Credit Card
A credit card is a surprisingly helpful tool to remove ice in a pinch. It works much like an ice scraper to pop the sheet of ice off the windshield. It is also a great option because almost everybody has a credit card in their wallet, purse or glove box. However, there are also some pretty obvious downsides to using a credit card to remove ice. The biggest one is that a credit card is not very big. This will lead to LOTS of extra work. It is also limited to scrape where you can reach with your arms. This may leave large areas left icy towards the center of the windshield. The last problem is that all the scraping could damage the magnetic strip on the credit card, rendering it useless. To avoid damaging your credit card you could always use a library card or an empty gift card instead.
Spatula
Another handy tool to use in lieu of an ice scraper is a spatula from the kitchen. If you are near home when your car ices over than you may want to bring along this favorite kitchen tool. As long as it is a sturdy wooden or plastic spatula, or pancake flipper, than it will clean the ice off your car quite nicely. It will work much like a credit card, but with a one main advantage. That advantage is that, like an ice scraper, a spatula comes with a handle. This means that you can reach the spatula further than you can reach a credit card. It also allows you to put more force into each scrape. This will hopefully make the de-icing go by quickly so you can get to work on time.Old CD Cases
This next one is a common de-ice trick that may be quickly going out of style. This trick is to use an old CD case to scrape at the ice. These small plastic cases are surprisingly strong for their size. It can chip away at thick sheets of ice and frost without damaging your windshield. There was a point in time that almost everyone had a clear plastic CD case laying about in their car. However due to music streaming services, having a physical CD in your car is coming less and less common. So you may want to grab an old CD case from inside your house to use as an ice scraper. Store it in your glove compartment for emergency de-icing purposes. The good news is that if the CD case breaks, you probably won’t miss it!
DIY De-Icer Spray
This DIY method is an easy way to remove ice without an ice scraper. Spraying a de-icer on your car will chemically react with the ice to melt it faster and prevent it from refreezing. You can purchase expensive de-icer spray at any grocery store or hardware store, or you can make your own. DIY ice spray can work very well at just a fraction of the cost. Simply use rock salt to create a salt water solution to spray on top of the ice. This spray will lower the freezing point and make the ice melt faster. However, use the salt water spray sparingly because too much salt can damage the windshield. You could also combine water and rubbing alcohol in a 2:1 mixture and add a drop of dish washing soap. This mixture works the same as the salt water, but can be use liberally.What Are the Do’s and Don’ts for De-Icing a Windshield Without an Ice Scraper?
When you find yourself without an ice scraper, it’s crucial to know the do’s and don’ts of defrosting your car. Don’t ever use hot water, as it can crack the windshield. Do try using a plastic credit card or spatula to gently scrape away the ice. These defrosting your car tips will help you keep your windshield ice-free and intact.
Warm Up the Car
Although this method of removing ice isn’t necessarily recommended, it is still very effective. Many people turn on their cars and heat up the windshield from the inside. Although the benefit of this method is you have a nice and toasty car to sit in, this method can be expensive in the long run. It can take about 10-15 minutes for your car to warm up enough to blast the heat and defrost. Then it will take upwards of another 15 minutes to melt the ice, depending on how thick it is. That means that your car is burning expensive fuel for over a half an hour each morning before your commute. Not only is idling your car burning fuel, but it is emitting gas into the air. If your tailpipe is blocked by ice or snow, that buildup of carbon monoxide gas can be deadly.
