How to defrost a car windscreen
The dos and don'ts
On cold, dark mornings the extra time it takes to defrost your car windscreen can be frustrating. Here's a guide of dos and don’ts to help get you moving safely this winter.
Do use cold or lukewarm water to quickly remove frost or snow from your windscreen.
Don’t use hot or boiling water as the rapid change in temperature can cause the glass to crack.
Do turn on your car's heating, including the front and rear windscreen heaters, and turn on the air conditioner if you have one. The air con will remove moisture from the air and help keep the windows free from fog.
Don’t leave you car unattended when the engine is on. For safety reasons you should always stay with your car if the engine is running, it's also a legal requirement in Tassie.
Do use a plastic scraper or cloth to speed up the process while waiting for the car heaters to work their magic.
Don’t use a metal scraper as it may scratch the windscreen. Avoid the temptation of using a credit card as it may get damaged in the process.
Do make sure all your windows are free from ice and fog before you head off.
Don’t make a “porthole” to see through so you can get on the road faster. It's illegal to drive without a clear view from the front, back and sides of your car.
For details on traffic offences please see the Transport Tas website.
