With the colder months here, it’s safe to say our morning commute will likely start a little earlier as we prepare our Land Rover for winter driving. Standing out in the cold can be frustrating when you are hacking away at the ice blanket that smothers your windscreen. But what if you notice the Land Rover windscreen is freezing on the inside?
It’s not unusual; the inside of a windscreen freezing can be more common in Land Rovers than you might think. It affects both old and new models but can be tackled quite easily. Stemming from high humidity inside the vehicle and the cold surfaces caused by the low temperatures outside, it’s almost inevitable you may find the inside of your windscreen freezing. As the warm, moist air inside touches the cold glass, condensation forms, and then freezes.
In this blog, we dive a little deeper into why and how this happens so you can get your Land Rover moving a little sooner in the cold mornings.
How can I stop the windscreen from freezing?
There are a few things you can do to halt a windscreen from freezing on the inside of your Land Rover. From simple cleaning to changes in how you use your vehicle, each plays a part.
Clean the windscreen
It may sound obvious, but your windscreen could be part of the problem, especially if you don’t clean it often enough. A dirty windscreen is a windscreen that is more likely to freeze on both the inside and outside. Consider applying white vinegar to the windscreen once a month. It will break down any moisture-attracting dirt particles and give the windscreen an invisible layer of protection as it prevents moisture from sticking to it.
Remove wet items from your Land Rover
If you’ve been out with the dogs, doing a little off-roading, or simply been driving in the wet, the chances are, you’ve carried a lot of moisture from outside into your Land Rover. This could be via footwear, towels, coats and pretty much anything else that may have touched the colder air. Remove them as soon as possible and dry off the damp parts of the vehicle. This will vastly reduce the level of moisture that lingers in your vehicle and help minimise the chances of a frozen windscreen.
Absorb moisture
Even when you think you’ve eliminated all the moisture from inside your Land Rover, the chances are you haven’t. It’s an unfortunate fact but it can be tackled. Silica gel is an incredible absorbent for moisture. Place small packs of it in cup holders, on seats, on the dashboard or anywhere else you feel may help absorb huge amounts of moisture. Just remember, these should always be out of the reach of children as they are extremely dangerous.
You should also look to add a moisture-absorbing cloth to the glovebox. A quick wipe of the windscreen with this before you set off will help immensely.
Consider a sunshade or frost shield
We know that in the UK, the weather changes in an instant. One moment it can be unseasonably warm, the next we can be hunting for the hat and glove set. Keeping a sunshade to hand could therefore be essential to stopping the windscreen of your Land Rover from freezing on the inside. If you park your Land Rover in exposed areas where direct sunlight is likely to hit it, it’s likely to get warm inside quite fast. This will see humidity levels rise which then lead to the freezing of the windscreen when temperatures fall. Using a sunshade or frost shield will help regulate the temperature and reduce the chances of the windscreen freezing.
Ensure your Land Rover is well-ventilated
As much as you don’t want to let the cold air in, it can sometimes be beneficial. You need your Land Rover to be well-ventilated to allow the moisture from inside the car to escape. This is even more important in Land Rovers equipped with a sunroof due to the extra surface the condensation can settle on. Consider opening your windows a little when the car is parked safely or when driving. Balancing out the internal and external temperatures will go a long way to reducing the chances of your windscreen freezing.
Use your air conditioning
Using your air con will help pull the moisture out of your vehicle and keep the air fresh. Just make sure the setting is not just recirculating the air otherwise you won’t get the benefit!
Check your windscreen and sunroof for cracks
Even the smallest of cracks could be allowing moisture to creep in. This could then see freezing occur and in extreme circumstances, see the crack get significantly worse. Perhaps to the level where the windscreen even needs replacing.
Check the vehicle for any leaks
If water finds a way into your Land Rover, it’s going to alter the humidity of the vehicle interior. This could lead to a build-up of moisture that for a long time goes unnoticed, until the moment it does, when your windscreen is frozen on the inside. Some leaks may be easy to repair at home but it may be beneficial to seek expert advice from a Land Rover service centre.
How can I remove ice from the inside of my windscreen
If you have tried the above and the windscreen is still freezing on your Land Rover – and be aware, the measures above will aid in slowing or minimizing the freezing of your windshield, but not necessarily stop it permanently – there are a few things you can do.
Warm up the Land Rover
Before you drive, a simple warming up of the vehicle can be enough in some cases. Turn on the heater to warm up the interior and use the defroster to help the ice melt. Luckily many models come with a heated windshield that will certainly aid in the melting of the ice but won’t stop it from occurring when you park up for the night.
Use an ice scraper
With a gentle scrape, you can remove the ice or frost. In most cases, you’ll need to heat up your Land Rover first, and certainly consider the heated windscreen if available. Remember as you remove it, the moisture will still be present.
Dry the windscreen with a cloth
Using the absorbent cloth we mentioned earlier, or a different one if you prefer, wipe away any moisture and clean off the ice scraper. This will reduce the amount of moisture that could later escape and put you back to square one when the glass freezes over again.
Can you use antifreeze on the inside of a Land Rover windscreen?
You could, but it is not advised. Products like this contain a host of chemicals, some of which may be harmful if inhaled. Instead, use the cleaning methods we have mentioned previously or opt for specific moisture-absorbing, non-toxic products.
Around this time of year, drivers encounter more risks than at any other time. We’ve compiled a winter checklist for Land Rover filled with tips to help keep you safe and your vehicle at its best. Should you need any assistance with your Land Rover, whether it be a service, a Land Rover MOT or a wheel alignment, our experienced team are on hand to help. Using manufacturer’s diagnostics and with prices up to 40% cheaper than main dealer prices, RCV is your Land Rover specialist for this winter and beyond. Contact us today to find out more.