Safely Remove Ice from Windshields
Pain at Night
December 30, 2025
Kids Hurt Too
December 30, 2025
Safely Remove Ice from Windshields
Winter driving in Kentucky can turn a clear windshield into a solid sheet of ice overnight. Over the last few winters there has always been a day when the entire car is covered in ice making removal a nightmare. Scraping in the dark while late for work is no fun and can end up dangerous if you only clear a small spot to see through. Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care providers in Kentucky, goes over several different removal tricks, some prevention and the one thing not to do when ice has covered your windshield.
- Don’t Do This!
Typically, the first thing that comes to mind when encountering a car covered with a sheet of ice is to just pour warm water over the windshield. Seems to be the fastest and most efficient way to get on the road to work. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, then the danger of refreezing immediately is in play. If you decide to go ahead and use water anyway then you will likely cause a thermal shock to your windshield and crack it. When extremely cold glass is rapidly introduced to water, even cold water, the sudden temperature difference creates internal stress and can create a crack in response.
- Prevention with Windshield Cover
We have a new driver in our household, and he has discovered the inconvenience winter brings with snowy or icy windshields on school mornings. The best way to get the ice off a windshield is to prevent it from starting. I purchased for my oldest child a windshield cover that will also cover his wipers and that he can just pull off and throw in the back of his truck. No scraping in the mornings is required but this method does require a little planning the night before.
- Prevention Spray with Vinegar
Mixing a 3:1 vinegar to water solution can help. If you spray down your windshield before bad weather hits, the acidic solution will alter the freezing point and make it hard for the ice to stick to the glass. Just put a light coat on before bed so the morning ice is easier to get off.
- De-Icer Spray
If you are looking for a nice gift that will keep on giving, then a de-icer spray will come in handy for someone that lives in the north. These commercial de-icers work super-fast and can get you on the road quickly without risking a crack in your windshield. If you do not want to purchase a de-icer and would rather make your own, then you will need isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. You can use a 2:1 mixture of alcohol to water, add it in a spray bottle and spray all over the windshield. The alcohol lowers the freezing point and gets ice off easily.
- Plastic Scraper and De-Icer Combo
If you want another quick remover, you can take your homemade de-icer spray and use a plastic scraping tool. You can buy one of the handheld scrapers that has a little brush on the other side, or you can use something like a credit card to scrape. Go in at a 45-degree angle and it will work like a charm.
- Let Your Car do the Work
Start the car, crank up the defroster to high, and spray the glass with de-icer or an alcohol mix. After a good 5 minutes the wipers may be able to finish up your work, just make sure not to use wipers if everything is still frozen.
Winter weather in Kentucky is unpredictable, but being prepared makes the difference between a stressful morning and a safe drive. Whether you choose to prevent ice with a cover or melt it away with homemade spray, making sure you have a clear view of the road is the most important thing you can do. You can use these tips to keep your windshield clear all year long.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
