature a rectangle with arrows waving upwards. If your vehicle has heated mirrors, turn these on, too.

· Switch on your car's heater (turning up the heat gradually) and air conditioning system. The heater will warm the air and help clear the frost through evaporation, while the AC will help keep the cabin air dry, so the evaporated air does not condense on the glass again.

· Do not leave your vehicle unattended - as this leaves it vulnerable to theft. While this crime - known as "frosting" or "frostjacking" - may seem unlikely, it does happen. It is also a legal offence to leave your engine idling.

Clear snow and ice from the exterior

While the frost is clearing, remove any other ice and snow from your vehicle's exterior with a scraper and deicer solution. This ensures your lights will shine at full brightness, and you won't have pieces of snow and ice fall down the windscreen as you drive.

Also clear the front grille to eliminate the risk of engine overheating.

Ensure your view is clear and begin your journey

Once in the driver's seat, ensure you have clear all-round views. Bear in mind the Highway Code, which states: “you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows”.

The practice of driving by looking through a small area of cleared ice is known as “portholing,” because it is reminiscent of peering out of a ship's porthole. This is dangerous because it obscures your view of the road - and could lead to a £100 fine and three points on your licence if the police catch you.

With a clear view through all windows, it is safe to move off.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to defrost your car’s windscreen quickly and safely, and go on with your day.

How to demist a windscreen

If you turn on your heater full blast, you run the risk of filling your cabin with warm, damp air, which can mist up the inside of the windows. To avoid this, as mentioned above, turn up the heat gradually. The trick is to land on a level of humidity and warmth that is comfortable, but that does not mist up the glass. Naturally, the more iced-over your windscreen is, the more heat you’ll need. Note that you may have a dedicated demister in your car - but not all models do.

How to prevent frost forming in the first place

· Use a car windscreen frost cover (a piece of cardboard or fabric also works) - this should keep the temperature low enough to prevent frost

· If you have access to a garage, park there

· If you don't have a garage, park near your home, as it will be slightly warmer and help prevent ice forming.

Applying these measures in the evening could save you time and effort in the morning.

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