In winter, many drivers have to clear the ice from their vehicle windows. What you need to consider when scraping ice, which tools make the work easier and which mistakes you shouldn't make. Plus: How to winterize your car!
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Use plastic ice scrapers
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Avoid scratching heavily soiled windows
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If you let the engine warm up, you may be fined
In the winter, scraping ice off your car in the morning is an annoying ritual for many people who drive without a garage. Not only is it uncomfortable, it is also time-consuming. But you should take the time to scrape ice, otherwise there is a danger fine.
This will quickly clear the window of ice
It is important to choose the right ice scraper – and then have it ready to hand when needed. Avoid products that have a metal scraper. This can easily scratch the window and, if handled carelessly, the paint. The best and safest solution is a Plastic ice scraper on, the one Sawtooth edge for removing thick layers of ice and a smooth ice scraping edge owns.
An integrated one would also be ideal Broom, because the car is often covered in snow. The car not only needs to be free of ice, but also of Snow: Other road users must not be hindered by snow that comes off the vehicle. That too License plate must be legible and be free of ice and snow.
When scratching, always make sure not too much pressure to exercise or scratch wildly back and forth. Tip: Always keep your windows clean and free of dirt in winter. Because Dirt particles can quickly like when scratching sandpaper and impair clear vision. It helps to do this briefly before parking the car Windshield washer function to activate it and thus clean the window.
CD case & Co.: Error when scraping ice
If you forget to have your ice scraper ready in time, look for a suitable replacement just in case. It's better not to use a credit or debit card, as it usually breaks when you scratch it. Also stay away from the hob scraper for the ceramic hob of the kitchen stove or a CD case. Anyone who uses such items runs the risk of a scratched window.
The ice scraper market also has various gadgets on offer, among other things electric ice scrapers. Spot heat is supposed to melt the ice, making it easier to scratch. However, these e-scratches are in principle not recommended. On the one hand, they have a metal scratcher (disadvantage see above), and on the other hand, there is a risk of stress cracks in the window or fire damage if the activated scratcher is placed on the seat.
Hot water versus ice? No way!
Never attempt to use the vehicle's windows hot water to de-ice. Because the strong change in temperature often causes Stress cracks in the glazing. Also lukewarm or cold water is not a good idea, because this would thaw the ice, but it would immediately freeze again and the layer of ice would be even thicker and more difficult to remove.
Window de-icer: alternative to the ice scraper
But there is another way: Mixtures of alcohol and other chemical substances are available De-icer sprays. Once sprayed onto the window, they take effect and melt the ice. But how long there is good visibility depends on the Window de-icer recipe away. Above all, it is important to ensure that the products do not leave any streaks or smears on the window.
Icy wipers scratch the windshield
Also the Windshield wiper rubber lips ice builds up quickly in winter. You should pay attention to this when scratching. Iced wipers can also leave scratches on the windshield – especially if they come into contact with road dirt. There are now ice scrapers on the market that you can also use to clean the wiper blades.
If not every ice particle can be removed by the windshield wiper, this is a problem functioning window antifreeze All the more important: the ice thaws quickly when the windshield wiper comes into contact with the liquid. Anyway impede the antifreeze additives in the windshield washer fluid Refreezing of the car window effective after driving off.
Prevent icing: cover films
If you don't want to scratch, you should Cover vehicle. Then the panes cannot freeze over at all. Specific Ice protection films are sold online for as little as 10 euros. They are placed over the windshield in the evening and attached to the doors of the car. As an alternative, you can also use a sturdy one in an emergency Cardboard box take, but under no circumstances old newspapers: they freeze solid and are difficult to remove.
Tip: Turn inside out old socks over them Exterior mirror – this prevents them from freezing.
Car windows must be completely clear
Despite morning stress or little desire: It's not enough, just a little on the windshield peephole to scrape free. If you do this anyway, you have to deal with one Fine of ten euros calculate. The view should also be clear through the remaining windows. If this is not the case, the risk of an accident increases.
It is also not allowed to warm up the engine instead of scraping ice. Allowing the engine to warm up while stationary damages the environment, makes unnecessary noise and is therefore prohibited according to Section 30 Paragraph 1 of the StVO. It threatens Fine of up to 80 euros plus administration costs.
Here are owners of Electric cars clearly at an advantage. An ADAC test of the heaters in electric cars showed that the air outlet nozzle next to the steering wheel came out of the air outlet nozzle next to the steering wheel in almost all test cars within a short time 20° Celsius warm airafter five minutes it was already almost 40° Celsius.
In a car with a combustion engine, on the other hand, it takes a relatively long time until enough waste heat from the engine has developed and the air can be heated for the windows. The electrical heating systems in electric cars, on the other hand, begin the heating process directly.
Conclusion: Scraping the car free – that helps
Complete protection from ice is only possible with a garage. But with a plastic ice scraper in combination with a small broomone Cover film for the windshield and for emergencies Door lock de-icer Lantern parkers are also well prepared for the frost of the cold season.
And, what seems irrelevant at first glance: Gloves are a real treasure when scraping ice!
Here you will find many more tips plus a detailed video on how to get your car through the winter well.
