DeIce Solution

I've heard of it for years, but never actually used it--a 2/3 dilution of isopropyl alcohol. Are there any foreseeable problems with using this to clear ice off the windshield, windows, and side mirrors?

 

For example, if some of the spray got on the paint, would the isopropyl alcohol damage the clear coat? Would the alcohol damage the rubber on the windshield wipers?

 

Rubbing alcohol will evaporate before it does any damage to clear coat. Why cant you just use a scraper?

 

This looks to be easier and quicker. I hate standing in the cold early in the morning and fooling around with the scraper.

 

when i didnt have a garage i would plan an extra 5 minutes to start the car and while it was warming up scrape the windows before heading to work. That was the best solution, i tried to de icer in a bottle etc

 

I'd scrape or remote start,,,, but today's gas prices gonna make folks think twice.

 

What is this ice on the windshield you speak of?

 

Just start the truck 5-10 minutes before you leave... Turn the heat up and turn the defroster on, if its needed. You could buy a gallon of gas and idle all day for the same price (or less) than any de-icer stuff.

And you get the advantage of having a warm truck and engine

 

Alcohol tends to dry out rubber so I don't use it on my windshield or in my gas tank. I just use it as a hand sanitizer.

If it is too cold for scrapping windows, it will be too cold for de-icer. OP should dress for the weather or stay indoors.

 

I've experienced Ice, Frozen Rain, that a Scraper wouldn't let touch.

 

Why not cover your windshield the night before with a frost-guard cover or something similar?

 

I just moved from TX to KY. It’s not even proper winter yet and I’m regretting this!

 

You're worried about snow/ice in Kentucky? Get an ice scraper lol, you'll use it like once a winter anyway

 

Ive spent 21 years of driving in MN, no garage to park in. There are several things you can do to clear ice on your windshield that dont include rubbing alcohol.

Put a towel over the windshield before the night
Hot water (works depending on the temp outside)
Start truck and let it idle for 5 minutes with the defrost on
Small space heater inside the truck running
Ice scraper
Park in the sun

 

You forgot move to Florida

 

You can try this. I have, works well. I prefer to use a scraper and run the engine personally.

 

Funny enough, thats what my parents did to solve the issue. They moved there 18 years ago. Now they live on the beach watching birds fly over their pool while I freeze my ass off.

 

That was my solution too. I lived in northern VT until 10 years ago when I moved south and never looked back

 

This is a Canadian secret, so don't share this with anyone else. The best thing to use is hair spray. Works every time!

 

OP....if you look at the ice scraper, there are two sides. One side has the "blade", the other side has raised "fingers".

When you have Ice, ie after an ice storm, use the "finger" side to score and break up the ice sheet. Then flip it over use the "blade" to finish off the the clearing.

A tip. Start the engine, set on Defrost and High Temperature. Begin scraping on the Driver's window, work you way around the vehicle towards the rear. By the time you get to the passenger side windshield, there should be some heat on the windshield. Finish on the Driver's side windshield.

I live in the MidWest. Frost, snow, ice is part of life from October to March. Many scraping sessions. I've learned a few tricks. Those de-icer cans really can't handle the leavings after an Ice Storm.

I also lived in Lexington, KY for a few years. KY really doesn't have winter weather.