The most efficient trick to keep your windows and car ice-free is simple: an ice scraper with a brush, not a steel one. “You can do that, of course, but in the spring your roof will have a different color,” laughs garage owner Chris Dieters.
“Just a simple broom or soft brush. It doesn’t cost anything, at most a few euros. Just keep one in your car so you always have one at hand.”
Buttocks against the door
Your car and windows have been cleared of ice, but you cannot open your car door because your rubbers are frozen. What can you do in such a situation? “Just gently press or push your butt against the door before pulling the handle,” Dieters emphasizes.
According to him, this ensures that the rubbers do not tear when you open the door. If you cannot open your door, you can try using lukewarm water (never boiling).
A cork under your windshield wipers
What also happens a lot now is that windshield wipers freeze. The garage owner also has a simple trick for this. “Put your windshield wipers up and place a cork from a champagne bottle underneath. This will keep them off the window and prevent them from getting stuck. Carefully remove the cork the next morning.”
Don’t forget this, he warns, otherwise it could be an expensive joke. “New windshield wipers nowadays easily cost 40 to 50 euros, so be frugal.”
When you get into your car, it is often freezing inside and the windshield is fogged up. To regain good visibility more quickly, Dieters says you can lower the sun visors. “Aim the blowers straight at the windshield and fold down your sun visors. This creates a circulation of warm air, which causes the windshields to demist more quickly.”