Is Your Ice Scraper Damaging Your Windshield?

If you park your vehicle outdoors, chances are you rely on an ice scraper to remove ice and snow from the windows. While ice scrapers aren’t inherently hazardous for your auto glass, the manner in which you use them can certainly damage your windshield.

At Only 1 Auto Glass, we specialize in windshield repair, and we see far too many vehicles with scratched and cracked glass as a result of improper ice scraper use. Don’t want to join the club? Curious about how you can better protect your windshield while using your ice scraper? Continue reading for a few helpful tips.

Always Use Light to Moderate Pressure

You may not be aware of them, but there’s always a possibility that your windshield contains small rock chips or scratches that are concealed beneath the ice and snow. When you use heavy pressure to remove ice from your windshield, you place substantial stress on the glass, which can further minor chips and cracks.

For the best ice removal results—with the least physical exertion on your part—run your vehicle’s defrost on low to medium for 15 to 20 minutes. After your vehicle warms up, you can remove ice and snow with greater ease.

Always Use Plastic Ice Scrapers on Auto Glass

If your vehicle windows have developed a thick layer of ice and snow, you might assume a metal tool will remove the buildup faster than a plastic one—don’t make that mistake! Plastic ice scrapers are designed for one specific purpose: to remove ice and snow from your windows.

Metal tools or anything else that is not a designated automobile ice scraper can create deep, irreparable scratches in your auto glass. If you cannot readily remove ice and snow from your windshield using a designated plastic ice scraper, allow your defrost to do the heavy lifting for you. Once your vehicle is warm enough, ice and snow should slide off the windshield easily.

Never Tap Auto Glass to Break Apart Ice

When your windows are covered in a thick layer of ice, it can be tempting to do whatever seems necessary to break it apart and dislodge it from your vehicle. But whatever you do, don’t use your ice scraper to strike the ice in an attempt to crack it!

When you park outdoors, your auto glass slowly contracts as it becomes colder. This phenomenon can compromise its strength, and when you forcefully tap on the ice-covered glass, it’s possible to chip or even crack it. To avoid a windshield repair or replacement, avoid using your ice scraper until your vehicle has had ample time to warm up.

If you’ve inadvertently damaged your windshield while removing ice, give our team at Only 1 Auto Glass a call. We have 15 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, which makes us a convenient drive from almost anywhere in the cities. Or, if you can’t come to us, our mobile repair team will meet you where you are.

We specialize in high-quality auto glass replacement and repair and pride ourselves on our prompt, professional service. To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at 651-789-1111 or message us on our contact page. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to request a free estimate!