The ice on the windshield can also be cleared by using alcohol and water solutions. You can make 2:1 alcohol and water solution and put it in a spray bottle. Then, you can spray at the places where ice has been formed. Few drops of dish soap can also be added to the solution. This is better solution than saltwater.
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There is absolutely no problem with the commercial de-icer. They work faster but tend to be costly as well. It is also very easy to find these solutions. Most of the car stores have a dedicated section for de-icers. "Valvoline Deicer" and "Prestone Spray-on Windshield De-icer" are among the popular de-icers.
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Once you are through with application of solutions, you can wipe away the residual of the ice from the windshield and window. It generally takes a minute or two to melt the ice after application of solutions. But, the residuals will also be required to be cleared by brushes to have better view from inside the car.
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The people are advisable to buy an ice scraper in advance and put it in your car. It can be used to deal with ice when no other things are available to them. By using short and powerful strokes, one can remove ice from the windshield. They are specialized tools.
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