Winter is here, and with it come those frigid mornings and frosted car windows. A snow storm or just enough moisture in below freezing air temperature can leave your vehicle coated in ice. Typically, removing this ice is a chore – not only because it means you have to stand outside in the cold for the extra minutes it takes to get the job done, but often the ice is so thick that simple scraping won’t remove it.

Many people live in climates where ice and snow are daily hurdles to overcome. However, there are solutions which can guard against the development of ice before it forms, and that make the task of removing frost much simpler. Theses tricks may just save you the trouble of scraping off layers of ice with a tool which can leave scratches behind.

Stopping Ice in Its Tracks

One simple way to keep ice from gathering on your car windows is by covering them with old floor mats or pieces of rug, or even specially made car covers. This stops water and snow from making contact with the glass. Simply remove them when you are ready to drive off.

If the idea of placing mats over your car every night and removing them in the morning seems like too much of a hassle, you might try a mixture of 30% water and 70% everyday isopropyl alcohol instead. Spray this solution on your car windows after a frost and it will assist in melting the ice and snow. Be sure to use a spray bottle for easy application. Beware of letting the alcohol coat the windshield wipers, as over time it can damage the rubber.

One more tip for car owners stuck with icy winter conditions: Put socks on your windshield wipers to prevent them from sticking and holding too much snow. For those who have wipers designed to do so, pulling them up and away from the glass before a storm is recommended.

Being inventive by trying these tips can save you a lot of trouble this winter. Give them a try and see if it doesn’t save you some time out in the cold.