What to do when the windshield is frozen?

When the windshield is frozen, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. However, there are several effective methods to quickly defrost the windshield and get you back on the road safely. In this article, we'll provide step-by-step instructions and tips to help you deal with a frozen windshield.

Causes of a Frozen Windshield

A frozen windshield is typically caused by cold temperatures, high humidity, and precipitation, such as rain or snow, that freezes on the glass surface. This can happen when the outside temperature drops below freezing, causing the moisture in the air to condense and freeze on the windshield.

Steps to Defrost a Frozen Windshield

• Turn on the defroster and set it to the highest heat setting. This will help warm the windshield and melt the ice.


• Use the air conditioning (A/C) function. The A/C helps remove moisture from the air, which can speed up the defrosting process.


• Direct the airflow towards the windshield. Aim the vents directly at the frozen area to concentrate the warm air and melt the ice faster.


• Scrape the ice gently with a plastic scraper or credit card. Avoid using sharp objects that could scratch the windshield.


• Apply a de-icing spray or solution. These products can help break down the ice and make it easier to remove.

Be patient and allow the defroster to work its magic. Depending on the severity of the freeze, it may take several minutes to fully defrost the windshield.

Tips for Preventing a Frozen Windshield

• Park in a garage or covered area when possible. This will protect your vehicle from direct exposure to the elements and reduce the chances of a frozen windshield.


• Use a windshield cover or sunshade. These accessories can help insulate the windshield and prevent ice buildup.


• Apply a windshield de-icer or anti-icing solution before the cold weather sets in. These products create a barrier that makes it harder for ice to form on the glass.


• Keep a scraper and de-icing spray in your vehicle. Having these tools on hand can make the defrosting process much quicker and easier.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively deal with a frozen windshield and get back on the road safely.

How to unfreeze a windshield quickly?

To quickly unfreeze a windshield, use your car's defroster on high, apply a DIY de-icing spray like a mixture of 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part water, or use a commercial de-icer. For a faster method, start your car to warm the engine, then use a scraper on the loosened ice. Avoid using hot water, as it can crack the glass. 
Methods for unfreezing a windshield
Using your car's systems

• Turn on the defroster: Set your car's defroster to the highest setting to warm the windshield from the inside. For faster results, use the AC to pull moisture out of the air and crack a window slightly to release humidity. 
• Warm up the engine: Let your car run for a few minutes to heat the engine. This will generate warm air to blow on the windshield. 

This video demonstrates how to defrost a windshield quickly using your car's systems: 59sDude We Can Fix ItYouTube · Dec 15, 2022
Using de-icing sprays or solutions

• DIY de-icing spray: Mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the windshield to melt the ice. 
• Vinegar solution: A mixture of 3 parts white vinegar and 1 part water can also help break down frost. 
• Commercial de-icer: Use a de-icing spray specifically designed for car windshields. 

This video shows how to make a DIY de-icing spray to defrost your windshield: 34sProblem SolvedYouTube · Dec 4, 2024
Using an ice scraper

• After de-icing: Apply a de-icer or use your defroster to loosen the ice first, then use an ice scraper to remove any remaining ice. 
• Plastic card method: If you don't have a scraper, you can use a plastic card to gently scrape away frost. 

What to avoid

• Do not use hot water: Pouring hot water on a frozen windshield can cause the glass to crack from the sudden temperature change. 
• Do not use a metal object: Avoid using metal objects to chip or scrape ice, as this can scratch and damage the glass. 

How do you get your window to roll down when frozen?

To get a frozen window down, first clear external ice and frost, then use a defroster or a hair dryer on the window and frame to melt the ice. For internal condensation or a window that won't budge, try a combination of the door slam method and a pre-sprayed de-icing solution like isopropyl alcohol or a de-icer spray on the seals. If these methods fail, it could indicate a more serious mechanical issue, and forcing it could cause damage. 
Methods for thawing

• Clear external ice: Use an ice scraper to remove as much ice as possible from the outside of the window. 
• Use a hair dryer: Aim a hairdryer at the window and frame, moving it around in a sweeping motion to gradually melt the ice. 
• Use de-icing spray: Spray a commercial de-icing spray or a homemade solution of rubbing alcohol and water (2/32 / 32/3 cup rubbing alcohol to 1/31 / 31/3 cup water) directly onto the window and seals. 

This video demonstrates how to de-ice a frozen car window using a hair dryer: 58s1stdriveYouTube · May 10, 2021
Methods for internal or stuck windows

• The door slam method: With the car on, press the window button to try and move it down, then firmly but gently close the door. Repeat this a few times if necessary, but stop if you hear grinding or cracking. 
• The one-touch reset: If the one-touch feature is stuck, hold the button in the "up" position for about 10 seconds after the window is fully closed to reset the position. 

This video demonstrates a one-touch reset for a power window: 58s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
Important safety precautions

• Do not use hot water: Never pour hot water on a frozen car window, as the sudden temperature change can cause the glass to crack or shatter. 
• Avoid forcing the window: Never force a window that is stuck. Forcing it can damage the motor, the regulator, or the window itself. 
• Listen for the motor: If you don't hear the motor trying to work, it's a sign of a potentially more serious issue like a broken motor. If you hear it grinding, stop immediately to prevent further damage. 

What is the fastest way to melt ice on a windshield?

To quickly defrost your windshield, start your car with the defroster on high and the A/C on (which dehumidifies the air), and crack a window slightly to let humid air escape. For ice, use a pre-made de-icing spray, a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water, or a good quality ice scraper after the defroster has softened the ice. Never pour hot water on the windshield, as the sudden temperature change can crack the glass. 
This video demonstrates how to defrost your windshield using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water: 55sFamily HandymanYouTube · Mar 8, 2019
For ice and frost

• Use a defroster and A/C: Start the car and set the defroster to the highest setting. Turn the A/C on to dehumidify the air, set the temperature to high, and turn off the air recirculation to bring in fresh, dry outside air. 
• Crack a window: Slightly opening a window helps the defroster work faster by exchanging humid interior air for drier outside air. 
• Use a spray: Apply a de-icing spray or a mixture of 1 part water and 2 parts isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to the windshield. The alcohol-water mixture will melt ice quickly. 
• Use an ice scraper: After the defroster has softened the ice, use a quality ice scraper to remove the remaining slush and ice. This is faster than waiting for the defroster alone. 
• Flip down sun visors: Flip down the sun visors to help direct the hot air down and back onto the windshield, circulating the air more effectively. 

This video explains the science behind defogging your windshield and demonstrates how to use your climate control settings to speed up the process: 1mMark RoberYouTube · Jan 5, 2016
What to avoid

• Pouring hot water: Do not pour hot water on an icy windshield. The sudden temperature difference can cause the glass to crack. 
• Rubbing with a cloth: Avoid rubbing a cloth on the inside of a foggy windshield, as this can cause streaks that obscure your vision, especially when the sun is low. 
• Using recirculation: Avoid using the air recirculation setting, as it traps moisture inside the car and can worsen fogging. 

You can watch this video to learn how to defog your windshield quickly and efficiently: 49sMaruti Suzuki ServiceYouTube · Dec 6, 2024

Do you put hot or cold water on a frozen windshield?

You should not pour hot or cold water on a frozen windshield. Hot water can cause the glass to crack due to the rapid temperature change, while cold water can freeze into a thicker layer of ice. Instead, use an ice scraper, turn on your car's defroster, or use a de-icing spray.
 
You can watch this video to learn why you should not use hot water on a frozen windshield: 28sKAGSTVYouTube · Feb 15, 2021
Why you should avoid pouring water on your windshield

• Hot water: The sudden shift from extreme cold to hot can cause the glass to crack, especially if there are already small chips or cracks. 
• Cold water: Pouring cold water on ice can make the problem worse by creating a thicker, more stubborn layer of ice as the water refreezes. 
• Lukewarm water: This is only an exception if the temperature is above 25°F, and it's still less effective than other methods. 

Safer and more effective methods

• Start your car: Turn on the car's defroster to high heat and let it run for a few minutes to warm the glass from the inside out. 
• Use a scraper: Gently use an ice scraper to remove the ice from the windshield. Work from the edges toward the center. 
• Spray a de-icing solution: You can buy a commercial de-icer or make your own by mixing one part water with two parts rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. The alcohol prevents the solution from freezing.