5 tips to defrost the windows of your machine
It’s almost a tradition: whenever the temperatures drop, you see people frantically de-icing their frosted car windows. But don’t forget this can also occur to a machine. To avoid this, there is a golden rule: Prevention is always better than cure. Protect the windscreen from frost by storing the machine indoors at night. If that’s not an option, then it’s best to cover the windows with an insulating blanket or cover.
If there's no way you can protect your windows, avoid icy windscreens with these five tips to defrost them without delay.
TIP 1: USE DE-ICING SPRAY
By applying some de-icing spray, the frost, ice or snow on the windows will quickly melt like ice in the sun, partly thanks to the antifreeze within the spray. Simply spray it on and use a wipe to remove the melted residue from your windows.
TIP 2: USE SCREENWASH WITH ANTIFREEZE
If there’s only a thin layer of ice on the machine’s window(s), then antifreeze in the screenwash will quickly and easily take care of this. Just spray the windows with some screenwash and activate the wipers to remove it.
As a bonus, the antifreeze in the screenwash protects the reservoir and hoses against freezing. So make sure the reservoir always has a sufficient amount of screenwash with some antifreeze. This prevents unpleasant surprises when the first frost appears overnight.
TIP 3: USE A WIDE, PLASTIC SCRAPER
Simple but effective: Have a wide, plastic scraper at hand if the ice needs to be scraped away from the windscreen quickly. Keep in mind that scraping ice with anything else than a plastic scraper can damage the windscreen and leave scratches.
When using a scraper, it’s recommended to spray some de-icer onto the windscreen first. This quickens the process and minimises the risk of scratches.
TIP 4: INSTALL HEATING IN THE CABIN
Install and use heating inside the cabin. It improves comfort but also helps to defrost the windows faster during cold winter days.
How to improve the working comfort inside the cabin even further? Read all about it in our blog containing 5 tips for ideal working comfort inside your cabin.
TIP 5: RUB DETERGENT ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSCREEN
Lifehack of the day: Apply some shampoo or other detergent on the inside of the cabin glass. This creates a film which prevents moisture such as water from sticking to the window. The result: no more condensation on the inside of the windscreen!
Of course, don't apply too much or you might risk compromising the visibility through your windscreen.
DON’T DO THIS TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS
Next to these tips to defrost your windows, there are things you really shouldn’t do.
- First and foremost: don’t let the engine warm up idling. This doesn't help at all, doesn’t speed up the defrosting process, and you don’t get a head start by warming up the engine - because it doesn’t. Furthermore, it is really bad for the engine - as it leads to increased wear - and for the environment.
- Another thing that is strongly discouraged, is pouring hot water over your windscreen. This creates a temperature shock to the window, which can cause it to crack.
- As a final ‘don’t’, we also like to emphasise that windscreen wipers are made to wipe away water, not ice. By trying to wipe a frozen window, the rubber of the windscreen wipers wears considerably faster and can even get damaged, resulting in the need for replacement.
How can we help?
Keep these do’s and don’t’s in mind when defrosting your windows. You’ll save time and the machine will be up and running faster. Purchasing a de-icer, screenwash with antifreeze or a reliable ice scraper is a breeze by browsing our webshop!
However, if fate still strikes and leaves you with a broken window or wipers, you can always contact us. Our special range of windscreens, glazing and accessories will definitely feature what you need for your machine. Haven't found what you were looking for? Then definitely contact us! We will gladly help you.
Want to discover more tips to prevent damage to window(s), or need help replacing them? Then definitely have a look at our other blogs:
You may also be interested in these blogs:
- From slippery to safe: your guide to salt spreaders – because not only the windscreen needs to be cleared of ice, but also the road.
- What influence does the temperature have on the functioning of my lift truck?
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