How to defrost your car windscreen

Step 1: Turn on your engine

First, check to see if your windscreen wipers have been left on. If they’re turned on while still frozen to the glass, it could damage them.

You can then switch on your engine.

From this point, you must stay with your car. If you leave the car running unattended, no matter how quick you'll be, you're increasing the risk of theft. And in this case, the theft most likely wouldn't be covered by your insurance.

Step 2: Warm the windscreen

Direct warm (but not hot) air at the windscreen. You can gradually increase the temperature over time. If your car has a front and/or rear windscreen heater, turn them on as well. Air conditioning can also help by removing moisture and preventing your windscreen from misting.

Alternatively, if you have a defrost setting in your car, you can use this instead.

Step 3: Remove loose snow

If there’s snow on your windscreen, brush it off before tackling the ice. A soft-bristled brush or a gloved hand should do the job without scratching the glass.

Don’t forget to clear any snow from the roof, too, as it can slide down onto the windscreen while driving.

Step 4: Apply de-icer spray (optional)

A de-icer spray can speed things up by melting the ice quickly. Spray it evenly over the windscreen and wait a few moments before scraping.

Step 5: Use a proper ice scraper

A plastic ice scraper is the best tool for removing ice. Hold it at a slight angle and use firm, even strokes to clear the windscreen. Avoid pressing too hard or using anything too sharp or made from metal, as these can scratch the glass.

Step 6: Clear the rest of the windows and mirrors

The Highway Code states that all windows, lights, and mirrors must be fully cleared before setting off.  It's not just your own visibility that's a concern, it's essential for safe driving.

What to do if your car door locks or handles are frozen

If your door locks are frozen, avoid forcing the key or handle, as this can damage the mechanism. Instead, try:

• Using a de-icer spray which has been specifically designed for locks.
• Warming your key by gently heating it with your hands before inserting it.
• Using a hairdryer to direct warm air at the lock and handle.

You might be tempted to blast your windscreen with the hottest air possible, but this can cause sudden temperature changes which could crack the glass. On the other hand, cold air won’t do anything to melt the ice.

Instead, start with warm air and gradually increase the temperature.

Once your windscreen is clear of ice, condensation and misting can be the next challenge.

To help prevent this:

• Turn on your air conditioning to remove moisture from inside the car.
• Avoid recirculating the air in your car. If you don’t have air conditioning or can’t change your circulation setting, you can open the windows slightly to let fresh air into the car.
• Apply anti-fog treatments to the inside of your windscreen.
• Keep the glass clean, as dust and dirt hold moisture, making misting worse. 

For more detailed advice, read our guide on how to demist your windscreen quickly.

No, you should never pour warm or hot water onto your frozen windscreen.

The sudden temperature change can cause the glass to crack. Even lukewarm water could be risky, especially if the windscreen already has small chips or cracks.

Instead, stick to de-icer sprays, an ice scraper, and your car’s heating system. 

While winter weather can be tough on your car, your car insurance may or may not cover damage caused by ice and frost, depending on your policy.

Am I covered if my windscreen cracks from ice?

If your windscreen cracks due to freezing temperatures or sudden temperature changes, you may be covered depending on the windscreen cover terms of your specific policy.

Am I covered if I leave my car unattended while defrosting?

You may be tempted to leave your car running, unattended, with the keys in the ignition to speed up defrosting. But this leaves you open to theft. You must stay with your car at all times while it's running.

If your car is stolen while left unattended, most insurance policies won’t cover the theft; this is known as "keys in car exclusion."

Always check the terms of your policy and avoid leaving your car unattended with the engine running.