There’s nothing like driving down the road, with the wind blowing and snow and ice building up as you try to see the road ahead.   The wipers are working overtime but visibility is getting worse by the mile.   The experience can range from frustrating to down-right scary!

Most of us who live North of the Mason-Dixon line know the feeling all too well.   There are a few things you can do to help prevent those situations from putting you in a dangerous situation this winter.

  • Fill your washer fluid tank with Winter De-Icer washer fluid. It’s not just a marketing gimmick.  These winter washer fluid solutions contain a higher concentration of methanol or similar solvent which helps melt ice even when temperatures are below zero.   It’s safe for the glass, paint and the wiper blades and will keep your windshield from icing up better than the less expensive all-purpose washer fluid.
  • Winter Wiper Blades! Yes, there is such a thing.  These are built for harsh environments and designed to maintain flexibility and resist the icy build up that often renders the average wiper blade useless in winter weather.    It’s generally recommended that you replace your wiper blades about every 6 months or so.  With that being said, you could time it to change blades before and after winter around that 6 month interval to ensure a clear view of the road ahead.
  • Apply a hydrophobic coating to the windshield. Brand name products like Aquapel help vehicle glass repel water in warmer weather but also help slow the formation of ice in colder weather.   Many auto parts retailers and auto glass repair and replacement shops offer this type of product.
  • When you scrape your windows clear of ice, do it all the way! Maximize your view of your surroundings.  Don’t just scrape the bare minimum to see the road directly in front and call it “good”.   Scrape top to bottom and edge to edge with a plastic scraper.  (Don’t improvise with metal tools as that can scratch the glass, making matters worse.)   This way you’re starting off with a full view and your wiper blades won’t be getting torn up, scraping across ice on parts of the glass.
    • Note: Many safety systems on newer vehicles are mounted inside the windshield and rely on having a clear view of the road ahead. Any snow or ice buildup can prevent those systems from working properly.
  • Make sure your antifreeze/coolant is effective and at the proper level. This will not only keep you warmer, it will help keep the glass warmer and more clear as well.

Keep a clear view of the road ahead and the world around you for a safe winter season!