Scraping ice and snow off your car is a tedious chore that can even be difficult after a particularly frigid night. Commercial de-icers are available, but can be expensive if you have to continually buy them (especially for people who park outside). Not to mention, such commercial products may be filled with chemicals that are harmful to breathe in. Luckily, you can make de-icers at home with a few cheap, safe ingredients.
· Vinegar-based de-icer: Vinegar contains acetic acid and is often found in commercial de-icers because it raises the melting point of water, preventing it from freezing. Combine three parts white distilled vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray all of your windows and mirrors at night and they’ll be clear of ice in the morning. Or, spray your frozen windows and mirrors, wait a few minutes and you should be able to wipe the snow and ice right off. As an added bonus, vinegar also doubles as a cleaning agent.
· Alcohol-based de-icer: Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is also a common household cleaner that is used in commercial de-icers. Combine two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle. Some people have found greater success after adding a teaspoon of dish soap per three cups of the mixture. Spray and use the same treatments as noted above. You may also consider pouring a cup or two of rubbing alcohol directly into your windshield wiper fluid reservoir to help melt away falling snow as you drive and to prevent the wiper lines from freezing. Note: To prevent your wiper blades from streaking and/or squeaking, wipe them with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol.
· Lock de-icer: Clear windows won’t make much of a difference if you can’t get into your car (note: this also works for home locks). Dip your key into a bottle of hand sanitizer gel and squirt some onto the lock for good measure. The alcohol content in the sanitizer melts ice away in seconds as you work the key into the lock.
These simple homemade remedies for ridding your car of ice can get you back on the road faster, all while saving you money throughout wintertime.
Protect your car through the harshest season. Call Tabitha E. Walker Insurance Agency at (540) 657-5633 for more information on Fredericksburg auto insurance.