Defrosting windows

Fall is here! Frost is here! And I'd really like a quick way of getting
rid of the frost on my car windows before I get into the car. One idea I
have is to prepare a spray bottle of, say, 25% MeOH (methanol) (mp 4degF).
A few spritzes, and I think the frost should melt away. I would
appreciate hearing reasons not to do this. Any compatibility problems
with weather stripping or paint? I was also considering EtOH instead
(since it would be less hazardous for the human involved), but that seemed
like it would be more likely to have compatibility problems, being less
water-like.

 

Well, the standard "blue" windshield washer fluid usually includes around 33%
methanol, so I guess your 25% solution isn't going to be particualrly damaging.
However, I have never had much luck using "blue" washer fluid to keep a windshield
clear on a cold morning. If you spray enough of it on the windshield you can clear
the frost, but as soon as you start moving it reforms. The only sure way to clear
the frost is to get the windshield temperature up above freezing. Oh how I miss
the Insta-Clear Windshield I had on my 1986 Sable. Now that was a great solution
to frost. Hit the button, wait a 20 seconds, and drive! Second best solution was a
block heater. I suppose a remote starter is also a great fix -I am planning to
install one on my daily driver soon.

You might also want to consider Prestone Windshield Deicer. See
http://www.prestone.com/products/24.htm and
http://www.prestone.com/products/25.htm. The deicer fulid is a mixture of methyl
alcohol (<40%), ethylene glycol (<10%) and water.

Regards,

Ed Whtie

 

If you use Rain-X, frost is much more easily removed.

 

I used Rainex once. What a mess. It MIGHT be alright if the rain is very
heavy, but in drizzle... it leaves a smear across the windshield. I had to
resort to a mixture of Bon Ami and Brasso to get rid of the stuff.

John

 

It usually takes more than one application to get a uniform covering with
RainX. It does tend to squeak more in light drizzle, but I prefer a little
squeak to not being able to see diddly-squat in heavy rain.

 

I put a towel on the windsheild the night before,let th e wipers hold it in
place.

 

I had good results from using RainX windshield washer fluid. It keeps
a constant recoating on the windshield.

Ken

 

You move the wiper so that they are in vertical position?

 

Before using Rainx, I advise a search of dejanews for "rainx +problems"

I know that will bring up postings that mention "no problems", but don't
use Rainx without checking things out.

John from Victoria BC, where we've had more rain in the last four days than
in the last God knows how long.

 

Warm water, or even cold water.

Regards

 

Frost scraper would be my suggestion - really can't leave home without one
during the winters here..