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Will pouring hot water on a frozen windshield crack it?

I just moved to a really cold climate and I’m so anxious about driving in the winter. I have a lot to learn! For instance, will pouring hot water on a frozen windshield crack it?

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Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, pouring hot water on a frozen windshield could crack it—don’t do it!
You may have seen people on social media who have tried to defrost or de-ice their windshields with hot water.
While this is a good idea in theory, the reality is that hot water could crack your frozen windshield due to the rapid change in temperature. On top of that, boiling water could leave stains on the protective coating of your vehicle.
The best way to defrost an icy windshield is to warm up the engine and use the defrost blower with fresh air. You can also spray a homemade de-icing mixture of ⅔ rubbing alcohol and ½ water while scraping with an auto-friendly ice scraper.
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MORE: Winter tires vs. all-season tires: Which is better?
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