You wouldn't want your friend to drive with icy windshields, which is why ice scrapers are made. This guide will show you all you need to know before you buy the best ice scrapers.
Why should you use ice scrapers?
Ice scrapers have a strong reputation for being a very indispensable tool because they help remove obstacles from your screen. It suffices to say that ice scrapers are a safety tool used in situations where the weather isn't exactly cooperating. Undoubtedly, this ranks as one of the outstanding benefits of using an ice scraper when appropriately used.
Ice scrapers usually come with broom heads which help to shovel snow from your car. Note that the ice scraper used will largely determine if the integrity of your car glass will be preserved. Quality ice scrapers are made in such a way that ensures they don't scratch or damage your windshield or any vital components of your car.
Important things to consider before buying ice scrapers
Choosing the proper ice scraper may appear like an easy task, but this is not always the case. There are certain key factors you need to consider while scouting for your ice-scraper.
Head of the scraper
Some scrapers come in a two-in-one design which is why the head is essential. The design of the head will largely determine the functionality of the scraper, especially when you are using them as snow brushed. Ensure you go for a scraper head that is wide enough to cover the vehicle surface, and it should be rightly angled for easy movement. Also, some brands make theirs with a pivoting head which makes it easier to use.
Foam heads are designed to move effortlessly, making them less stressful than regular snow brushes. Different scrapers and brushes built in a head form come connected to an extendable pole which helps make them more functional by modifying the angle.
Type
You need to pay close attention to your ice scraper if you want to get the right product. You will find brushes made for use on small cars, big cars, or both. This can be determined by strength, design, and size.
You will also find larger-sized scrappers capable of working with both sizes, but the drawback is that they may be cumbersome to store.
Weight of the scrapper
Weight is another critical factor to consider before you buy a scrapper. When using the scraper, you will have to suspend it above your body, requiring some energy and muscle work. With this in mind, it means you need a tool that will not strain you except you want one that will strain your hands and back. The weight and build of the ice scraper are something you need to consider closely.
Ease of use
Removing ice from your car window requires some effort, but it becomes easier to get the job done with the right tools. Using the wrong tools can be rather exhausting. It suffices to say that the tool you buy ought to be user-friendly in every regard.
Clearing your vehicle of snow and ice will take some effort. Unfortunately, there’s no way around that hard fact. If there will be a need to lock or attach anything, you need to be sure that the mechanism cannot be stiff. Because you will probably be using gloves, if the buttons are small, you may need to remove the gloves to trigger them.
Blade design
The ice scraper blades ought to be sturdy and sharp because if it is not sturdy, it can be broken, and if it is not sharp, it may not eliminate the ice stuck on the car. Also, there will be situations where you may need to deal with hard frost, and this is why you will need an ice chipper as they are made to help remove tough ice that is on the driveway.
How to correctly remove ice using an ice scraper
Because you purchased an ice scraper for your car does not imply that you should begin removing ice from your screen. You need to understand that this isn’t exactly the most effective way to remove ice from your screen.
First of all, you need to de-ice your windshield. Some people pour warm or hot water on the windshields. Doing this is somewhat risky as the hot water poured on ice-cold glass can cause thermal shock leading to the screen breaking. The right way to go about it is to switch on your engine and the defroster and leave it on for fifteen minutes while you scrape the ice from your car.
You may also opt to quicken the process by creating a rubbing alcohol and water solution in a ratio of 2:1 and then spray it on the windscreen. Also, you may buy a commercially prepared de-icer. Whichever solution you opt for in hastening the de-freezing process, ensure you scrub away the remnants.
Do not expect the solutions to melt the ice, as this is where the ice scraper becomes relevant. At this point, the ice will have a loosened adhesion to the glass, and, as such, it will be easier to use the ice scraper. Ensure you use broad, firm strokes to get the job done, which is why you should get an ice scraper that is wide enough to cover large parts of your car per time.
FAQs
Q. Can an ice scraper scratch my car?
Ice scrapers on their own cannot scratch your car windows because the materials they are made from are much softer than glass. But ice scrapers ought not to be used on a painted car. Also, if the ice scraper has dirt on it, this could scratch the windshield.
Q. How effective is the magical ice scraper?
A. The magical ice scraper is an option to the regular ice scraper for your car, which comes shaped like a cone. The effectiveness is contestable, though.
Q. How long should my ice scraper be?
A. This depends mainly on the model of your car. If your vehicle is complete and tall, you should opt for an adjustable handle model because it will be easier to store, and it will also be ideal for cars of different sizes.