Warning: Never Use This to Clear Ice from Your Windshield in Michigan

Michigan drivers are no strangers to the brutal winter weather and the daily battle of clearing ice off their windshields.

When clearing ice from your windshield, there are some things you should absolutely never use.

Before we get to the worst thing you can do to clear ice from your windshield, let's talk about some of the bad items we've all seen people use.

See Also: The One Winter Driving Law in Michigan Everyone Forgets About

• Credit Cards – This might seem like a ridiculous way to clear ice from your windshield, but when you're in a hurry, some people actually try it, only to end up damaging their credit cards.
• Metal Tools – Never use screwdrivers, knives, or anything metal that can scratch or even crack your windshield. I actually know someone who tried using a tire iron to chip away at the ice, and shocker, they ended up cracking the windshield. Not the brightest move. And no, it wasn’t me.
• Wiper Blades – They’re meant for clearing rain and light snow, not scraping off thick ice. Forcing them over frozen glass can tear the rubber, damage the motor, or even snap the blades completely. If they’re stuck, turning them on could strip the wiper arms or burn out the motor. Trust me, I know from experience.

Never Use This to Clear Ice from Your Windshield in Michigan

If you don’t have an ice scraper handy and don’t have time to let your car warm up, there’s one thing you should absolutely never use to clear ice from your windshield...no matter how tempting it may seem.

Never, ever use hot water—especially boiling water. The sudden temperature change can easily crack or even shatter your windshield.

As crazy as it sounds, people actually do this and end up learning the hard way. Just the other day, I saw someone on Reddit asking if hot water would help remove ice. I couldn’t believe how many people admitted to trying it.

The best thing you can do is give yourself extra time to warm up your vehicle or just buy an ice scraper. Never use hot water… or a tire iron. Seriously, it wasn’t me.