How to Prevent Ice on Your Nissan Windshield

March 25, 2021

Even if you're a morning person, waking up extra early to scrape ice from your windshield is just as inconvenient as it is time-consuming. Not to mention, ice can damage your windshield as well as windshield wiper components. Get back your time on cold winter mornings and help keep your Nissan in tip-top shape with these tips on how to prevent ice buildup on windshield wipers and your Nissans windshield.

How to Prevent Ice on Your Windshield

1. Make a DIY de-icing spray.

Need an easy way to prevent ice on the windshield or melt it after its formed? Grab a spray bottle and mix up one of these formulas to help prevent ice from forming overnight:

• Three parts vinegar and one part water
• Two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water

Each of these solutions can be used as an ice preventative or as a DIY de-icing spray once ice has already formed. Store your solution inside, then spray your windows and windshield at night before temperatures drop (spray your side mirrors while you're at it!).

If you make one of these de-icing sprays, be sure to use cool water or allow your solution to come to room temperature before spraying. Hot water can create a sudden shift in temperature on top of your windshield, which may cause your auto glass to crack or shatter-especially if you're putting pressure on the windshield with a scraping blade, too.

Additionally, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield to prevent them from getting frozen to the windshield overnight. Once you've removed the ice on the windshield, set the wiper arms back in place, and ensure the blades have had a chance to warm up before using them. Frozen blades may scratch or damage your windshield. If you're in a hurry, use a rag to wipe the blades down with your de-icing solution to help get your wiper blades ready for use.

To avoid corroding the exterior, make sure you give your Nissan a good wash once the weather warms up to clean off any de-icing residue and road salt buildup.

2. Swap out your windshield wiper fluid for a de-icing formula.

If you need a way to de-ice your windshield when you're away from home, consider a windshield wiper fluid that's formulated to de-ice your windshield. Keep in mind that some of these store-bought formulas can be toxic to pets, they can be costly, and ‐ depending on what's in them ‐ could damage your windshield if misused. Ask a Nissan technician at your nearby authorized Nissan service center to help you determine whether you can safely use a de-icing fluid in your windshield wiper fluid reservoir.

3. Keep your windshield covered at night.

No garage? No problem. You can still keep your windshield covered and prevent ice from forming on top of it. If you don't want to buy a windshield frost prevention cover, find something in your home that will work instead.

A few old towels, a plastic shower curtain, or even a disposable tablecloth can make an effective windshield cover against snow and ice. Keep your cover from blowing off in the wind by tying a piece of string to each corner, then loop the string around a side mirror or close the car door with the string inside the car.

Alternatively, tuck the bottom underneath your windshield wiper arms to keep it firmly in place overnight.

don't forget about your mirrors! Plastic grocery bags make excellent side mirror covers. Place a plastic bag over your mirror assembly and tie the handles together to secure it. Easy ‐ and a great way to reuse those bags you've had floating around your trunk for months!

How to Avoid Ice on Windshield (and the Damage It Can Cause!)

Now that you're armed with DIY ideas for how to avoid ice on the windshield, keep an eye out for existing damage from past icy mornings.

If your windshield has a crack in it, water may have seeped into the gap and worsened the crack (keep in mind that water expands as it freezes and your windshield isn't immune to that expansion). Perhaps your windshield wiper fluid was diluted with too much water, causing the wiper fluid to freeze inside the reservoir and crack it. Or, maybe a thick layer of ice on your windshield wipers has fried the wiper motor.

In any case, keeping your windshield and windshield wiper system in good shape is essential for winter driving. If you need replacement parts for your Nissan this winter, genuine Nissan Parts is your trusted source for parts and accessories. From replacing your windshield to installing a new motor for your wiper system, you'll find what you need to restore that "fresh-off-the-lot" feel to your vehicle when you shop OEM parts with Nissan online.

Browse custom-made replacement windshield wiper arms, wiper fluid reservoirs, and windshield components for your Nissan today, and enjoy your winter drives with a clean and clear windshield!