9 replies to this topic

[kmidderigh]

Had to go to work early this morning and was desperate to drive the VX but it was all iced up and didnt fancy leaving it running for 15 mins to defrost on a Saturday morning (would have been very popular with neighbours)....racked my brains for a way to defrost it and came up with the following (sure its been done before but worth a mention) :

 

I put one of those cheap electric panel heaters balanced across the two seats inside the VX - a bit risky but with some care you can get it safetly upright.

 

Set it on a low setting and left the edge of both windows open - to let the power cord out and allow moisture filled air to escape.

 

Went and had breakfast and 15 mins later VX nicely defrosted and cosy ready for drive to work

 

There was still a bit of moisture on the inside of the windscreen but as the glass was now warm once it was wiped off it dried almost instantly.

 

Looks like a winner to me - might even use it on non-iced up mornings just to help remove the moisture from the windscreen. 

 

Before i use it again think i will knock up a couple of wooden blocks to place on the seats so it sits safelty level - dont want any chance of it falling over and turning Vx into a fireball...lol..

 

If your going to try this dont be tempted to turn up the setting to anything other than low - your roof will probably not like it.

[ghand]

Much better with the little fan heaters. Just sits flat on the seat and aims at the windows, faster than the panel heater . A car cover is even faster

[Mangham54]

Just get a night storage heater, a pair of oven gloves and a screwdriver.... I don't think I need to explain what to do next.

[kmidderigh]

yes - might consider getting a small more stable heater.

 

Have a car cover but have stopped using it as seems to get more issues with electronics and abs when the covers been on - trapped moisture is bad!

 

however if snows on the way - cover will go on.

[Rickwoo118]

Try one of them new dyson heaters....would take about 10 secs to warm your car up.

[kingwowns]

Most heaters have a tilt switch so if it tips over it'll turn off. Easy to check yours

[ghand]

Someone used to throw a hot water bottle on the dash first thing then by the time they had got ready the car had all defrosted. Never tried it but if it works it would save faffing about with heaters. Best thing, you try it and let us know I just stay in bed till the frost has gone, it's a bastard being retired

[Silent Steve]

Pour boiling hot water on it. The screen will shatter and presto! No more misting or fogging problems.

[ghand]

Pour boiling hot water on it. The screen will shatter and presto! No more misting or fogging problems.

No don't do that, I broke a screen recently and the bits of glass get in places you don't want bits of glass Warm water works great.

[Zuber]

Pour boiling hot water on it. The screen will shatter and presto! No more misting or fogging problems.

 

Agreed, WARM water works well for me. Not had a screen shatter yet. Just remember, WARM not HOT...

 

Not so good on the locks though. Usually gets the lock working, but then frozen when I come back to it...

Edited by Zuber, 16 November 2013 - 05:13 PM.