If you live in a place where winters are snowy, icy and cold, you’re probably already aware of the necessary tools to have to go about your day comfortably and safely. It is especially important to consider what tools you need for winter if you own a vehicle, as lawmakers have enacted legislation in states like New York, New Jersey and Illinois that require drivers to clear snow and ice off of their vehicles to ensure safe travel.
That is why it is important to have the best ice scraper. Not only will a good ice scraper save you time, but it will also ensure that your car does not suffer any damage when caring for it during the winter months.
- Important Factors to Consider When Buying Ice Scrapers
- Top 10 Best Ice Scrapers 2024
- 1. Best Overall Ice Scraper Hopkins 532 Mallory
- 2. Snow Joe SJBLZD
- 3. Birdrock Home Snow Moover (Compact)
- 4. Best Premium Ice Scraper Birdrock Home Snow Moover (Extendable)
- 5. Best Budget Ice Scraper RevHeads ICE Scraper
- 6. AstroAI Duster Brush and Ice Scraper
- 7. Hopkins SubZero 16621
- 8. AmazonBasics Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
- 9. Hopkins SubZero 2610XM
- 10. Snow Joe SJEG01 Ice Scraper
- Our Guide to Buying the Best Ice Scraper (and Using It!)
- Final Thoughts
Important Factors to Consider When Buying Ice Scrapers
Benefits of Using an Ice Scraper
Ice scrapers are necessary tools to have for your vehicle when winter comes around. Using them ensures that you can keep your windshield clear from frost and ice, giving you a full, uninhibited view of the road when driving. This will keep you, your passengers and other drivers safe.
Most ice scrapers will come with a broom head. This is to help you remove snow from your car before you scrape ice off of the windshields and windows. It also means that you won’t have to purchase a broom as a separate tool to clear snow off of your car. Of course, you can use other tools to remove ice and snow from your vehicle, but keep in mind that ice scrapers are designed specifically to be used on vehicles without leaving scratch marks.
General Design of the Ice Scraper
The most important factor to consider in an ice scraper’s design is that the blade, which we discuss later, is sturdy enough to handle long-term use and lots of pressure. The ideal scraper will have a sharp and sturdy blade and be flexible but with a reinforced design. An integrated ice chipper is also ideal as it can help break up really hard ice before using the blade to scrape it off.
Extendable vs. Standard Ice Scrapers
You will also need to decide between extendable and standard ice scrapers. Standard scrapers will typically have a straight edge to remove ice and a sturdier ice pick to break up heavier frost while extendable ice scrapers will have a straight edge along with a handle that can extend to access harder to reach areas of your vehicle.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to these considerations, the design of the ice scraper’s handle and head are important to consider, as this will determine how effective snow and ice removal will be for your vehicle based on the weather conditions you encounter in the winter time. Additionally, your ice scraper’s storage capabilities will determine where and how you can stow it away for ease of access throughout the winter.
Now, the snow is falling and a chill wind is rising, but you have somewhere to be. To help you get there, let’s look at the best ice scrapers you can find online today.
Top 10 Best Ice Scrapers 2024
1. Best Overall Ice Scraper Hopkins 532 Mallory
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The Hopkins 532 has a 4” wide plastic scraper with tough ice chippers that will be sure to help you break through and clear off even the thickest ice from your windshield and windows. The blade is extremely durable and should last through several seasons.
Handle
The grip is probably the most appreciated part of this ice chipper’s design. It is ribbed, easy to grip and has a cushioned feel to it, even when you’re wearing gloves. The handle is also curved, and its foamed grip is designed for ease of comfort. The handle also has a long enough reach to clear to the center of the windshield of larger vehicles and trucks, and it can access all those hard to reach places on most smaller vehicles.
Head
There are four rows of plush bristles that are sturdy enough to remove heavy snow from your car. The brush is 8” long and 1.5” wide, and the thick bristles ensure that you won’t be working for long to clear off your car. It is soft enough to have a gentle touch on the exterior of your vehicle and hard enough to get the job done efficiently. Be careful on the first uses of the brush, however, as the bristles can be prone to falling off.
Storage
This compact scraper measures 26” in length, making it very compact in design to store away easily just about anywhere. It is also lightweight in design which means you won’t have any issues moving it in and out of storage.
Pros
- Plastic scraper and accompanying chipper make it easy to remove ice.
- Comfortable to use
- Soft bristles don’t damage paint
- Compact, lightweight design makes it easy to store away just about anywhere
Cons
- Bristles are prone to falling off if used too vigorously
2. Snow Joe SJBLZD
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The blade works wonderfully with the accompanying foam broom head. You can quickly scrape ice or frost from your windshield and push heavy, wet snow off of your vehicle all in one go. You can remove ice and snow from your car in less than fifteen minutes.
Handle
The interlocking pole has two length options: 33” or 52”. This means that you can use this tool on a variety of cars of varying sizes, from cars to trucks to SUVs. This ensures that you don’t need to put in too much effort running around your car while you clear it of ice and snow. The locking mechanism on the handle can be prone to sticking. Using a spray of some kind (e.g. silicone or lithium grease) can help with this issue.
Head
The foam broom head helps you quickly push away ice build-up and wet snow from your car after using the scraper blade. You can also be sure that the foam head is durable and non-abrasive in nature, so you won’t have to worry about it scratching the paint, trim or glass surfaces of your car. Be careful when first using this part of the head, as it may snap from the metal pole if used too strenuously.
Storage
The Snow Joe SJBLZD is lightweight (1.4 lbs) and easy to handle. When you are finished using the tool, you can disassemble and store it away easily using the built-in-bracket holders found on the foam head. It will then store away compactly in virtually any part of your car.
Return Policy
Snow Joe offers a customer promise: they will replace your ice chipper at any time within two years from its original date of purchase. You simply need to contact their customer service support number for assistance (1-886-766-9563).
Ease of Use
The combination of ice scraper and foam head simplifies the process of removing ice and snow from your car—no need to worry about being covered in snow after clearing it off. WIth a few swipes across your car using the Snow Joe SJDBLZD, you can be sure to have it ready to go in less than fifteen minutes without working too hard.
Pros
- The foam head protects the paint, trim and glass on your car from being scratched
- Easy to disassemble and store away with its built-in-bracket design
- Two year warranty
Cons
- The foam head may snap off of the metal pole if used too aggressively
3. Birdrock Home Snow Moover (Compact)
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
This ice scraper comes with a tough blade made with extra thick plastic, which is coupled with non-scratch jaws to break through the toughest accumulations of ice. Simply use the jaws to break the ice and then scrape the flat head across for easy ice removal. It is safe to use on any glass surface of your vehicle. The scraper is also detachable from the handle for better ease of use.
Handle
The ridged, form grip on the handle means you will have full control of the tool without sacrificing comfort. It is lightweight and compact in design, so it is best used for smaller vehicles. The handle can feel quite loose at times, so be careful when using it.
Head
The thick bristled brush will ensure that you remove snow from your car quickly and easily. It works best to remove a light dusting of snow, but can handle heavier snowfall as well. The brush head also pivots, making it easy to adapt to those harder to reach areas of your car (e.g. along the side view mirrors, in the car’s front grill, etc.). Be careful when using the brush as it can potentially scratch the surface of your car if used inappropriately.
Storage
This ice scraper is lightweight and compact, making it easy for storage and travel ready. You can slim down the brush further due to its swiveling capabilities for an even more compact storage option.
Ease of Use
You can be confident that this scraper and snow brush will handle almost any cold weather conditions. It has been tested in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to see how it stood up to heavy snowfall and thick ice, and it did not disappoint! You’ll be able to remove ice and snow quickly and easily using it.
Pros
- Flat blade and non-scratch jaws can cut through ice no matter how thick
- Brush head pivots so that you can remove snow from those harder to reach places on your car
- Compact in size and travel-ready
Cons
- Brush may scratch the surface of your car if used inappropriately
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
Like its smaller counterpart, the ice scraper is a tough blade that’s been made with extra thick plastic coupled with non-scratch jaws. This ensures that it will break through even the thickest ice. The scraper is also detachable from the handle for better ease of use. It is also small enough to clear off ice in the crevices nest to the side mirrors of your car. If you use the scraper detached from the rest of the tool, it may take some time to connect it again.
Handle
The ridged, foam grip gives you full control of the tool while keeping your hands from cramping up. It can extend up to 50” to give you the extra reach you need for larger vehicles, or to allow you to clear off snow and ice from your car from a more stationary position. The buttons are big enough to push and extend the handle even when you’re wearing gloves. The twisting mechanism, however, can freeze on you from time to time.
Head
Unlike the compact version, this ice scraper has a foam blade on the other end instead of a broom. This means that it will not be as likely to bring any snow into your car and make puddles when you’re clearing it off. However, it also means that it cannot as easily reach areas like the wipers and license plate that a brush can. The large surface area of the foam pad will allow you to clear an SUV roof in less time than a brush because its curved edges have a similar clearing effect as a squeegee. .
Storage
You can disassemble this ice scraper for easy storage. Simply fold the pusher head down and stow it away. It measures at about 3½ feet at its most compact, which is slightly longer than most other products. You can also break down the Snow Moover into three pieces: the foam head, the handle and the ice scraper. This can make it possible for you to store it more compactly and easily in your car.
Ease of Use
It will take you less than fifteen minutes to clear snow and ice off of your car, even if you drive an SUV. The handle is also extremely easy to unlock, lock and collapse back down for storage.
Pros
- Two extendable options: Extendable and Deluxe Extendable
- Ridged, foam grip allows full control and comfort while removing ice and snow
- Foam head works like a squeegee and prevents snow from collecting and puddling in your car
- Easily disassembled for compact storage
Cons
- Twisting mechanism on the handle can freeze at times
5. Best Budget Ice Scraper RevHeads ICE Scraper
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The blade is designed especially for the task of ice removal from your car’s windshield and windows. This is because it can endure maximized pressure per square inch. Because of this, it is incredibly efficient in scraping off layers of ice in single strokes. A claw is connected to the blade to break ice down. Neither the blade nor the teeth will scratch the glass on your car. However, do be careful if you have granulated dirt on your windshield or windows before scraping ice from it. If it gets caught in between the glass and the scraper, it can cause damage.
Handle
The handle on the RevHeads ice scraper is about 6” long which means that you will be able to scrape ice off of your windshield easily on any car or small truck. If you drive a larger truck, you may want to go for an ice scraper with a longer handle for maximum coverage. The handle is also made with a heavy weight plastic that is highly durable. It does not have any extension capabilities, so you may need to move around your car a little more than if you had an ice scraper with an extendable handle.
Storage
This ice scraper is compact enough to store in the middle or dashboard console of your car. You might even be able to fit it in the side door pockets of your car. This makes it easier for you to access when it’s needed.
Customer Service
The RevHeads company really cares about their customers. Don’t be surprised if they follow up with you after you purchase their ice scraper. They go above and beyond to make sure that their customers are happy with their products and to make sure that they address any questions you might have.
Pros
- Designed specifically with ice scraping in mind
- Compact for easy storage
- Handle is made with heavy-weight plastic that is highly durable
- Customer service is efficient and cares about consumer satisfaction
Cons
- Does not come with any additional attachments (e.g. broom, foam head, etc.) for snow removal
6. AstroAI Duster Brush and Ice Scraper
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
Blade is made up of a flat edge on one side and knuckles on the other. This is so that you can break up the ice with the knuckles before scraping it away with the blade. It is strong enough to handle even the thickest ice accumulations on your car’s windshield. You can even detach the scraper from the handle to use it separately from the brush and connecting handle.
Handle
The handle has a joint buckle made from high-strength plastic, and it is approximately 27” long. Its soft, ergonomic handle ensures control while removing ice and snow from your car without it cramping up your hands. You can separate the brush and scraper from the handle to divide up the work. The 7” brush head moves smoothly and quickly across your car without any worries about scratching. Be careful when you’re using it with all of the tools attached. Too much force on one end or the other may mean that the handle breaks at the joint.
Head
The brush consists of two layers of PC bristles and can handle the removal of heavy snowfall. It will quickly loosen and remove snow from your windshield, roof, door, hood and side mirrors. The base of the brush hairs are also temperature-resistant, meaning that they won’t become brittle or break under heavy pressure. The tips of the brush are soft so that they won’t scratch the surfaces of your car. You can detach the brush to use it separately.
Storage
The brush, blade and handle separate easily and quickly for easier storage. You can also store it away while all parts are connected, but it may not store away as compactly.
Return Policy
Buying an AstorAI Duster Brush and Ice Scraper means that you will also be given a 1-year warranty. If you are unhappy with the product, they will happily replace it for you no questions asked.
Pros
- Blade and knuckle combination on the scraper ensures that you can remove even the thickest ice accumulation
- Two layers of PC bristles with soft edges means you can loosen and remove snow easily without scratching the surface of your car
- Brush, blade and handle separate for ease of use and for more compact storage
- Comes with 1-year warranty
Cons
- Handle may break at the joint buckle if used too rigorously
7. Hopkins SubZero 16621
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The blade is made of plastic and is approximately 4.5” wide. It works effectively to separate and scrape away thick ice. It has even been used to remove that pesky frost that can collect in your freezer, so its uses are quite versatile. Just be sure to use the claw end on thick ice to break it up before scraping it with the blade. If you don’t, you may end up scratching your windshield.
Handle
The handle is oval shaped with a soft foam grip that offers excellent comfort to your hands, gloved or ungloved. The 11” length means that you can scrape away ice in long, broad strokes, though you may not be able to do it from a stationary position.
Storage
Because the length is more compact in nature, you will be able to store it away just about anywhere in your car.
Ease of Use
Despite its compact size, it works incredibly efficiently to remove ice and snow from your car in a short period of time, even when you are dealing with thick, cold ice. The smaller handle means that you can apply greater pressure to remove ice even more quickly than scrapers with longer handles.
Pros
- Can be used to remove layers of ice from your car and built up frost from your freezer
- Oval shaped, soft foam grip handle is comfortable on your hands
- Compact length means it can be stored almost anywhere in your car
Cons
- May scratch your windshield if you don’t break the ice up with the claw before using the scraper
- May not be able to use it from a single, stationary position
8. AmazonBasics Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The blade is 4” long and can efficiently remove frost or ice on your windshield and windows. The ice scraper cannot be removed from the handle. You may have trouble getting the scraper to fit flush against your windshield for optimal ice removal, so you’ll need to push down hard to scrape ice effectively.
Handle
You can count on a secure hold without sacrificing comfort. The durable foam grip makes it easy to hold onto, even when wearing gloves, without taking away from its efficiency in use. The handle measures about 25” long and is lightweight for easy portability.
Head
The snow brush is 8” long and makes the work of removing snow from your car straightforward and easy. The brush bristles run lengthwise down the handle and consist of multiple rows that can handle all types of snow (e.g. heavy/wet, light/dry, etc.). Be aware that the brush is a little harder in feel than other products, and it may leave black marks on your car if not used carefully.
Storage
Because it is lightweight, you can be sure to move it in and out of storage with ease. It is best stored in the trunk for out-of-the-way, easy access.
Return Policy
Comes backed with an AmazonBasics, limited 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable foam grip handle is comfortable on your hands
- Bristles in the brush can handle all types of snow
- Its lightweight nature ensures that you can move it in and out of storage with ease
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Blade does not naturally fit flush against windshields
9. Hopkins SubZero 2610XM
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The extra-wide blade and knuckles ensure that you can remove ice from your windshield and windows with ease.
Handle
The grip is soft and cushioned, making it comfortable on your hands when in use. The durable steel extender means that you can remove ice and snow from your cars in a range of sizes and shapes without moving around too much. Be aware that you have to twist the handle to get it to extend up or down. However, because it does not have a proper locking mechanism in its design, you may find that the extension twists back and slips down from time to time.
Head
The broom head has both a brush and a squeegee to maximize on the removal of wet snow and ice from your vehicle. Sometimes you may find that the squeegee slips when using the broom, but you can easily secure it back into place. The brush is moderately soft, so you won’t have to worry about it scratching your car, but it is also strong enough to handle removing thick layers of snow.
Storage
The twisting handle means that you can secure it as far down as possible for a more compact storage option. However, the tools at each end do not separate from the handle, so it is best stored in your car’s trunk.
Pros
- Cushioned grip will keep your hands comfortable and secure
- Twist extension makes lengthening the handle easier
- The combination of brush and squeegee means you can remove thick and/or wet snow more effectively
Cons
- The twist extension does not lock in place, so it may twist down when in use
10. Snow Joe SJEG01 Ice Scraper
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The 4.8” brass blade on this ice scraper ensures the glass on your windshield and windows will not scratch. Since brass is softer than glass, you’ll be able to easily scrape through light or heavy frost with this scraper. Just be sure that there is no granular dirt on your windshield before scraping it. If there is, it may get caught in the blade and end up scratching your windshield. It also may not work as well to remove thick accumulations of ice.
Handle
The grip is easy to handle and helps make removing ice from your car feel effortless.
Storage
Its compact and lightweight design means that you can store this ice scraper away virtually anywhere in your car.
Pros
- Brass blade is soft on glass and less likely to leave scratches
- Grip is easy to handle
- Compact and lightweight design means you can store it anywhere
Cons
- May not work well to remove thick layers of ice
Our Guide to Buying the Best Ice Scraper (and Using It!)
In this guide, we’re going to go more in-depth on the criteria we evaluated each ice scraper on, and then we’re going to show you how to make the most of your new purchase and how to easily keep your car or truck ready for the road.
Benefits of Using an Ice Scraper
Using ice scrapers ensures that you can keep your windshield clear from frost and ice and will keep you, your passengers and other drivers safe. Most ice scrapers will come with a broom head. This is to help you remove snow from your car before you scrape ice off of the windshields and windows, so you won’t have to buy a broom head separately. You can use other tools to remove ice and snow from your vehicle, but keep in mind that ice scrapers are designed specifically to be used on vehicles without leaving scratch marks.
General Design of the Ice Scraper
Blade
At first glance, you might not think that there is much difference between ice scrapers when it comes to how they are designed. However, that could not be further from the truth. Some ice scrapers will be made entirely of plastic while others will use brass blades in its design. The most important factor to consider in an ice scraper’s design is that the blade is sturdy enough to handle long-term use and lots of pressure. Most ice scrapers will be between 5 and 11 inches wide. An integrated ice chipper is also ideal as it can help break up really hard ice before using the blade to scrape it off.
Standard Ice Scrapers
Standard ice scrapers will typically have a straight edge to remove ice and a sturdier ice pick to break up heavier accumulations of frost. These types of ice scrapers are best for smaller vehicles and ideal for places where heavy snowfall is uncommon. If you own a smaller vehicle and have no need for an extendable handle, you might want to consider buying the Hopkins SubZero 16621 or the AmazonBasics Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper.
Extendable Ice Scrapers
Extendable ice scrapers will still have a straight edge scraper on one end. However, the handle can be extended to access the harder to reach areas of your vehicle. Products with this particular design will usually include a snow brush, broom or squeegee on the other end to take care of heavy-duty snow removal. Ice scrapers with a long-handle will have a similar design to extendable ice scrapers, but they are not able to be extended or retracted for ease of storage. If you drive a larger vehicle, consider purchasing the Hopkins SubZero 2610XM or the Birdrock Home Snow Moover (Extendable).
Handle
Grip
You will also need to make sure that the handle on your ice scraper has a comfortable grip. Try to avoid ice scrapers that have a hard plastic grip as these can prove to be quite slippery when used in cold, wet weather. You will want to choose a handle with a foamed, cushioned grip because they are more comfortable on the hands and will ensure that you don’t need to flex your joints every few minutes. If comfort is the most important factor for you, the Hopkins SubZero 2610XM or the AstroAI Duster Brush and Ice Scraper are great choices.
Fixed or Telescopic
You will also need to decide between a telescoping or fixed handle. Telescopic handles give you the ability to reach the farthest parts of your vehicle without having to move around your car too much. Please be aware that the longer the handle is, the less control you’ll have over it. Fixed handles on the other hand will ensure better control, but they are less convenient when you need to clean ice and snow off of harder to reach areas of your car.
Head
The ice scraper you choose may come with an attached snow brush and/or squeegee on the other end. In fact, the best brush heads will have a combination of bristled broom or foam pusher, a squeegee to clear melted snow and a plow to push off snow.
Broom
The bristles on the broom head are used for sweeping loose snow and ice shavings from your car. Look for ones with stiff plastic bristles as these will remove snow easily and are less likely to damage the paint on your car.
Squeegee
Having a squeegee designed with the broom head is useful because it tightens the seal between the broom head and the windows and body of your vehicle. This will ensure that loose ice and melted snow will be more effectively removed from your car.
Shovel or Plough
Having a shovel or plough with your scraper will come in handy if you have to deal with removing large volumes of snow from your vehicle.
Pivoting Ability
A pivoting broom head may come in handy if a big snowstorm occurs where you live. It ensures that you can navigate the broom head more easily around side-view mirrors, handles and other hard to reach places on your car.
Storage
You will also need to consider how and where you wish to store your ice scraper when it is not in use. If you choose an ice scraper that collapses, it will store away more easily and conveniently. Some ice scrapers can be taken apart to make storing them more easy, while others are more compact in nature.
Other Design Factors to Consider
Auto Locking
When you’re clearing your car of ice and snow in cold temperatures, the last thing you want to do is deal with locking mechanisms or latches to extend the handle of your ice scraper and secure it into place. Much less while wearing gloves! That is when an auto-locking design will come in handy. You simply have to press a button to extend the length of your ice scraper’s handle and push it into place until it locks automatically.
Buttons
You’ll want to choose an ice scraper that has buttons big enough to be handled by thick, gloved fingers but small enough to avoid being accidentally pressed while in use. This will ensure that your extended handle or pivoting broom head will work properly without any issues.
Durability
Credit cards, and any other makeshift tool you’ve used to remove ice from your vehicle, do not last long. You want to be sure that the ice scraper you choose will be durable for long-term use. Certainly the cost of the ice scraper will go a long way in ensuring that it will maintain its effectiveness over the course of several winters, but be sure to pay close attention to how your scraper is designed to ensure that your scraper won’t break after only a few uses.
Ease of Use
Ice scrapers should feel like they are an extension of your own arms when you are removing ice and snow from your car. You might also be able to use your ice scraper to remove ice and snow from your sidewalk or driveway, depending on its design.
The ice scraper you choose should have a wide enough handle and strong enough grip to handle pressure. Additionally, the blade on your scraper should have an edge designed to break up ice without damaging your windshield or car body.
If you have an extension handle, make sure you purchase one that does not collapse easily. The handle should be strong enough to hold and length to reach and remove all of the ice that builds up on your car.
Teeth
An ice scraper that does not have a chipper is about as effective as using a credit card to remove ice from your car. The teeth on the blade of your ice scraper should be tall and prominent enough to crush the ice on your car, so that you won’t drag your knuckles along the windshield. Most ice scrapers will be designed with little chippers to make it easier for you to break up thick ice before scraping it off of your car.
What Kind of Ice Scraper Should You Buy?
When to Buy an Ice Scraper With a Snow Broom
If you live anywhere in the snow belt, buying a scraper that has an attached snow broom is a must. You can’t drive around with snow on your car because it can be dangerous for yourself and other drivers. The northern parts of the U.S. will have constant bouts of snow and ice throughout the winter, so having the attached snow broom will help you deal more effectively with removing snow from your car. These ice scrapers will usually have longer handles to help you sweep the top of your car, the hood and your windshield with greater ease.
Once the snow is gone, you can flip the tool over and start chipping away at the ice layers on your windshield and windows. If you’re looking for an ice scraper that comes with a good snow broom, consider buying the Hopkins 532 Mallory or the AstroAI Duster Brush and Ice Scraper.
When to Buy Just the Ice Scraper
If you don’t live in the snow belt, chances are you’ll be alright with just the scraper. These days there are loads of choices out there for you to consider, but if you’re only dealing with the occasional frosty morning where you live, then a simple ice scraping tool will be good enough to remove the crystalized ice that has collected on your windshield.
If you drive an SUV or truck, be sure to look for models that are “telescopic” to help you reach across the entirety of your windshield without having to climb onto your car. If you are only in need of a scraper, consider purchasing the Snow Joe SJEG01 Ice Scraper or the RevHeads ICE Scraper.
How to Properly Use an Ice Scraper
After you find the best ice scraper for your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that you know how to use it properly. This will ensure that you use your ice scraper with ease and confidence while minimizing the possibility that you will damage your car when removing those pesky layers of ice and frost. Here are some tips for how to do it properly:
De-Ice Your Windshield First
You should always start with de-icing your windshield. Do not pour hot or warm water over the glass because putting your windshield in a state of thermic shock can crack or break the glass. You can let your car engine run for 10-15 minutes with the defroster on to help with the de-icing process.
How to Scrape
Be sure to use long, firm and broad strokes when you’re scraping ice off of your windshield. Having a scraper that is wider is also advantageous. If you want to spend as little time as possible scraping ice off of your car, purchase scrapers that are broader in size.
Don’t Turn on the Wipers
Wipers are designed to remove water (rather than ice) from your windshield. You can actually ruin your wipers if you try to use them to get rid of ice which would result in having to replace them with new ones.
Use a Proper Scraper
The most effective ice scraper to use is one that has a plastic scraper and a soft-bristled brush. The plastic scraper is not likely to do damage to your car like a makeshift scraper will do, so put away the credit cards! The brush end of the scraper will remove snow without scraping your car or windows.
Use a Special Solution if You’re in a Hurry
If you are pressed for time, you can make a 1:2 water to alcohol solution to speed up the de-icing process. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the mixture and spray it onto your windshield. (You can also buy a commercially produced de-icing spray if that is your preference.) This should reduce the freezing point of water to help you de-ice your windshield more effectively with your ice scraper. Just be sure to scrub away the residue, so that the glass remains clean.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how essential an ice scraper is for your car in winter, and are hopefully armed with all the information you need to buy and use one. You can go over our guide again before buying the best ice scraper for you if you please, or you can go ahead and choose a product from our selection.
Ice scrapers save you a lot of time and effort when defrosting and de-icing your car and make those chilly mornings before your commute a breeze. It will help you to drive safely in the snow. They ensure that you can drive with better visibility and confidence during those cold winter months.
