Start the car and turn on the defroster
Set the heat to warm or hot
Turn on the front and rear defrost
Turn on the air conditioner if needed to remove moisture
Use a plastic ice scraper to remove loose ice
Scrape from top to bottom
Clear all windows, mirrors, and lights
Use a de-icer spray on stubborn ice
Avoid using hot water on the windshield
Avoid metal tools or sharp objects
Keep the windshield wipers lifted only if freezing conditions allow
Prevent refreezing by keeping the defroster running until the glass is clear