How to quickly deice a car windscreen: The quickest and easiest ways to defrost and demist your car

Iced-over windscreens are the bane of many drivers' lives during winter, delaying departures and forcing them to stand in the cold scraping frost from the glass.

It might be a cold and boring task but it's vital to clear your car's windscreen of snow and ice before seting off. Failing to do so is dangerous and illegal.

So here are some simple steps to quickly and safely defrost the outside of your car and defog the inside, plus some tips on how to prevent the problems in the first place.

Don’t use hot water

Every driver should know by now not to use boiling water on frozen glass. The rapid change in temperature is enough to crack or shatter a windscreen, especially if there is existing damage such as a chip or scratch. You should avoid even warm water for the same reason. And if it’s particularly cold, adding more water could see it refreeze before you’ve had a chance to clear the ice.

Start your engine

First, check your windscreen wipers are off. They can freeze in place and starting the car with them switched on could damage the wipers or motor. Once you’ve started your engine, activate your heated rear window and, if you have them, heated front screen and mirrors.

Set the fans to blow warm air on the windscreen and make sure the air conditioning (if you have it) is switched on. This will help warm the glass gently to melt the ice on the outside and help clear condensation on the inside of the screen. The air con helps remove moisture from the air to clear the glass quicker. Don’t use air recirculation, this just traps the moist air in the car.

Clear any snow