Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (Full Version)

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defiantbadgirl -> Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 3:24:25 PM)

I'm looking for de-icer that doesn't re-freeze on windshields in extremely cold weather. Forecast is showing below zero temps. Does anyone know of a specific brand of de-icer for wiper fluid tanks that never re-freezes on windshields?



Dvr22999874 -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 3:40:42 PM)

It's years since I lived anywhere that had ice or snow but in U.K. in a bad winter, I used Methylated Spirits (pure alcohol). That worked fine but I have no idea what it did to the paintwork of the car. Other than that, see if you can google what the Russians use. That may give you some idea. Good luck anyway



freedomdwarf1 -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 4:17:41 PM)

The problem is, most formulations for an anti-freeze aren't good for the wiper blades (rubber or synthetic ones) or the paintwork.
So what most manufacturers do is concoct something that works for the average low temps but are pretty useless for the extremes.

I use a bog-standard trigger-spray (plastic bottle) of screen de-icer while the engine is running and demisting the windshield and mirrors.
Then I wait 5 minutes before attempting to use wipers and built-in electric screen-heater.
I've tried those cans of de-icer and I find that they re-freeze much quicker than a trigger-spray.



MAINEiacMISTRESS -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 4:30:27 PM)

Good luck with that. If you find something that really WORKS let Me know. Here in Maine, U.S. we had -28*F at 5:30 am on the morning of New Year's Day.
Yesterday's HIGH temp was a balmy -8*F.

If you are out in it long enough the pain in your fingers and toes goes away and you start to feel WARM.



quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I'm looking for de-icer that doesn't re-freeze on windshields in extremely cold weather. Forecast is showing below zero temps. Does anyone know of a specific brand of de-icer for wiper fluid tanks that never re-freezes on windshields?




angelikaJ -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 4:30:31 PM)

They are rated: summer formula (you don't want that) and winter.
The winter has a little spot where it tells you what the lowest number is.

I did not buy anything special - just the winter formula that is rated to minus 20F.



MalcolmNathaniel -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 4:40:54 PM)

You need to check the ratings.

I was in TN one time in a rental car. The temperature dropped 40 degrees F over night. The windshield actually built up a huge mass of blue ice from the windshield wipers. Stopped at an autoparts store and got some windshield wiper fluid that was actually rated for the temperatures we were experiencing and everything was golden.

-20 F is a bit cold for that part of Tennessee.

Still, it was better than the time I went to San Diego and had to directly fly out to Upper Peninsula Michigan. In February.



MasterCaneman -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/3/2014 6:13:42 PM)

Vodka. I shit you not, it works. Even better is Everclear, if you can get it.



MercTech -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/4/2014 5:57:15 PM)

You can always go old school for de-icing.... baking soda solution with rubbing alcohol in it. BTW, that is so old school it was in a Model T owner's manual.

Now, if you are talking about stuff for the built in windshield washer, I've had good luck with Rain-X brand.

When in serious snow and ice areas; it always seemed to be better to prevent icing than to take care of it after.

Supplies needed:
Strip of a cotton sheet. 1/2 lengthwise of a single bed sheet covers my truck windshield
2 gallon zip lock bag.

When you park, open both driver and passenger side doors. Put the sheet across the windshield. Close the doors on the ends of the sheet.
When you come out in the morning to crank the vehicle, flip the sheet and the ice and snow go flying away. Put the sheet in the zip lock bag so it doesn't get your carpet wet.




kallisto -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/4/2014 6:45:38 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MasterCaneman

Vodka. I shit you not, it works. Even better is Everclear, if you can get it.



Wouldn't that be a waste if you put on the windshield and not in a glass? [:)]



Dvr22999874 -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/4/2014 6:56:25 PM)

yeah but if you drink enough of it you don't give a shit if you can see out the windshield or not



jlf1961 -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/4/2014 6:56:45 PM)

Actually, if you have a permit to distill alcohol for fuel you can use that for a deicer.

I was looking into a bio diesel plant and discovered there are a bunch of ways to do it, and one involves adding alcohol.

Of course, if you are distilling alcohol illegally for your own use, put blue food coloring in it and call it deicer.



MasterCaneman -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/4/2014 8:32:37 PM)

Not if you buy what I lovingly call 'rack swill'. It is pricier than washer fluid, but in a pinch it does work, and it super-cold weather, it works well.



tiggerspoohbear -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/5/2014 12:58:32 PM)

Ontario Canada here. Pink bug juice in the summer. RainX in the winter. Rated to -35C and works wonders, also keeps your windshield from fogging up again once you use the wipers. We've been going through the coldest winter in over 20 years (this area & others), still works really well.



MercTech -> RE: Which de-icer won't re-freeze on windshield? (1/5/2014 2:30:42 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jlf1961

Actually, if you have a permit to distill alcohol for fuel you can use that for a deicer.

I was looking into a bio diesel plant and discovered there are a bunch of ways to do it, and one involves adding alcohol.

Of course, if you are distilling alcohol illegally for your own use, put blue food coloring in it and call it deicer.


Curious, where do they require a permit to distill alchohol for fuel?

ATF regs allow one to make a few gallons a year for personal consumption. Some states, like Mississippi, flat out forbid distilling of alcohol. But, I've never heard of a state that required a permit.

Stefan



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